Charles and Selina Coomber of Gillingham had just one child, a son born in 1917 and named after his father. Charles junior grew up locally and, by the time he married Edith Joan Kennedy in October 1941 at St Mary’s Church, Gillingham, he had already left his civilian post as a general clerk in the Gas Office and was serving in the Royal Navy. Edith, a State Registered Nurse, was on the staff of Short Brothers Seaplane Works in Rochester.
The wedding, reported in the local press, painted a picture of optimism in uncertain times. The bride wore a heavy white embossed silk period dress, with long train and embroidered veil, her head-dress of orange blossoms, and she carried pink roses. The groom was not in uniform. After a reception for forty guests at the bride’s parents’ home on City Way, the couple began married life surrounded by generous gifts – furniture, linen, tableware and kitchen equipment, even a barometer and an electric iron – everything needed to set up a first home.
After a short honeymoon in Tunbridge Wells, Charles returned to Naval duty.
He rejoined HMS Cleopatra, which in February 1942 took part in a heavily contested passage to Malta. As the ship approached the island, passing close to enemy-held Pantelleria and Cape Bon, the crew remained at Action Stations through the night.
At first light, a German Junkers Ju 88 was sighted astern. Moments later, a larger force emerged from the sun and launched a sustained bombing attack. Bombs fell close alongside, throwing up columns of water and shrapnel as the ship’s guns returned fire.
One bomb penetrated deep into the ship before exploding beneath her. Despite the damage, HMS Cleopatra remained operational and, after approximately two hours under attack, reached Grand Harbour. A roll call on arrival recorded the loss of fifteen crew members.
In March 1942, HMS Cleopatra again put to sea as part of a convoy operation to relieve Malta. Enemy aircraft shadowed the force, and sustained attacks followed as the ships entered what sailors knew as “Bomb Alley”. Later, an Italian fleet sortied to intercept, and the cruiser squadron moved to engage while continuing to protect the convoy.
The combined threat from sea and air led to a prolonged and dangerous action. Although the convoy was brought through, the cost in lives was again significant. Able Seaman Coomber was killed on 22 March 1942, one of sixteen men from HMS Cleopatra who lost their lives during that operation.
Less than three months after their wedding, his wife Edith was now a widow.
Able Seaman Charles Norman Coomber is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial
