I am sure the crew of HMS Exeter mentioned in your caption last week would be most upset to learn the ship had been sunk in the Battle of the River Plate which happened in December 1939 and not1942.
The Graf Spee scuttled herself on December 15 1939 by which time the Exeter had left for repairs in the Falklands. On returning to Plymouth and entering to a tumultuous welcome, with her funnel full of splinter holes she was dry docked. On February 23 1940 the crews of the Exeter and the Ajax (also present at the battle of the Plate) marched through London to the Guildhall for lunch with the Lord Mayor. In 1942 the Exeter fought in the battle of the Java sea where she sustained heavy damage. On March 1, 1942 she was sunk by two enemy cruisers. The captain and 651 of the crew were saved.
The few survivors still around the world would no doubt think that they were entitled to believe in the supernatural after sailing on a ship which according to the Cornish Times was sunk two years before. (The battle ensign of HMS Exeter was presented to hang in Exeter cathedral). Mr F Tolman,
Callington
Apologies for the wrong information on the Exeter - and thanks to several more people who have contacted us. These included Mrs D Carew whose late husband William served on the Exeter, as did Mr Gilbert Trehane of Crows Nest. Mr Trehane is a member of the River Plate Veterans Association which is celebrating the 60th anniversary in December this year. There will be a service in Plymouth. - Editor.