Louis Cyril Nelson

Leading Seaman, H.M. Submarine Traveller
Service number D/JX 238458
Died 12 Dec 1942
Commemorated on Plymouth Naval Memorial, United Kingdom
Age 24


Louis was born on 19 May 1918 in Stamford Hill, London to Louis, a stationery traveller, and Lena nee Solomon and he had two brothers, Morris and Gerald. In 1939, the family were living in Southend-on-Sea and Louis was listed as working as a hairdresser.

HMS Traveller sailed from Malta on 28 November 1942 to conduct reconnaissance of Taranto harbour prior to Operation Portcullis, an attack on Taranto by British Chariots (human torpedoes). Taranto harbour was known to be heavily protected by minefields and Traveller did not return from this operation. Whilst the exact cause of her loss is unknown, it is believed she was sunk by a mine.

Courtesy CWGC