Battle of the Atlantic veteran given fitting send off in Wellingborough

Stanley Tearle, who passed away aged 95 on November 3, had served during the Second World War and been awarded an Atlantic Star, an Italy Star, a French Star and a German Star.

He was one of the last Atlantic veterans and the Royal Naval Association turned out to salute Mr Tearle's coffin, which was draped in a Union Jack.

Mr Tearle's brother-in-law, John Allen, whose sister was married to Stanley, said he had not ever really spoken about his wartime experiences and only found out about his time on board HMS Aylmer around 18 months ago.

Mr Tearle was on board HMS Aylmer when the ship sunk the German submarine U-1051 on January 26, 1945 in the Irish Sea.

Mr Allen said: "He was on that ship, but he never spoke about it."

The sinking was controversial because HMS Aylmer intentionally rammed the U-boat, which was against Admiralty orders unless ships were in dire circumstances.

The U-1051 had been forced to the surface by depth charges and there was a gun battle between the submarine and the British ships HMS Aylmer, HMS Bentinck, HMS Calder and HMS Manners.

The Germans had fired a torpedo at HMS Aylmer but everything fired against the U-boat bounced off the hull, which was a known problem for the three inch/50 calibre main gun of the Captain class of ship which HMS Aylmer belonged to.

In the end, Commander Taylor of HMS Aylmer rammed the submarine and U-1051 was sunk, with the loss of all hands on board.

Mr Tearle was awarded the Atlantic Star for his part in the Battle of the Atlantic and went on to serve in other fronts, and was decorated with the Italy Star, French Star and German Star.

His brother-in-law John said the send off Mr Tearle received from the Royal Naval Association was "superb".

Mr Tearle is survived by his wife, Josie, and they were married for 68 years. They had lived in Rushden

Mr Tearle's funeral took place at Wellingborough Crematorium on Monday, November 25.