Colin Croft Ennever was born in 1913 to John Dominic Joseph Ennever and Edith (Edie) Croft.  John was killed in November 1915 in the First World War and is buried at Highgate Cemetery, where a memorial stands in his honour.  The death of his father at war appears to have been the motivation for Colin's chosen military career.

The Admiralty announced promotions in The London Gazette and Colin Croft is mentioned in the following editions:

• Feb 1935 (from Acting Sub-Lieutenant to Sub-Lieut)
• July 1938 (from Proby. Sub-Lieut to Sub-Lieut)
• July 1939 (from Sub-Lieut to Lieuetenant)

London Gazette 16th September 1941

London Gazette 1957

Lt. C. C. Ennever was a member of the 1st Sub-Flight that successfuly sank the Battleship Bismarck in 1941.  The dramatic story is told in detail in at least two external sites here and here. The first site suggests incorrectly that the event took place in 1942, however  (note: I have no connection with these web sites).

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in 1941 for "gallantry, daring and skill in the operations in which the German Battleship Bismarck was destroyed".  His award was announced in the London Gazette of 16th September 1941 (see left).

He was subsequently promoted to Lieut-Commander in 1945 and retired from the Royal Navy in 1957. 

He was living in London from 1950 to the late 1960s (see Phone Book entries below) and died in 1983.

If you have any information on Colin Croft Ennever or his life and career I would be delighted to hear from you.

Author:  Barry Ennever