George Lang

Born in Buckland in the Moor on 23rd August 1916.

Father John Jeffery Lang, Mother Susan A Stevens

Two younger siblings Sidney, and Jessie.

George attended Ashburton School, and after leaving school, worked as a carpenter on the Whitley estate at Buckland. Upon reaching the age of 18 (in 1934) George joined the Royal Navy and was classified as a joiner (carpentry).

In 1937/38 George was posted to the crew of HMS Glorious, a Cruiser converted into an aircraft carrier in 1930. Prior to the declaration of War in 1939 Glorious sailed principally in the Eastern Mediterranean. Following Germany’s invasion of Norway in April 1940 HMS Glorious was recalled to “Home” fleet operations.

In June 1940 HMS Glorious participated in the evacuation of Troops and RAF Aircraft from the coast of Norway. The task was completed by 8th June and HMS Glorious was permitted to sail back to the UK independently of the main convoy. She was accompanied by destroyers HMS Ardent and HMS Acasta.

Unbeknownst to the British, German battle cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau were also patrolling off the Norwegian coast. They both attacked the British ships at 1500 hours and by 18.20, despite heroic defence by both destroyers all three British ships were sunk.

A total of 1591 lives were lost. 41 sailors did survive, located after three days by Norwegian trawlers.

George Lang was one of the 1591 men killed.

George is commemorated on Plymouth Naval Memorial, in Buckland Church and in the churchyard. He is also included in the memorial to all those lost at St Peter Martindale in the Lake District.