Henry Hugh Gordon Stoker facts for kids

Henry Hugh Gordon Dacre Stoker (born February 2, 1885 – died February 2, 1966) was a brave Royal Navy officer from Ireland. He is best known for commanding the submarine HMAS AE2 during the First World War. This submarine made history by being the first Allied submarine to pass through the dangerous Dardanelles Strait.

After being captured in 1915, Stoker spent over three years as a prisoner of war. When the war ended, he left the navy to become an actor. He appeared in many plays and films. Stoker was also a talented athlete. He played tennis at the famous Wimbledon championships. Later in life, he even became the Irish Croquet Champion.

Early Life and Family

Henry Hugh Gordon Dacre Stoker was born in Dublin, Ireland, on February 2, 1885. He was one of six children. His father was Dr. William Stoker. Henry's uncle, Dr. Frank Stoker, was a famous tennis player. He won the Wimbledon Gentlemen's Doubles twice. He also played rugby for Ireland.

Henry Stoker was a cousin of the famous author Bram Stoker. Bram Stoker wrote the classic horror novel Dracula. Growing up, Henry was an average student in school. However, he was very good at sports, especially tennis and rugby.

Naval Adventures

Henry Stoker began his journey in the Royal Navy on January 15, 1900. He started as a cadet on the training ship HMS Britannia. He quickly moved up the ranks. By 1904, he was a sub-lieutenant. He then decided to join the new Royal Navy Submarine Service. This was a very new and exciting part of the navy.

After training, Stoker became a lieutenant in 1906. He took command of his first submarine, HMS A10, in 1909. The next year, he commanded HMS B8. This submarine was later stationed in Gibraltar.

Australian Submarine Service

In 1913, Stoker heard a rumor about playing polo in Sydney, Australia. He volunteered to join the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). On November 7, 1913, he was given command of HMAS AE2. This submarine was built in England.

AE2 and its sister submarine, HMAS AE1, sailed from England to Australia in 1914. This was a huge journey of about 13,000 nautical miles (24,000 km). It was the longest trip a submarine had ever made at that time. They arrived in Sydney on May 24, 1914.

World War I Heroics

When the First World War started in August 1914, AE1 and AE2 helped capture German New Guinea. After this, AE2 returned to Sydney for repairs. In December 1914, AE2 joined a convoy heading to Suez. Stoker was promoted to lieutenant commander on December 31, 1914.

In January 1915, AE2 joined the Mediterranean Fleet. This fleet was supporting the Dardanelles campaign. Stoker had a daring plan. He wanted to take his submarine through the heavily defended Dardanelles Strait. If he succeeded, he could disrupt enemy ships in the Sea of Marmara. This would make it harder for the enemy to get supplies.

On April 25, 1915, Stoker successfully guided AE2 through the 75 km (47 miles) strait. It was the first Allied submarine to achieve this. This was a very brave and important action. However, on April 30, AE2 was damaged by an Ottoman torpedo boat. The submarine could no longer dive. Stoker had to surrender and sink his submarine.

Stoker spent the rest of the war as a prisoner of war (POW) in the Ottoman Empire. He tried to escape three times, but he was not successful. He spent much of his time entertaining other prisoners. He returned to England in December 1918. For his bravery, he received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). He was also mentioned in official reports for his valuable service.

Stoker was promoted to commander in December 1919. In 1920, he decided to leave the Royal Navy. He wanted to pursue a career in acting.

Second World War Service

In 1939, when the Second World War began, Stoker was called back to the Royal Navy. He was given the rank of acting captain. He helped with public relations for the navy. This meant he helped share information with the public. He retired from the navy again in late 1945.

Life Beyond the Navy

Henry Stoker was a very active person. He loved sports and acting.

Sporting Achievements

Stoker was a skilled sportsman from a young age. He was good at both tennis and rugby. He even volunteered for the Australian Navy because he heard a false rumor about playing polo in Sydney!

He played tennis at the famous Wimbledon championships several times in the 1920s. He reached the third round in 1921. He continued to be involved in sports after his playing days. He was president of the Royal Navy Lawn Tennis Association for many years. In 1962, at 77 years old, he became the Croquet Singles Champion of Ireland.

Acting Career

After leaving the navy in 1920, Stoker became an actor. He performed on stage and in films. He was often credited as H. G. Stoker or Dacre Stoker. He appeared in many movies, including:

Family Life and Legacy

Henry Stoker was married twice. His first marriage ended in divorce. In 1925, he published his autobiography called "Straws in the Wind." That same year, he married actor Dorothie Margaret Pidcock. They remained married until his death.

Henry Stoker passed away on his 81st birthday, February 2, 1966. There has been discussion about whether he should receive the Victoria Cross for Australia. This is a very high award for bravery. It would recognize his amazing service commanding AE2 during the Dardanelles campaign.