Gerriet Jan Pijl was the son of Hendrik Evert and Jacoba Kos Pijl. He was born in Den Helder, the Netherlands on 10th January 1922. Gerriet Jan Pijl served with the Royal Netherlands Navy as a gunner in World War Two. Able Seaman (2nd Class) Gerriet Jan Pijl served on board HNLMS Isaac Sweers in World War Two. Isaac Sweers was a destroyer. At Pembroke dock in Wales, Gerriet met his wife to be, Miss Armour from Dergenagh, Knockloughrim, who was serving in the Wrens as a cook. On 13th November, 1942, the Isaac Sweers was attacked by a German U-boat and sunk.
Further Information
Gerriet Jan Pijl was the son of Hendrik Evert and Jacoba Kos?? Pijl. He was born in Den Helder, the Netherlands on 10th January 1922.
Gerriet Yan Pijl served with the Royal Netherlands Navy as a gunner in World War Two.
Able Seaman (2nd Class) Gerriet Jan Pijl served on board HNLMS Isaac Sweers in World War Two. Isaac Sweers was a destroyer.
On 10th May 1940, while the Isaac Sweers was in dock for a fit out, German paratroopers landed nearby. The Dutch sailors immediately put to sea and the Isaac Sweers was towed to England by the Dutch tug Zwarte Zee. They arrive on the 11th May on the Downs. On the 12th May 1940 the ship arrived in Spithead.
During the time that his ship was being fitted out, Gerriet was seconded temporarily as a rear gunner to the RAF, as a large number of bomber crews were being lost at that time.
Gerriet Pijl is listed as having served with 320 Squadron of the Royal Air Force from 1st July 1940 to 1st November 1941.
At Pembroke dock in Wales, Gerriet met his wife to be, Miss Armour from Dergenagh, Knockloughrim, who was serving in the Wrens as a cook.
Gerriet Jan Pijl later married Miss L E Armour. They had a son, William Pijl.
On 29th May 1941, the Isaac Sweers refit was completed at the dockyard in Southampton.
On the completion of the fit-out the Isaac Sweers was commissioned and was operational in the South East Atlantic.
In November 1942, Isaac Sweers is at sea to rendezvous with Force "H". The plan was to refuel underway from Force "R" (2 oilers with 4 escorting trawlers), and by 00.00 hours in the night of 12/13, she was ready for action. She would cover Force R on one flank and leave in the morning for Force H.
On 13th November, 1942, at about 0500 hours, the Isaac Sweers was attacked by a German U-boat. Two torpedoes hit the starboard side of the ship, and they put the whole ship ablaze from bow to stern. The first torpedo hit a fuel tank and burning oil spread over the water, the second hit the long room and officers’ quarters, where all 13 officers, at that time asleep, perished. It was clear from the start that Isaac Sweers, the ship that had survived many attacks from aircraft, wouldn't survive the damage she had sustained. Isaac Sweers sank in position 37.23 N, 02.12 E due to the U-boat attack. Only 86 men survived of a crew of 194.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 5th December 1942: Knockloughrim
The Royal Netherlands Naval Authorities have informed Mrs Gerriet Jan Pijl, who resides with her father, Mr William Armour of Dergenagh, that her husband, Naval Gunner G J Pijl, has been reported missing, and presumed killed, in a recent Middle East naval engagement.
Report Of Death
Today, 1st April 1944, Jan Willen Termijtelen, Commander of the Navy in the United Kingdom, temporarily residing in London, read the official report of the committee, consisting of Sea Captain H J Buenwinck and Sea Captain Lieutenant K.M.R. L. den Hoedt, regarding the loss of HRMS. ‘Isaac Sweers’
It stated that Gerrit Jan Pijl, sailor of the second class (16340), last domiciled in London, on the 13th November 1942 in the morning, died between five and six o'clock because of the enemy sinking of the above mentioned sinking which happened about 350 miles from Gibraltar. At the age of twenty years, he was married to L E Armor, residing in N. Ireland, Derganagh, Knockloughrim - c / o Derry. He was the son of ARROW, H E, residing in Dan Helder, Koekoekstreat 36.
Able Seaman Gerriet Jan Pijl has no known grave.
Able Seaman (2nd Class) Gerriet Jan Pijl is commemorated locally on Castledawson War Memorial.
Able Seaman Pijl is listed on pages 116-118 of the Castledawson War Dead Book – ‘They Didn’t Come Home.
All images courtesy of Sam Hudson, Desertmartin. Information provided here is courtesy of the excellent research undertaken by Mr Sam Hudson.
