The Man from Timbuctoo was born in Hadleigh

An Adventurous Life on, in and by the Sea

Bernard Peter de Neumann, man of courage, British sailor, convicted pirate and dockmaster, was born in Hadleigh, Essex, on 18 September 1917 to inauspicious beginnings, but life and his own nature conspired to some quite unusual adventures and achievements that earned him the George Medal and Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea for removing a 250 kilogram bomb from deep in the engine-room of his ship and dropping it over the side during a Luftwaffe air attack.

Neumann’s seagoing career included being sunk twice in the space of one month, being charged and convicted of piracy by the  Vichy French, and being known as ‘The Man from Timbuctoo’ (Timbuktu).

You’ll find his story on Wikipedia, or for the full incredible life story look up the Rochford District Community Archive:

www.rochforddistricthistory.org.uk/page/the_man_from_timbuctoo

De Neumann was killed in an accident in Tilbury Dock on 16 September 1972 and his ashes were scattered on the River Thames in Gravesend Reach.

He is remembered among other venues in a Memorial garden outside Bramley Court, London Road, Hadleigh and at ‘The de Neumann Way’ a cycle track from Benfleet Station to Leigh Station, passing by Hadleigh Castle.

Peter de Neumann
Photo courtesy of Prof. Bernard de Neumann
Peter de Neumann, Commander HMRC Vigilant c.1950

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