Thomas Joseph Simpson

Thomas Joseph Simpson (November 6, 1921 – January 28, 2017) was one of the first radar operators in Royal Canadian Navy history. Simpson was credited with having "saved hundreds of lives by locating U-boat 1302" and a recipient of the Royal Navy's Distinguished Service Medal (United Kingdom).

Role in sinking U-boat 1302 His role in March 1945 helped sink the German U-boat 1302 -- that was fully loaded with 14 torpedoes -- in St George's Channel between Ireland and the United Kingdom. Simpson, then 23, was aboard His Majesty's Canadian Ship HMCS La Hulloise, that was sailing with HMC ships Strathadam and Thetford Mines in Escort Group 25.

Their task was to protect a 31-ship convoy that was sailing from Halifax in Canada to England. Even though the Battle of the Atlantic was nearly over, the U-boats were still posing a constant threat there.

The Royal Canadian Navy website comments:

As one of the Royal Canadian Navy's (RCN) first radar operators, Simpson’s role in hunting U-boats was vital in keeping the shipping lanes open and the waters around the United Kingdom and Canada safe. His job required constant alertness for days on end, because at any moment a German torpedo could come racing silently from the depths.

At 3 a.m. on March 7, he picked up a radar contact in St George's Channel. He died on January 28, 2017.

Awards On March 7, 1945, La Hulloise along with two other Canadian s, Strathadam and Thetford Mines, sank the (originally thought to be ) in the St George's Channel. In August the event was recognised by the awarding of medals to a number of the officers and men of the three frigates, Simpson included.

He was one of the 114 Canadians to receive the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) for World War II service.