Submariner VC Blue Plaque

The Submariners Association are running a project to erect a Blue Plaque to commemorate holders of the VC who were submariners.

Frank (Sandy) Powel a member of the Associations NMC is the driving force in getting all the hard work done, which involves selecting the location, getting all the permissions required and arranging the unveiling.

The first such plaque was unveiled by the Association President, Admiral Sir James Perowne KBE, at St Joseph’s Convent in Newport Gwent.

The building is the birthplace of Commander John Wallace (Tubby) Linton VC, DSO, DSC Royal Navy. The house was acquired by the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1948 for use as a hospital and hospice. Commander Linton was born in the house on the 15th of October 1905.

The sisters were presented with a framed copy of Commander Linton’s birth certificate. After the ceremony the sisters provided tea and biscuits for those in attendance.

In recognition of his achievement, and the gallantry of Turbulent’s crew, John Wallace Linton, DSO, DSC, RN was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on 25 May 1943.

The citation read:

Commander Linton has been in command of submarines throughout the War. He has been responsible for the destruction of 1 cruiser, 1 destroyer, 20 merchant vessels, 6 schooners and 2 trains. A total of 81,000 tons of enemy shipping sunk.

From 1st January 1942 to 1st January 1943 he spent 254 days at sea, including 2,970 hours diving. During this period he was hunted 13 times and had 250 depth charges dropped on him. His career has been one of conspicuous gallantry and extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were; The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Newport, Councillor Cliff Suller and the Lady Mayoress Christine.

Three Standards were paraded. The Welsh branch of the Submariners Association, Newport branch of the Royal Naval Association and the Newport branch of The Merchant Navy Association together with several members of those associations.

Representing the National Management Committee of the Submariners Association were the Chairman Jim McMaster, Committee Members Rick Rothwell JP and Frank Pas together with the National Membership Secretary Keith Bishop.