Ordinary Seaman Robert Speers (P/UD/X1498) served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve during World War Two. Born on 22nd December 1914, he was the son of John Speers and Sarah Ann Speers (née Blainey) of 86 Benburb Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim.
Ordinary Seaman Speers’ brother George B Speers also served in the Royal Navy. Their father John Speers had recently discharged from service after rejoining at the outbreak of World War Two.
Robert died on 29th November 1940 aged 25 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.
Robert Speers has no known grave. His name is on Panel 44, Column 3 of the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Portsmouth, Hampshire. Robert’s friend John Haveron of 6 Northland Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim also died as a result of the attack.