Arthur was born in 1906 and Lois in 1909. Michael was born in 1908 and Basil around 1918. Michael was a chaplain on HMS Sheffield. He had been in the Royal Naval Volunteer Service (RNVR) but volunteered. This caused his family to be upset as his daughter, Christine, was born in December 1939 severely disabled, and his wife, Joy, was left homeless as he had given up his living. His photo was displayed on HMS Belfast. He was on Arctic convoys and was a radio officer on HMS Sheffield on the night the Bismarck was sunk.
Item list and details
1. ARP flashes
2. Padre's stole RNVR
3. Album of photos from Arctic convoy and Bismarck
4. Album of family photos
5. Eyewitness account of the sinking of Bismarck
6. Official photo of HMS Sheffield
7. Medals awarded to Michael Synge
8. Tin containing cap badge, lapel badge, and tie pin
9. Letter from Basil Drew-"If" by Rudyard Kipling
10. 'Thanks for sympathy' card
11. Album containing letters of sympathy
12. Medals awarded to Basil Drew
13. Photo of Basil Drew
14. Prayer bookPerson the story/items relate to
Michael Synge
Basil Drew
Lois Fifield nee Pinnock
Arthur FifieldPerson who shared the story/items
Gilly FifieldRelationship between the subject of the story and its contributor
Michael was the contributor's father. Basil was her uncle. Lois and Arthur were her partner David's parents.Type of submission
Shared at National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire on 17 February 2024.Record ID
117195 | NMA016
