After leaving Wrekin, Tom, renowned for his cheerful nature, embarked on his architectural career by serving his articles with Messrs Sandy and Norris of Stafford. This formative experience laid the foundation for his future endeavours and he later secured a position with the Air Ministry, further broadening his professional expertise.

Tom continued to build his career when he joined Messrs Weedon’s of Birmingham. During his tenure there, he was entrusted with the significant responsibility of supervising the construction of five Oden cinemas, among them the cinema at Hanley. After a brief period working with another architect in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Tom was appointed as the A.R.P. architect to Newcastle Borough Council, a senior role for one so young that demonstrated the trust and esteem in which he was held by his peers.

Sporting and Theatrical Pursuits

Outside his professional commitments, Tom was highly regarded in the local sporting community. He was a well-known tennis and badminton player, distinguished as one of the finest tennis players in Holmes Chapel and an active member of the Victoria Club. In addition to his athletic achievements, Tom was also an accomplished amateur actor. He took on numerous roles in productions at the Victoria Hall, showcasing his versatility and passion for the arts.

Military Service and Ultimate Sacrifice

With the outbreak of war, Tom volunteered for service in the Royal Navy at an early stage. Upon completing his training at HMS Hood, he participated in active operations in Oran, Algeria, and other locations. After gaining his commission, Tom volunteered for the Mine Sweeping Service, where his leadership qualities were recognised with a promotion to Lieutenant and command of his own vessel.

On 13^th January 1942, HMT Rosemonde, under Tom’s command, departed Milford Haven bound for Gibraltar, accompanied by minesweeping trawlers HMS Rosalind and HMS Lord Grey. However, on 15^th  January, HMT Rosemonde lost contact with the other ships amidst stormy weather. While the other vessels reached Gibraltar on 22nd January, the Admiralty declared HMT Rosemonde missing once the ship’s endurance limit was reached on 27^th January.

It later transpired that at approximately 23:00 on 19^th January 1942, U-581¹ engaged what was believed to be a British corvette, estimated at 800 tons, heading towards Gibraltar. The attack occurred during an exceptionally dark and rainy night, some 400 miles east of the Azores. The first torpedo missed, but one of the subsequent pair struck the vessel amidships, causing it to break apart and sink within a minute. This was followed by an underwater explosion, likely from depth charges.

Despite searching the area extensively, the U-boat crew found neither survivors nor wreckage. It is highly probable that HMT Rosemonde² was lost in this attack, marking the tragic end of Tom’s service and life at sea on 22^nd January at the age of 21. He is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial in Suffolk.

Younger son of Edwin Sims-Hilditch & Ada Cyrilla Sims-Hilditch of Nantwich, Cheshire.

1. U-581 was sunk on 2nd February 1942 in the North Atlantic south-east of Horta, Azores, by depth charges from the British destroyer HMS Westcott. 4 dead and 42 survivors.
    
2. Completed in January 1911 as a steam trawler in Boulogne, France. In 1915 requisitioned by the French Navy as armed trawler and returned to owner at the end of WW1. In September 1939 requisitioned again by the French Navy as minesweeping trawler Rosemonde  and on 3rd July 1940 impounded by the Royal Navy at Southampton. 

A copy of this story is available for download here.

Revised: November 2025