John Davenport Winstanley

Early Life and World War II Service Born in Southampton on December 17, 1921, John Davenport Winstanley was educated at Bournemouth Collegiate School and trained at the Thames Nautical Training College (HMS Worcester). He began his naval career as a Midshipman in the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) at the outbreak of the Second World War. Winstanley quickly proved to be an exceptionally talented navigator. In September 1939, while serving aboard the destroyer HMS Kingston, his meticulous plotting and "accurate forecast" of enemy movements directly contributed to the sinking of the German submarine U-39. His wartime service spanned multiple theaters, including the recapture of Berbera, the grueling Battle of Crete, and dangerous Malta convoy runs. In December 1944, he survived the tragic sinking of the frigate HMS Bullen after it was torpedoed off Strathy Point—an action that claimed the lives of 71 of his crewmates. He concluded the war in the Pacific and South East Asia theaters serving aboard HMS Petard. Post-War Command and Hydrography Transitioning to a permanent commission, Winstanley specialized in the Hydrographic Survey Branch, where his precision navigation skills became a vital asset to the Royal Navy. During the 1956 Suez Crisis, he commanded the survey ship HMS Dalrymple. His leadership was crucial in the hazardous operations to clear the Suez Canal, where his crew successfully removed 7 of 23 wrecks blocking the waterway. Demonstrating steadfast diplomacy, Winstanley and his crew remained on station under the United Nations flag for weeks after all other British warships had withdrawn. In 1966, while commanding HMS Hecate, Winstanley directed the dramatic rescue of the Norwegian tanker Benstream following a severe engine room explosion. Facing a south-westerly gale and heavy seas, he skillfully coordinated helicopter evacuations to save casualties—an act of seamanship that earned him a formal commendation from the Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth, and a gold watch from the Norwegian government. Later Career and Recognition Winstanley concluded his distinguished career ashore, serving as the Assistant Director (Naval) to the Hydrographer of the Navy. Following his retirement, he was appointed a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (C.B.E.) in the 1977 New Year Honours to recognize his lifelong dedication to the Admiralty. Captain Winstanley passed away in Somerset in January 1992.