Three local youths - from Walsall, Coseley and Kidderminster - are among the 414 survivors from the Royal Oak battleship.

A Bilston youth and two able seamen - from Cannock and Tipton - lost their lives.

These two men, who were friends, joined the navy at the same time.

The Coseley survivor is Ordinary Seaman Herbet H Potts. Seaman Potts, who will be 20 in December, joined the navy a year ago and the Royal Oak was his first ship.

Another survivor is Ordinary Seaman Eric Douglas Densham (18), son of Mr Ernest John Ward, landlord of the Woolpack Hotel, Walsall.

Albert Turvey, aged 17, is another survivor.

Believed to be Bilston's first casualty in the war, Boy Edwin Cox was among those lost in the Royal Oak disaster. His home was at Hickman Road.

Her distress could not hide her pride in her son when an Express and Star reporter saw his mother today.

"We had a letter from him only on Thursday morning. he said 'we are clearing the U boats out'.

"He was very excited about that in every letter," added Mrs Cox. "He was always keen to go into the navy, and he was hoping to become a gunner."

A telegram was received today by the mother of Able Seaman Ernest John Amos, of Cannock, stating: "Deeply regret to report the death of your son on war service."

Those who perished also included Able Seaman George James Cook of Shrubbery Estate, Tipton.