World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Little Malvern, England, he served as a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy. On September 22, 1943, at Kafjord, North Norway, Lieutenant Place was commanding the Midget Submarine X7 with another officer in a second midget submarine on an attack on the German Battleship Tirpitz. The two submarines had to travel at least 1,000 miles from base, negotiate a mine field, and dodge nets, gun defenses, and enemy listening posts. Having eluded all these hazards, they finally placed the charges underneath the battle ship where they went off an hour later, doing so much damage that Tirpitz was out of action for months. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross by the King on June 22, 1945. After the war, he resumed his Naval career, transferring to the Fleet Air Arm, training as a pilot, and gaining his wings in 1952. He served in the Korean War, flying the Sea Fury in 801 Squadron. As a Captain, he commanded the HMS destroyers Tumult and Corunna and was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1968. He was Director of General Naval Recruiting before retiring in 1970. He died at age 73 in London, England.
World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Little Malvern, England, he served as a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy. On September 22, 1943, at Kafjord, North Norway, Lieutenant Place was commanding the Midget Submarine X7 with another officer in a second midget submarine on an attack on the German Battleship Tirpitz. The two submarines had to travel at least 1,000 miles from base, negotiate a mine field, and dodge nets, gun defenses, and enemy listening posts. Having eluded all these hazards, they finally placed the charges underneath the battle ship where they went off an hour later, doing so much damage that Tirpitz was out of action for months. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross by the King on June 22, 1945. After the war, he resumed his Naval career, transferring to the Fleet Air Arm, training as a pilot, and gaining his wings in 1952. He served in the Korean War, flying the Sea Fury in 801 Squadron. As a Captain, he commanded the HMS destroyers Tumult and Corunna and was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1968. He was Director of General Naval Recruiting before retiring in 1970. He died at age 73 in London, England.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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