Heroic Exploits from WWII: A First-Hand Account

The HMS Achates, which was sunk in the battle of the Barents Sea while under the command of a 23-year-old Loftus Peyton Jones.

Swarthmore resident James C. Peyton Jones will share excerpts from a recently published memoir, “Wartime Wanderings,” about his father’s exploits as a young British naval officer during the Second World War. While serving as a first lieutenant in an Arctic convoy delivering supplies to Russia, 23-year-old Loftus Peyton Jones found himself the senior surviving officer of a badly damaged destroyer, HMS Achates, after the bridge was blown up, by German battle cruiser the Hipper, during the battle of the Barents Sea. Under his command, the ship continued to protect the convoy even while struggling to stay afloat. The crew was lucky to be picked up quickly when the Achates finally sank in the frigid waters. In time, Loftus would be captured by the Italians and sent to a prisoner of war camp, briefly escaping his captors by leaping from a moving train, as well as having other adventures.

Loftus wrote his memoir for his family, but when he died in 2000, many who had heard parts of his story asked for a copy. James edited the memoir, adding photographs and archival documents from his father’s collection. During the talk, he will share some of these artifacts, including the POW mug (made from a tin can) which, as you may hear, helped save Loftus’ life during the final leg of his escape. Proceeds from the book, which can be purchased on Amazon, will be donated to WWII-related charities.  

Wednesday, March 11, 7 p.m., Swarthmore Public Library, 121 Park Ave.