In the night
of 16 March 1944 (German source states the
night of 14/15 March 1944) MTB 417, as part
of a larger force, attacks a convoy off the
French coast. (English sources state the
location as between Calais and Boulogne.
German sources off the coast of Gravelines.)
The convoy of trawlers is escorted by the
ships of the German 36th M-Flotilla under
command of Kapitan Grosse. The English force
torpedo and sink the M3610 (probably a
minesweeper). Later MTB 353 sinks the German
minesweeper M10 off the coast of Dunkirk.
MTB 417 is sunk by German surface ship.
Later, near
Cape Griz Nez, the English force run into
the German 18th Vp-Flotilla under
command of Kapitan Boit and disengage.
The body of
Lead Telegraphist Woolis washed ashore on
the Dutch coast and is buried at Bergen
Military Cemetery. Of his crew, Lieutenant
Ralph Rooper is also buried in Bergen. Able
Seaman Burrin is buried in Castricum, just
south of Bergen. Sub-Lieutenant Henry
Berkeley was recovered off the Belgian coast
and buried at Coxyde Military Cemetery.
The commander
of the MTB 417, Sub-Lieutenant Thomas Hughes
is commemorated at the Chatham Naval
Memorial.
Lead
Telegraphist Woolis was 24 and is buried at
Plot 2. Row A. Grave 4.
