British Lighthouse Keeper Remembered for WWII U-Boat Incident

GIBRALTAR / CORNWALL – Charles Henry “Charlie” Cherrett, a British lighthouse keeper whose career spanned 46 years with Trinity House, is being remembered today for his remarkable service, including his role in a dramatic World War II incident at Wolf Rock Lighthouse.

Born on 14 September 1901, Cherrett began his career with Trinity House in 1920, eventually serving at several lighthouses off Land’s End, including Wolf Rock Lighthouse, Longships Lighthouse, and Bishop Rock Lighthouse. He retired in 1966 as one of the longest-serving keepers in the service's history.

The most dramatic episode of Cherrett’s career occurred on 18 December 1944 at Wolf Rock Lighthouse, where he was acting keeper in charge alongside two other men. In the early hours, he reported a loud metallic scraping sound outside the lighthouse and observed the German submarine U-1209 grounded on the rocks below.

The grounding was reportedly caused by a heated argument between the U-boat’s Navigational Chief Petty Officer and Commanding Officer over the vessel’s proximity to the rocks. Cherrett quickly alerted Trinity House in Penzance, reporting that the submarine had run aground, was washed back into the sea, and later returned to the rocks. Witnesses also reported seeing a man standing on the conning tower.

U-1209 suffered severe stern damage and began taking on water. The engineering officer, Hans Georg Claussen, attempted to scuttle the submarine from below decks but was forced out through the conning tower moments before the vessel sank. Claussen was rescued by Allied forces but later died from his injuries in Penzance. Nine German Navy crew members perished in the incident.

Cherrett’s dedication and vigilance during the incident earned him lasting recognition in British maritime history. Today, historians and lighthouse enthusiasts continue to highlight his service as a testament to the challenging and often isolated life of lighthouse keepers.