On 11 January 1941, while supporting Operation Excess (several coordinated convoys), Gloucester and sister ship Southampton came under attack from Junkers Ju 87 "Stuka" dive bombers from StG 2 while leaving Malta.
Gloucester was hit by a 250-kilogram (550 lb) bomb which failed to explode after penetrating through five decks. Southampton was hit by at least two bombs and caught fire; heavily damaged and without power, the ship was scuttled by torpedoes from the light cruiser Orion.
HMS Gloucester January 1941 (Navy History net)
Of the 9 killed 7 were Royal Marines:
BASFORD, Ronald H, Sub Lieutenant, RNVR (SA), killed
BASSETT-BURR, Robert, Marine, PLY/X 3447, killed
GREEN, Edmond H, Marine, PLY/X 2303, DOW
JESSON, Alec A, Marine, PLY/3487, killed
LEWIS, Arthur R, Marine, PLY/X 2393, killed
O'LEARY, Morris M, Marine, PLY/X 2413, killed
PHELAN, John J, Leading Seaman, D/J 106536, DOW
WALKER, Harry, Corporal, RM, PLY/X 1433, killed
WHITELEY, Roy, Marine, PLY/X 1623, DOW
HMS Gloucester was later sunk by German dive bombers on 22 May 1941 during the Battle of Crete with the loss of 722 men out of a crew of 807, including 90 Royal Marines.
Related RM 'Dits'
References/ Further Reading:
Naval History.net - HMS Gloucester
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