Tansell, Cyril Francis (Stoker 2nd Class, b.1923 - d.1942)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of PA2231 Stoker 2nd Class Cyril Francis Tansell, HMAS Yarra, Royal Australian Navy, Australia and at sea, 1941-1945.

Wallet 1 of 1 – Consists of correspondence relating to the enlistment, service and death of Stoker Tansell on HMAS Yarra in 1942. This wallet contains:
1x Letter from the Naval Reserve Depot to Stoker Tansell, Birkenhead, South Australia, 5 April 1941. This letter requests that Stoker Tansell present himself for a medical examination.
1x Letter from the Department of the Navy to Stoker Tansell, Port Adelaide, South Australia, 1 June 1941. This letter confirms Stoker Tansell’s selection for entry into the Royal Australian Navy.
1x Will of Stoker Tansell, Flinders Naval Depot, South Australia, 25 November 1941.
4x Items of correspondence from Stoker Tansell to his family, c late 1941-early 1942. These items include three letters and one telegram. In his correspondence, Stoker Tansell writes about enjoying the scenery of Sydney, liking life in the Navy, his duties, seeing action, and serving with friends.
1x Telegram from the Department of the Navy to Stoker Tansell’s father, Mr Edgar Tansell, Melbourne, Victoria, 13 March 1942. This telegram informs Mr Tansell that his son is missing due to enemy action.
5x Letters from the Department of the Navy to Stoker Tansell’s parents, Mr Edgar and Mrs Laura Tansell, 2 June 1943 – 16 January 1945. These letters relate to Stoker Tansell’s death and pension payments.
1x Certificate of Death of Stoker Tansell, issued 13 January 1945.
1x Commemorative Scroll
1x Copy of letter from F2951 Able Seaman Alfred George Orton to Mrs Fulston [mother of PA/1806 Able Seaman Gordon Roy Fulston, serviceman who died on HMAS Yarra], Perth, Western Australia, [date unknown]. In his letter, Able Seaman Orton writes about his experience of the sinking of the HMAS Yarra. It is believed that the original letter was circulated between the families of men that had died on HMAS Yarra.

Stoker 2nd Class Cyril Francis Tansell enlisted to the Royal Australian Navy on 29 July 1941, at the age of 18. After a period of training, he joined the crew of HMAS Yarra. During Stoker Tansell’s service with HMAS Yarra, the ship escorted convoys in Southeast Asia. On 4 March 1942, Stoker Tansell was killed in action when HMAS Yarra was sunk by Japanese destroyers. Stoker Tansell is commemorated at Plymouth Naval Memorial, United Kingdom.