History & Learning

Information provided by Stan’s son Martin Stanistreet and written by his grandson Andrew Minty.

Stanley John Stanistreet was born on the 17th September 1922 at the Royal Navy Nursing Home, Portsmouth. He joined the Navy at the age of 16 (P/SSX30670) and then in 1939, at the outbreak of World War 2, joined HMS Manchester.

After operations in Iceland, Norway and Malta he left HMS Manchester to train as a Seaman Torpedoman at HMS Vincent. In 1942, after qualifying as an (S.T.) Stan joined HMS Matchless, an M Class Destroyer and endured many Arctic Convoys through to 1944. Matchless was also involved in the attack of the ill-fated Scharnhorst in December 1943.

Stan “Crossed the Bar” on Friday 3rd December 2010 aged 88. My Uncle and I will always have great memories of the Arctic Convoy Ceremonies and Reunions held in London where great stories were told, songs were sung and copious amounts of alcohol were consumed!

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