Terrence Dominic Nelson, Signalman, RCNVR

They made the Ultimate Sacrifice

Terrance Dominic Nelson, M.I.D.

Signalman, V51108, RCNVR

Born: 01 Mar 1925, London, Ontario, Canada

Died: 07 May 1944 at sea

Book of Remembrance

NELSON, Terrence Dominic, Sig, V51108, RCNVR, MPK - 07 May 1944, HMCS VALLEYFIELD - Son of John Joseph Nelson, and of Helene B. Nelson, of London, Ontario.

Signalman Nelson died when his ship, HMCS VALLEYFIELD, was torpedoed and sunk on 07 May 1944 by U-548. Of her crew of 163, there were only 38 survivors.

Londoner Gave Life to Save Shipmates - Chum Tells How Sacrifice Saved Many Trapped Men.

How a young London sailor Signalman Terrance (Terry) D. Nelson gave his life so that other shipmates on the frigate Valleyfield could be saved is related in a letter to the boy's mother by a fellow sailor who survived the loss of Valleyfield Signalman Terrance O'Connor of Vancouver. The Valleyfield was torpedoed in the Atlantic and went down with a heavy loss of life. "Terry and I were off watch when the torpedo struck" writes Signalman O'Connor. We were in our mess at the front end of the ship and I escaped through the emergency hatch. It was the only way out and the entrance was packed with men. While I was helping a fellow crew member to open the hatch, I could see Terry joking with the boys around him. I got the hatch open and the men started to rush for the ladder. Terry stepped in and made them form a single line. He kept them going and in order. If they had rushed, no-one would have got out. He could have, if he wanted to be the third man out, but he elected to stay behind and organize the escape. He saved many lives as he guided the men to safety, and in doing so he gave his own life. That is the best display of courage and sacrifice you will ever hear about. Signalman Terry Nelson is missing and has been presumed dead. Another brother, Peter Nelson, has been reported killed in France. Three other brothers are in the service, Sgt.-Maj. P. T. Nelson, Camp Ipperwash: Sgt. J. B. Nelson, Long Branch, and Cpl. M. B. Nelson, Camp Borden. John Nelson and Margaret Nelson are at home. Terry was educated at St. Joseph's De La Salle and Sacred Heart Commercial. He was a member of St. Mary's Church. He enlisted at the age of 17 at H.M.C.S. Prevost on February 03, 1943.

Citation for Mentioned in Despatches:

NELSON, Terrence Dominic, Signalman, v51108, Mention in Despatches (Posthumous), RCNVR, HMCS VALLEYFIELD - Awarded as per Canada Gazette of January 05, 1946 and London Gazette of January 01, 1946.

"For gallantry and self-sacrifice above and beyond the normal call of duty. Nelson, who was off watch at the time H.M.C.S. Valleyfield was torpedoed, could have escaped through the emergency hatch. Instead, he remained below, organized the escape and maintained order. He saved many lives as he guided the men to safety, and in doing so, gave his own life."

Ships served in:

HMCS PREVOST - Enlisted 26 Nov 1942

* Commenced Active Service 10 Feb 1943 as an Ordinary Seaman, RCNVR

HMCS ST HYACINTHE - Drafted to ST HYACINTHE 28 Sep 1943

* Rated Ordinary signalman, RCNVR 11 Jun 1943

HMCS STADACONA - Drafted to STADACONA 21 Sep 1943

HMCS FORT RAMSAY - Drafted to FORT RAMSAY 30 Sep 1943

* Rated Signalman, RCNVR 10 Feb 1944

HMCS STADACONA - Drafted to STADACONA 16 Feb 1944

HMCS VALLEYFIELD - Drafted to VALLEYFIELD 27 Feb 1944