 In April 1940
the Germans invaded Norway and among the many naval actions during the
campaign there was one with connections to Weymouth, a David and Goliath
tale of heroism leading to the award of a posthumous Victoria Cross to
the Commanding Officer of a small British destroyer, Lieutenant
Commander Gerard Broadmead Roope, a Weymouth man. So impressed were the
Germans with the conduct of the action of the tiny British destroyer
that the German Admiral recommended her Captain for the VC, believed to
be the only time such a decoration had been awarded on the
recommendation of an enemy.
The citation in the London Gazette of 6th July 1945, gives the
following details:- On 8th April, 1940, H.M.S. Glowworm was proceeding
alone towards West Fjord, Norway, when she met and engaged two enemy
destroyers, hitting at least one of them. The enemy broke off the action
and headed north. Lieutenant-Commander Roope, though appreciating the
intention of the enemy to lead him on to his supporting forces, gave
chase. The German heavy cruiser, Admiral Hipper was sighted closing the
Glowworm at high speed, and an enemy report was sent, which was received
by H.M.S. Renown. Because of the heavy sea it was not possible for the
Glowworm to shadow the enemy, and the Commanding Officer decided to
attack. Ten torpedoes were fired without success; then the Glowworm,
badly hit and her speed reduced, closed and rammed the Admiral Hipper.
As she withdrew the Glowworm opened fire again, and scored one hit at
400 yards range. Badly stove in forward and riddled with enemy fire, the
Glowworm heeled over, and the Commanding Officer gave the order to
abandon her. Shortly afterwards she capsized and sank; only 31 out of
her complement of 149 were saved. The Victoria Cross is bestowed upon
Lieutenant Commander Roope in recognition of his great valour.
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