Ordinary Seaman John Haveron (P/UD/X1306) served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve during World War Two. Born on 25th March 1919, he was the son of Hugh Haveron and Margaret Haveron (née Kerr) of 15 Brennan Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim.
He was the husband of Julia Haveron of 6 Northland Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim. The couple married in 1938 and had a 10-month old son also named John at the Ordinary Seaman’s time of death. Before the outbreak of World War Two, John was attached to HMS Caroline in Belfast, Co. Antrim. He took part in the Battle of Narvik, the evacuation of Dunkirk, and the evacuation of Cherbourg.
John died on 29th November 1940 aged 21 years old. He was on board HMS Javelin, Flagship of 5th British Destroyer Flotilla off the coast of Portsmouth, Hampshire. Along with HMS Jupiter, HMS Kashmir, HMS Jackal, and HMS Jersey, they encountered 3 German destroyers. A torpedo battle ensued between the Admiralty ships and the Karl Galster, Hans Lody, and Richard Beitzen of the Kriegsmarine.
HMS Javelin took torpedo strikes and lost both its bow and stern. Of the ship’s 353-foot length, only a 155-foot middle-section remained afloat. The Royal Navy towed the remains of the ship back to harbour in Portsmouth, Hampshire.
John Haveron has no known grave. His name is on Panel 44, Column 3 of the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Portsmouth, Hampshire. John’s friend Robert Speers of 86 Benburb Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim also died as a result of the attack.