HMS Ganges Association
George Fleming beside the memorial of ex-Ganges boy
J. J. Magennis V.C.
Photographs and 1st day cover kindly donated by Stephen Short
stephen.short2@ntlworld.com
This photograph was taken on Saturday 09/10/1999 the day after the memorial was unveiled outside the City Hall in Belfast,
when Tiny Little on behalf of the HMS Ganges Association laid a wreath in memory of J. J. Magennis V.C.
There was also a family wreath laid from Mick's family in Bradford. It was through George Fleming's tremendous work & research
that finally got the powers that be to recognise the brave action that won Mick his V.C.
But he has now been rewarded with
the Memorial which stands proudly in front
of the City Hall in the city of Mick's birth.
From left to right.
Jack Mc Allister Submarine Association Belfast branch & RNA Bangor branch
Jeff Snell HMS Ganges Association Northern Ireland Branch
Carl Jackson Chairman HMS Ganges Association
I had the honour to be asked to write out the memorial inscription, by the sculptor, and was pleased to include "ex-HMS Ganges boy".
This single memorial I believe is the only one I know of (to a lower deck sailor) to be erected and situated in such a prime position beside a memorial to
a past monarch (Queen Victoria) in the grounds of a City hall in any City or large Town in the United Kingdom.
George Fleming
Inscription on memorial.
This memorial commemorates Britian's highest award for valour, the Victoria Cross to Belfastman and ex-HMS Ganges boy leading Seaman James Joseph Magennis
for outstanding bravery whilst serving as a diver in HM Midget Submarine XE-3 for her attack on the heavy Japanese cruiser TAKAO "Operation Struggle" Johore Strait, Singapore on July 31 1945.
King George V1 presented the award on the 15th December 1945 at Buckingham Palace.
The Bronze and Portland stone memorial was sculpted by Elizabeth McLaughlin and unveiled by Belfast Lord Mayor on 8 October 1999.
J Magennis VC was in both "Operation Struggle" where he was decorated with a VC and "Operation Source" the attack on TIRPITZ in Altenfjord, Norway 20/28 September 1943 where he was mentioned in dispatches.
No other naval rating or officer took part in both operations.
Mick on a 1st day issue of the Submarine Centenary stamps cover.
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