HMS Glowworm (Lt.Cdr. Gerard Broadmead Roope, RN) was sunk in the Norwegian Sea about 70 nautical miles north-east of Froya Island, Norway in position 64º27'N, 06º28'E after she rammed the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper. Hipper ended up with a large underwater gash in her hull and had to return to base for repairs. HMS Glowworm, already damaged by gunfire was fatally damaged during the ramming and sank. Only a little over 30 men from her crew survived.

Commanding Officer:
Lt.Cdr. Gerard Broadmead Roope, RN
22 July 1938 - 8 April 1940+

On 10 July 1945 Lt.Cdr. Roope was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross on the reccommendation of the commanding officer of the Admiral Hipper, this is the only recorded occurrence of a decoration awarded on the recommendation of the enemy.

Citation: ' On the 8th April, 1940, HMS Glowworm was proceeding alone in heavy weather towards a rendezvous in West Fjord, when she met and engaged two enemy destroyers, scoring at least one hit on them. The enemy broke off the action and headed North, to lead the Glowworm on to his supporting forces. The Commanding Officer, whilst correctly appreciating the intentions of the enemy, at once gave chase. The German heavy cruiser, Admiral Hipper, was sighted closing the Glowworm at high speed and an enemy report was sent which was received by HMS Renown. Because of the heavy sea, the Glowworm could not shadow the enemy and the Commanding Officer therefore decided to attack with torpedoes and then to close in order to inflict as much damage as possible. Five torpedoes were fired and later the remaining five, but without success. The Glowworm was badly hit, one gun was out of action and her speed was much reduced, but with the other three guns still firing she closed and rammed the Admiral Hipper. As the Glowworm drew away, she opened fire again and scored one hit at a range of 400 yards. The Glowworm, badly stove in forward and riddled with enemy fire, heeled over to starboard, and the Commanding Officer gave the order to abandon her. Shortly afterwards she capsized and sank. The Admiral Hipper hove to for at least an hour picking up survivors but the loss of life was heavy, only 31 out of the Glowworm's complement of 149 being saved. Full information concerning this action has only recently been received and the VICTORIA CROSS is bestowed in recognition of the great valour of the Commanding Officer who, after fighting off a superior force of destroyers, sought out and reported a powerful enemy unit, and then fought his ship to the end against overwhelming odds, finally ramming the enemy with supreme coolness and skill. '