HMS Foylebank Remembered

04/07/2025

On the Anniversary of the Attack, Portland Port and other local organisations attended The Royal Naval Cemetery and later at the Foylebank memorial seat, to remember all those who fought and died on that day.

Portland Port hosted a buffet afterwards which was a kind gesture by the company.

Picture by Alexander ‘Dusty’ Miller who was happy for me to share with you.

Andy

09/11/2024

Two images of 'Victor' Comic showing the story of HMS Foylebank. Amazing images as you would expect from this great Publication. Thanks to Paul Mawhinney for sending this to me and for his agreeance for me to share with you. A

01/06/2023

Good day everyone… I had a message from Dilip… I hope some of you may be able to assist with the Project.

Dear all. I have long been interested in the Foylebank story and some years ago was in touch with Jack Mantle's sister, when I was thinking of following up my book on the sinking of HMS Royal Oak with a book about the Foylebank.

We have family in Poundbury and I frequently dive and snorkel at Portland Castle, looking across to where the Foylebank was attacked. Powerful stuff. Although the Battle of Britain officially began on 10 July 1940, the first volume of the series covers the whole background context in 120,000 words, and gives due recognition to the fact that the conflict really began on 2 July 1940.

Consequently the attack on Portland and the Foyelbank story is something I will be including - so wondered if you have any first-hand accounts of the action from survivors or eye-witnesses?

Unfortunately all of my Foylebank correspondence and papers were destroyed in a flood at my home some years ago, so I am really hoping you can help.

Any assistance will of course be acknowledged in what will be an important new official history. Hoping to hear from you, Kindest regards, Dilip

And www.dilipsarkarmbe.com

25/04/2023

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20/08/2022

Hi everyone, I found this on the internet if anyone was interested. It is an official tour of the RN Cemetery here in Portland. Andy

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cwgc-tours-2022-portland-royal-naval-cemetery-tickets-401168183837?fbclid=IwAR3SbR2OA4_q8ii9vAhw6BUqlPEu1KBcRMqwr2uGwKci64yanVJvLtx4ZUo

Starting this summer, join the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for a tour of Portland Royal Navy Cemetery.

04/07/2022

Remembering those who died this day in 1940 when Portland was attacked by 26 Ju86 Stuka dive bombers.
This attack only lasted 8 minutes with devastating effects resonating over the Isle.
HMS Foylebank suffered badly as did other vessels. Today in particular, I remember the Sailors and shore personnel that died that day.
Although Jack Foreman Mantle is known throughout Portland as a Hero, many other Hero's died that day... Most unrecognised for their efforts. RIP brave men... And Thank-you! A

05/07/2021

Good Morning Everyone. The dedication Service for the New Foylebank Memorial seat took place yesterday on the 81st Anniversary of the Attack in Portland Harbour.

The Service was attended by invited guests and members of the public.

It was a fitting tribute to Those who served on HMS Foylebank.

It was lovely to see and chat to members of the page who took the time to come from many miles to be at the service. I hope you all had a safe journey home, and it was lovely to meet you all!

I would like to thank Clive Saunders Roy Pepperall and Jane White of the Court Leet for their dedication to this project from the outset.
Their ongoing commitment to the Isle and Royal Manor is clear for all to see and is hugely appreciated. As well as Court Leet members who have showed their support from its original concept.

Here are some Photo’s which I will comment on individually. Thanks to Gary White and my Daughter Jess for allowing me to share their photo’s with you.

Kind regards

Andy

26/06/2021

Hello all, just a quick message to those who have been Officially Invited to the Dedication service of the HMS Foylebank / Jack Mantle memorial. Please accept this photo which shows the location of the Memorial. (Yellow Square) the yellow dots indicate the walk from Portland Heights Hotel Car Park. There are further car parks at New ground. Take the first Exit at the Roundabout in front of the hotel, drive around a sharp bend to the Right passing the Olympic Rings and the Cenotaph on your left... drive slightly downhill and quickly uphill to the Car Parking areas on the left (Boardered by Large stone blocks.) The Heights Hotel have a Refreshments area Opposite the Olympic Rings where you can buy yourself some tasty snacks / Tea Coffee / Ice cream.

To Reach the Portland Heights Hotel Car Park... On the same Roundabout as mentioned above... take the second Exit towards Easton and almost and imediate Left turn into the Heights Car Park. If you have any questions at all, please do ask. Looking forward to seeing the 5 of you on the Day. Take Care! Andy

07/06/2021

Good afternoon Everyone, I hope you are all well.

I just thought I would update you on the ‘Jack Mantle’ HMS Foylebank memorial.

Albion Stone Restoration have been tasked by the Ancient Court Leet to build the memorial.

I thought I would go up to see the progress. I was impressed with the works thus far and the two kind hard working guys were happy for me to take their photo.

We are hoping to have a Dedication Ceremony on the 4th of July 2021, Which I am sure I will be able to Video or at least get some photo’s for you.

The stone is Portland ‘Roach’ (Which is full of fossilised crustaceans from millions of years of earths history. Stone which was once regarded a waste, but now has many decorative applications and large market.)

As I say, really impressed with the work so far, yes… it will be a very small memorial but a fitting tribute to Jack and the Crew of HMS Foylebank, high on Portland’s ‘Beacon Hill’ at the Heights of the Isle.

Take care everyone!

Andy

04/03/2021

“Smoke Billowing Eastward” Thanks to Alex Birt for allowing me to share. Andy

04/07/2020

80 Years ago today, we remember those men of HMS Foylebank as she fought for her survival in Portland Harbour this day in 1940.

Her Survivors who lived to tell the tell of the Crews Heroism, now all gone. It is up to those of us remaining to tell our young of the sacrifice made by so many. We must learn from our History! We must never let those who seek to eradicate the bravery and sacrifice of our fathers during conflict. History is just that! LESSONS FOR MODERN MAN!