Stoker 1st Class
Francis Albert Anstis DKX/122179

This is the story of Frank Anstis’ Naval service during the Second World War.
It describes how he came to join the navy, survive the sinking of the cruiser HMS Dorsetshire and finally make his way home to loved ones in Devon. The story centres round events on Easter Sunday 5th April 1942 in the Indian Ocean, 500 miles south west of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).

Recorded on 31/4/2007 and transcribed over two days 11th & 12th May 2007 by David Woolfenden (Son in Law to Frank Anstis.)

1 - The Naval Volunteer

2 - Action Stations

3 - Ordeal in the Sea

4 – The Rescue

5 – Back to the Navy

6 – Home to the UK and De-Mob

7 – A Job in Civvy Street

Epilogue

Many thanks to David Woolfenden for making this account available to us. David has also provided us with an account into the history and service of HMS Dorsetshire:

HMS Dorsetshire History and Service