The Live Bait Squadron Bulletin

Bulletin-9 March 2015

INTRODUCTION, BY YOUR VIRTUAL CHAIRMAN

Dear members,

Welcome to this belated edition of our Bulletin - the first official issue after the Specials on the September Commemoration ceremonies.

You may have wondered: ‘What happened to Henk? Has he forgotten about us, after sending a Seasons Greeting?’. No, I did not, but indeed, I took a few months off, needed some time to reflect, to organise my files, to visit some neglected friends, and take some rest.

And now I have resumed my activities, as your Chairman ought to do. On my shelves are the dossiers of over 60 men on the cruisers, waiting for publication in our Bulletin. In this Bulletin you will find information about the Members I welcomed in Bulletin-8. I am welcoming some 30 more in this one, and write about them in the next Bulletin-10.

And of course all will be on the website.

My best wishes to you all. As always looking forward to your reactions.

Henk H.M. van der Linden Chairman

If you wish to unsubscribe, just let me know!

OUR NEW SOCIETY MEMBERS

This time again we’re happy to welcome a number of new Society Members,

HMS Aboukir: Mr Herbert Arthur Howe. Mr James Shepard. Mr Charles A. Sheppard. Mr Ralph Dutton. Mr Thomas E. Harrison. Mr Henry Albert Brown. Mr Christopher Cooke. Mr Alfred Libbiter. Mr G. McCloud. Mr Charles Ernest Shadrake. Mr William Frederick Farmer. Mr George Henry Case. Mr Alfred Libiter. Mr Thomas Henry Mitten. Mr Arthur Godden.

HMS Cressy Mr John William Bingley. Mr Oliver Fred Hinson. Mr Frederick Henry Bishop. Mr Alfred Podrick. Mr John Thomas Ellis. Mr Alfred Sydney Rogers. Mr John James Millar. Mr Roy Neale. Mr Jeremiah McCarthy. Mr Roy Gordon Neale. Mr William Epps.

HMS Hogue Mr Joseph Rawlings. Mr William Munday. Mr Henry Arnold. Mr Edgar Pryke. Mr William Edward Bowes. Mr Herbert Honey.

Mr Robert Johnston. Mr Joseph Pink. Mr Henry Allen. and their relatives and family members.

I intend to write about them in Bulletin-10, with the exception of Oliver Hinson. I have a special reason for this. His story has been the hard work of a 12 year young lady, Rhiannon Warren. She sent it 2 September last year, and waited for publication all those months. So I do not wish to disappoint her this time. In fact: I’ll start with her story. It is quite remarkable a 12 year old girl achieved this.

MEMORIALS AND MONUMENTS

As this Bulletin has nearly 50 pages, no monuments this time.

FROM HENK’s TREASURE CHEST

For the same reason: my Treasure Chest keeps shut this time.

ABOUT THE MEN

About Oliver Fred Hinson (HMS Cressy)

This I received from Rhiannon Warren, from Cambridge. "I am 12 and a student at Chesterton Community College in Cambridge. A group of students were asked to take part in an event to be held at the city's Ascension Parish Burial Ground on 14 September by writing about someone commemorated in the cemetery who died in World War I. I chose Oliver Hinson, and my research led me to find out about his life and service through census records, local newspaper reports, and college archives."

There is some interesting information about the Ascension Parish Burial Ground here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascension_Parish_Burial_Ground

And the programme of events for 14 September can be found here: http://www.churchatcastle.org/sites/default/files/WW1dayprogramme.pdf

This what she wrote about Oliver Hinson. She should be proud of this! (and her parents too, no doubt).

Oliver was born to Susanna and Frederick Hinson on 30th January 1878, in Chesterton.1 In the 1891 census, he was 13, and was listed working as an errand boy.2 By the 1901 census, he

1 Information from Ancestry.co.uk

2 Information from Ancestry.co.uk 5 was an Able Seaman on HMS Boxer, off the coast of Malta.3 In 1909, he was back on land, and was working as an underporter at King’s College.4 The College Committee minutes noted his appointment and the agreement of his pay of 18s 6d per week. His work was clearly appreciated, as the minutes for 1910 record a pay rise to 20s a week.5 In 1913, he got married to Elizabeth Warr and they lived at 7 Alpha Road.6

In 1914, Oliver Hinson, as a Naval Reservist, rejoined His Majesty’s Navy, and served on HMS Cressy (Navy number 180910).7 On 22nd September 1914, the Cressy was sunk in the worst naval disaster up to that point in the war.8 The Cressy was part of a fleet of three ships, the others being HMS Aboukir, and HMS Hogue. All three were sunk about 20 miles North West of the Hook of Holland. In the early hours of the morning, all three were attacked by a German submarine (U-9). According to the Cambridge Daily News’ report on 23rd September 1914:

“The approach of the enemy was apparently unnoticed, for when the Aboukir was struck, it was thought she had collided with a floating mine. The Hogue rushed to the assistance of the Aboukir, and quickly lowered boats, which picked up a large number of survivors. The Cressy then steamed up, and also lowered boats. Two torpedoes then struck the Hogue, and it was recognised the damage was due to submarines. Several were sighted and fired at, and it is believed that two were struck. The Cressy was sunk while picking up survivors from the Hogue and the Aboukir.”

At the time is was believed there must have been more than one submarine involved in the attack because no one thought just a single boat could be responsible for such a disaster.9 700 men were saved out of a total of 2100 from the three different ships.10 Sadly, Oliver was listed amongst those lost at sea, although both papers list him as Olaf Hinson of 57 Garden Walk, an

3 Information from Ancestry.co.uk

4 The Cambridge Weekly News and Express stated that he was a Front Gate Porter at King’s (23rd September 1914, page

3); King’s College Committee minutes 1909 confirm his appointment. Thank you to the people who helped me at

King’s College Archive.

5 King’s College Committee Minutes 1910.

6 Information from Ancestry.co.uk

7 Information from Ancestry.co.uk

8 There are many accounts of this event. I have taken mine from information provided by two Cambridge newspapers at the time: The Cambridge Daily News of 23rd September 1914, and the Cambridge Weekly News and

Express from Friday 25th September 1914. Thanks to the Cambridgeshire Collection librarian at Cambridge Central

Library for help with using the microfilm.

9 My thanks to Henk van der Linden of http://www.livebaitsqn-soc.info for pointing this out.

10 Cambridge Weekly News and Express, 25th September 1914, page 3.

6 address at which his wife was living at the time.11 He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent, United Kingdom, Panel 2.12

The Governing Body at King’s paid tribute to Oliver, saying, in a report in 1914:

“It should be added that a number of college servants have joined or rejoined His Majesty’s forces. Of these, O.F. Hinson, underporter, was lost on HMS Cressy. His loss is a serious one to the college which he had served zealously and well for over five years.”

11 Information from Ancestry.co.uk

12 http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Cambridgeshire/CambridgeGuildhall-WW1-H.html

About Arthur Edmond Harwood (HMS Aboukir)

Mr David Budgen sent me this: ‘I have limited information on my Great Grandfather but will share what I know. He was born around 1866 or 7 and had 9 children in total, the last was my grandfather born two months after the sinking of HMS Aboukir and so he never knew his father. According to notes in a diary I have, I have managed to establish that Arthur served on HMS Canada from April 1887 travelling around South America and the West Indies serving as a Stoker where he trained to be a signalman. He left HMS Canada in October 1889 and had a few months leave before joining HMS Duke of Wellington as signalman. In May 1890 he joined HMS Howe sailing around the UK & Ireland mainly. After HMS Howe I do not know much about his life until he took up his post as 2nd Yeoman of the signals on HMS Aboukir.’

Arthur was 47 years of age, husband of Ethel Harwood, and lived 99, Nelson Road, Wimbledon. Registered 130190.

About Charles Ambrose Lamkin (HMS Aboukir)

Charles was Stoker 1st Class, SS/103257 (RFR/CH/B/7786), Age 27. Husband of May E.M. Vanschagen (formerly Lamkin), of 100, Upper Cobden St. Luton. He was native of Blue Town, Milstead, Sittingbourne. His great granddaughter Rosemary Martin writes: "Charles Ambrose Lamkin was born on the 1st October 1885, Sittingbourne Kent, one of 7 children born to Edwin and Julia Lamkin and was married to May (formerly Packham). Charles served on numerous ships before being drafted to HMS Aboukir in the rank of Stoker 1st Class (service no: SS/103257) but was killed in action on 22nd September 1914 when his ship was attacked and sunk by German U-boat U9. Charles' name is inscribed on the Milstead War Memorial and the Chatham Naval Memorial."

About Woodman George Triggs (HMS Aboukir)

Woodman was presented by his great grandson James Triggs. This is what he sent me:

‘So, let me tell you what I know about my Great-Grandfather. ------Woodman George Triggs was born in Lostwithiel in Cornwall in 1876, During his childhood the family moved to Camberwell in London, where in 1902, Woodman married Ada Wright and had a large family of his own including my Grandfather Edmund Charles Triggs in 1908.

Woodman joined the Royal Navy around 1893 still as a boy; he qualified as a diver in 1895 and was awarded The China Medal for his part in suppressing the Boxer rebellion on board HMS Daphne in 1900. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxer_Rebellion

Woodman served on the following vessels: HMS Impregnable HMS Ganges HMS Boscawen HMS Vivid HMS Superb HMS Royal Arthur HMS Pembroke HMS Wildfire HMS Mersey HMS Severn HMS Edgar HMS Daphne HMS Minerva HMS Bedford HMS Aboukir

After 12 years continuous service Woodman was discharged in 1906, and transferred to the Royal Fleet reserve as a Ship's Corporal 1st Class. As a civilian He worked as an enameller/boiler fitter. He was mobilised for active service on the outbreak of WWI: 2nd August 1914, and died just a few weeks later, aged 38, on 22nd September 1914, when torpedoed on-board HMS Aboukir. I have attached photos of Woodman, and the HMS Aboukir, which were sent to my Great Grandmother, and most interestingly a letter written by his best friend "Fitz", who was the last person to see Woodman alive. [I did not see this P Fitzpatrick on your records so maybe another name for you].

I also have attached the last family photo taken of Woodman with his family, which judging from the age of my grandfather (the little boy on the left of the picture who was 6 years old in 1914), must have been taken shortly before Woodman joined HMS Aboukir. ------

Woodman was a Ship’s Corporal 1st Class, and husband of A.E. Triggs, of 20, Dryden Rd, Haydon’s Rd, Wimbledon.

About Richard (Dick) Shilling (HMS Aboukir)

Andy Wiseman discovered our website. And this is the result. ‘My family and I have recently uncovered an old photograph of an ancestor, named Richard 'Dick' Shilling, wearing naval uniform. Personally, I'd never heard of this great great uncle prior to this photo being uncovered. The name on his hat-band (forgive me if that is not correct naval terminology) is clearly 'HMS Aboukir'. I've managed to do some crude research this evening and to my amazement I have found him mentioned on the survivors list (courtesy of Naval.History.net). It would appear that he was a stoker, with the number 166496. I am absolutely astounded and more than a little embarrassed to admit that I had never before tonight heard of the terrible events of 22nd September 1914. To this end, may I congratulate you on the sterling work you are doing to ensure that all of those brave young men or perished on that fateful day, are not forgotten. As much as I would love to one day uncover uncle Dick's memoirs, I very much doubt he ever wrote anything down. Consequently, all I can offer you is a copy of his photograph, if this would be of interest. Of

11 course, if anyone is able to give me ANY other information about Richard 'Dick' Shilling, I would dearly love to hear from them.’

A few days later:

‘Thank-you for your prompt response. As promised, please find attached my picture of Richard 'Dick' Shilling (date unknown). Thanks to the wonders of the internet, I have now managed to uncover some basic information about him, established contact with some other direct descendants and even gained a second picture of him! . At this stage, I know that he was born in Badlemere, Kent on 13th October 1872. He married a Miss Emma Jane Hewitt in 1898. He survived the war and lived at 47, Station Estate in Herne Bay, Kent until his death on 23rd July 1930.

About Frank Douglas (HMS Aboukir)

About Frank I published before, just two lines. Thanks to his great grandson Daniel Douglas Mackay here you can read a lot more:

‘Frank Douglas was my Great Grandfather on my mothers side. My name is Daniel Douglas Mackay. Unusually my parents used my mothers maiden name as my middle name as it doubles as a christian name and surname. Frank was born 10th April 1892 at 30 Rack End in the village of Standlake, he had four brothers and three sisters. His father, John was a shoe maker and his mother Sarah Ford came from Little Coxwell. Frank went to Standlake school and was taught by a Frank Cull. Frank Cull kept lots of information during his teaching years (1890's-1920's) which is now stored in Oxford Achieves. After leaving school at 14 Frank worked as a laborer, game keeper before joining the Royal Navy as a regular "K 12643". His first posting was in September (1-9-1911) and it was the training ship at Chatham the Pembroke, from there he joined the Vulcan a submarine depot ship. He was serving on the Vulcan when the photo attached was taken. From the Vulcan he returned to Chatham again on the Pembroke. His next ship would be the battleship HMS Africa. When Frank joined this ship she had just been fitted with a temporary sea plane runway. Soon he was to find himself back at Chatham again, April 1914 until June where he was AWOL! On reporting back at the start of WW1 he joined the cruiser Aboukir. When the Aboukir was torpedoed Frank was off duty. He went off duty at 4am and was fast asleep in his bunk. He stated that utmost order prevailed on the ship. The men were paraded and at the command leapt into the water. Frank managed to catch hold of some floating timber and after being in the water for nearly an hour was rescued. He was taken Shoetly Hospital suffering from shock. He recovered well and reported himself back on a week later. On the 6th November he joined the Cornwallis a battleship, again as a Stoker, this time he spent a little more time getting to know his ship, until 1917. In 1915 the Cornwallis sailed to Dardanelles and became the first allied ship to open fire (18th Feb 1915). She took part in all operations as well as the final evacuation. In all she fired 500 12inch and 6000 6inch shells. On the 9th January 1917 whilst East of Malta Frank again met with a U-boat and again lost when U32 put three torpedoes in the Cornwallis which sent her to the bottom. Fortunetly all but 15 crew got off the doomed ship. This signaled the end of Franks Naval career and on the 17th December 1917 he left the service, reason for leaving was not given. We believe he was then sent to the Western Front and served with an Artillery battery and thankfully for us he survived. He served a total of 12 years working his way up to Stoker 1st Class a hard a physically demanding role in the ship. His years in the Navy were eventful to say the least.

He married Edith Annie May Combe 18th Feb 1920, she was previously married to a John Bastion but he was injured during WW1 and captured and then died in a PoW camp. They went on to have six boys and one girl. Edith already had four girls from her previous marriage. So frank gained 4 step daughters. What a busy house that must have been!

Stanley, Kenneth, Leslie, Alan, Leonard, Doreen - Rona, Helen, Dorothy and Janet

Sadly on the 16th Febuary 1941 Edith died and later he married again (he said that this was the worst thing he ever did). He married Mark Gillies and they had a son called Robert.

Life must have been very hard for the family pre WW2. Having to raise 4 step daughters, 5 boys and a girl, but then life was hard during that time, I would imagine more so on Frank as being a single parent during the war after his wife died. They never went hungry however, Frank always provided enough food even if it was pheasant or rabbit off the local land owners. In fact he was sacked from his job at Mark Florey's Lincoln farm as he was suspected of of poaching. For many rural area's poaching was just a way of life.

Frank was a pretty good sportsman and played both football and cricket.

That pretty much sums up all the information on Frank in the folder that my Uncle put together on the Douglas family history, I hope you find some of it interesting.’

Frank seated right

About Edward Allen Mercer (HMS Aboukir)

The information about Edward was given by Alan Mercer, and reads:

‘Hi, thanks for your email. We only have the following on our relative so far: Edward Allan Mercer was born 24th Sept 1893, one of 10 children to parents Henry and Amy Mercer at Cranleigh Common, Cranleigh, Surrey. No photo of him in HMS Aboukir uniform exists that we know of but I attached one of him in HMS Vernon uniform

MERCER, Edward A, Stoker 1c, K 14665 ( Po )

Edward A. Mercer is named on the Cranleigh and Southsea War Memorials, We do not know what happened to his friend Bill Clay’.

About Joseph Baldwin Roberts (HMS Aboukir)

This is quite a story, well done by his great granddaughter Carol Martindale.

Joseph Baldwin Roberts: A tale of a Royal Naval Reservist

This is brief history of my Great Grandfather and his family at the start of the Great War. Joe, as he was known, was born at 3, Bear Lane, Christchurch, Surrey on the 14th September 1879 to Thomas Roberts a journey man coppersmith and Mary Ann (nee Baldwin).

He was baptised on 10th March 1880 at Southwark, Christchurch along with a brother Thomas and a sister Clara Maria.

Boy Seaman His naval career begins in May 1895 when he joins the Royal Navy as a 2nd class Bugler boy aged 15years and 8 months. He enlisted for an initial period of 12 years He served on a variety of ships moving up through the ranks to Petty Officer 1st class.

Joseph Baldwin Roberts

Aged about 25

This photograph was taken in Malta when Joe was about 25 The crossed anchors on his left arm show that he had achieved the rank of Petty Officer. The big collars, known as “square rig” (bell bottoms would have been worn as well) shows that he was in his first year as a PO. After a year they would have worn “fore and aft”; the ‘suit’ uniform. The stripe was awarded for 4years good conduct after the age of eighteen. The badge on the right arm shows that he was part of the torpedo and electrics branch. Marriage and family life In the meantime he met his future wife, Grace Isobel Wakelin; the sister of a naval friend. They married at Christchurch, Southwark on 25th October 1903, at the time he was serving on HMS Pembroke.

On 25th August 1905 he purchased his release from the Navy; having served ten of his twelve year term. The next day he signed up with the Royal Fleet Reserve for a term of 5 years. This was common practice at the time.

Civilian life at the Rugby School Home Mission He then began work as a Superintendant/Caretaker for the Rugby School Home Mission in Notting Hill. This was a youth club for disadvantaged children created and supported by Rugby School. The job came with tied cottage and a supply of water, light and coal. This in effect was living over the shop as the accommodation was next door to the Mission in Walmer Road, Notting Hill. He would also sometimes work at the St Mary’s Bay, Kent camp. His family did not go there with him.

Joe as Superintendant with the Rugby School Home Mission at St Mary’s Bay, Kent.

The family increased in size with the arrival of children; Grace Isobel born 1906, Joseph John Thomas 1907, a little girl who did not survive long after birth in 1908, Ivy in 1910 and finally Vic in 1912.

In August 1910 Joe re-enrolled in the Royal Fleet Reserve for another 5 years.

In 1899 two old Rugbeians had bought some land near the seashore with the outbuildings which had been part of the old Coastguard Station. The new buildings they erected became

17 a permanent camp where boys and later girls from Notting Gate and Notting Hill areas of London could come down for a holiday by the sea. It housed up to 100 people at a time

The caretaker’s house was built in 1922 in memory of the 117 gallant members of the Notting Hill Rugby Clubs who were killed in the 1914-18 war.

The Great War. The Great War broke out on the 1st August 1914 and Joe, then aged 35, was called back into service on the 2nd. He joined HMS Aboukir which was part of the7th Cruiser Squadron. The squadrons job was to be a blockading force aiming to close the English Channel to German traffic. It was employed patrolling an area of the North Sea known as the "Broad Fourteens" in support of vessels guarding the northern entrance to the Channel. This squadron was known as “The Live bait Squadron” because the ships were all considered totally unfit to take part in modern warfare at sea, due to their age, lack of speed and modern armaments. The crews were made up of Reservists, such as Joe and inexperienced cadets.

The following are transcripts of letters which were written by Joe over the next 7 weeks. (The originals are still in the families’ possession) The letters show no hint of what was to follow.

Letter 1 (HMS Aboukir) My darling wife and children We are just going into harbour to coal and then off again. How are you all, everything is well with me, under the circumstances, but long for a sight of you all. No news at present, write as often as you can & let me know how things are with you. Fondest love from your loving husband Joe Xxxxx Xxxxx for you all Page 2 If you can find any of the children’s photos what Mr ? took please send them out & if the weather is fine you might ask or Harold to take you all & send me one out.

Letter 2 My dear wife and children How are you all going on. I am rather anxious to know. I trust all is well. Is Ivy’s arm alright? I should like to hear from you. We are not allowed to put the name of the ship on any correspondence but I am still on the same ship as when I went from Chatham. Kiss the dear children for me & tell them Daddy is always thinking of them & I hope to be with you all soon, with fondest love from Daddy Love to all Page 2 Address letter to JB Roberts P.O.1 c/o GPO You know what the name of the ship is so you can fill that part in God bless you all

Letter 3 17th August 1914 My darling wife & children How are you all, I got all your letters together 4 days ago. I am alright & well myself. I am looking forward to seeing you all again. I should dearly love to see you all if only for an hour. We have not the slightest idea how things are going on ashore & we are Page 2 not allowed to write & say where we’ve been or what we are doing. Kiss those darling children for me & tell them that Daddy is forever thinking of them & hope to be with them soon. No news to tell you, hoping that you are keeping well & that the children are behaving themselves. Page 3 So goodnight darling & God bless you

From your loving husband Joe Xxxxxxxxxxx From daddy to you all.

Letter 4 30th August 2014 My dear wife and children I expect we shall be going in somewhere to coal in a day or two, so I am writing now. How are you all, I am thinking of you day & night. I am not allowed to tell you any war news or movements of the fleet so you must wait until I come home for that. I am quite well, plenty of work & occasional excitement Page 2 makes the time fly. Dear Grace I want you to send me 4 penny packets plain postcards, my other shift of underclothes, fountain pen,& that spare white under vest of mine & if you can patch up an extra pair of drawers out of my old ones do so, as they will be very acceptable to wear when we are coaling ship. It does not seem 4 weeks ago today that I left home, time has passed so rapidly. Tell the children we will have a nice tea party when I come home. Page 3 I expect I shall be able to send you a little more money in a week or two. No matter if you hear from me or not I want you to write as often as you can, as we never know when we may come into harbour. Remember me to Tom and ask him to drop me a line. If there is any blotting paper in my desk put a bit in, as we are rather short on board. You might look at my club card in the desk & when I send you some money, if you can spare it Page 4 You might send & pay it, as it will come in handy at Xmas. I will now close with fondest love to you & the children. Your loving husband Joe Xxxx Kiss the children for me & thank Grace and Joe for their nice letters Kindly remember me to? Biggs and all the staff.

The sinking of HMS Aboukir, HMS Hogue and HMS Cressy On patrol on 22nd September were three cruisers of 7th Cruiser Squadron, Aboukir, commanded by Captain J Drummond (senior officer present), Hogue, and Cressy. A fourth cruiser; Euryalus, flagship of squadron commander Rear-Admiral Arthur Christian had returned to port for re-coaling on the 20th, while the squadron's accompanying destroyers had been forced to depart by heavy weather on 17th.

HMS Aboukir

At 06:00 on 22nd September, the weather had calmed and the ships were patrolling the Broad Fourteens. Lookouts were posted for submarine periscopes or ships and one gun either side of each ship was manned. The enemy German submarine U-9 had been ordered to attack British transports at Ostend, but had been forced to dive and shelter from the storm. On surfacing, she spotted the British ships and moved to attack. At 06:20, the submarine fired one torpedo at the nearest ship from a range of 500m, which struck Aboukir on the starboard side, flooding the engine room and causing the ship to stop immediately. No submarines had been sighted, so Drummond assumed that the ship had hit a mine, and ordered the other two cruisers to close in to help. After 25minutes, Aboukir capsized, sinking five minutes later. Only one lifeboat was launched; due to damage from the explosion and failure of steam-powered winches needed to launch them. U-9

She got them all

U-9 surfaced from her dive after firing the initial torpedo to observe two British cruisers engaged in the rescue of men from the sinking ship. Weddigen, the U-9 commanding officer, fired two more torpedoes at his next target, Hogue, from a range of 270m. As the torpedoes left the submarine, her bows rose out of the water and she was spotted by Hogue, which opened fire before the submarine dived. The two torpedoes struck Hogue. Within five minutes Captain Wilmot Nickolson gave the order to abandon ship, and after 10 minutes she capsized before sinking at 07:15.

All attention was now on the Cressy. At 07:20, U-9 fired two torpedoes from her stern torpedo tubes at a range of 910m. One missed, so the submarine turned to face her one remaining bow torpedo toward Cressy, and fired at a range of 500m. Cressy had already seen the submarine so opened fire and attempted to ram, but failed. The ship had then returned to picking up survivors. The first torpedo struck the starboard side at around 07:25, the second the port beam at 07:30. The ship capsized to starboard and floated upside down until 07:55 when she joined her sister ships at the bottom of the sea.

The Final Outcome The action lasted for 2 hours and resulted in the deaths of 1459 sailors, many of whom were either young cadets or older Royal Naval Reservists recalled to duty a short 7 weeks earlier. My Great Granddad Joseph Baldwin Roberts was one of those.

837 sailors were rescued, mainly by a couple of English and Dutch trawlers. A small number of these men had been torpedoed on the Aboukir, rescued and then torpedoed on the Hogue, picked up by the Cressy, again torpedoed and finally safely rescued.

About Charles Valentine Garrod (HMS Aboukir)

From Mr Allan Smith, again a marvellous story:

‘My 'Great Uncle' (my Grandmother's brother), Charles Valentine Garrod, was killed during the sinking of the Aboukir. Charles was a 'career' sailor, and the family have his 'log' from his time patrolling the South China Sea in 1904. However, thus far I have not been able to find any photos of him. I do have a picture of his mother's grave which also remembers Charles.

Charles Valentine Garrod

Born: 16th Nov. 1882 (Service record) Married: Not known, presumed single Died: September 22nd 1914 (whilst on board HMS Aboukir) Brown, Fair hair, 5ft 6” tall, Brown eyes, Fresh complexion (from Service record) Royal Navy service number 200552

He is shown in the 1891 census as age 9, born in Ipswich, and living with his father Charles (age 31), mother Diana (age 29), and his siblings Sidney J (age 9, born in Ipswich), Gertude D (age 6, born in Ipswich), and Edith K (age 1, born in Ipswich). Living at 13 Wells St. Ipswich. Class: RG12; Piece: 1473; Folio 77; Page 24; GSU roll: 6096583 It appears that Charles was a career British Navy sailor, and that he ‘signed up’ 16th Nov. 1900 for 12 years, although he was aboard ship from 1898?

He was assigned to a number of ships: 18th Aug. 1898: HMS Impregnable as a ‘Boy Sailor’ (This was a training ship.)

HMS Impregnable as a training ship, 1896. she was based at Devonport, Plymouth and under the command of Captain D H Bosanuet, the inspecting captain of Boys training ships. She was an old 121 gun ship of 1860.

14th Dec. 1899: HMS Agincourt as a Boy Sailor ?

4th Feb. 1900: HMS Majestic as a Boy Sailor, then as Ordinary Seaman then Able Bodied Seaman.

(He is shown in the 1901 census as age 18, born in Ipswich, single, an Ordinary Seaman, and member of the crew of HMS Majestic, in port in Gibraltar. Class: RG13; Piece: 5327; Folio: 96; Page: 16.)

HMS Majestic was the name ship of the Majestic class of pre-dreadnought battleships. During the First World War she saw service with the Dover Patrol and at the Dardanelles, where she became the only member of the class to be sunk in action. The Majestic was the flagship of the Channel Fleet from 1895-1903. She then served with the Atlantic Fleet (1906) before entering the Commissioned Reserve. From May 1912 she was part of the 3rd Fleet, a reserve formation.

Also on board until his transfer to command Discovery was Scott (of the Antarctic) so may have served together !

13th Dec. 1901: HMS Pembroke as AB (HMS Pembroke was a shore based ‘ship’ at Chatham)

3rd Sep. 1902: HMS Wildfire as AB

23rd Jul. 1903: HMS Pembroke as AB.

25th Feb. 1904: HMS Astrea as AB. HMS Astrea was built at Devonport Dockyard and launched 17th March 1893 and completed 5th November. Served in the China Station in 1906 and went to Colombo in September 1908 and 1901 returning the UK in 1911. Re-commissioned in the 3rd Fleet at the Nore in June 1912. Re-commissioned for cape of Good Hope and West Africa station in April 1913. Bombed Dar-es-Salaam on the 8th August 1914 and blockaded the German Cruiser Konigsburg in the Rufiji Delta. Returned to the UK after the war to be paid off in July 1919 scrapped in Germany 1920

Type Second Class Cruiser, Displacement: 4,360 tons. I.H.P: 7,500 Length: 320 feet. Beam: 49 ft 6 ins. Depth: 19 ft. Speed: 18 - 19.5 knots. Complement: 318. Armament: Two 6 in quick firing guns, eight 4.7 in quick firing guns, ten 6 pdr quick firers, one 3pdr quick firer and four 18 in torpedo tubes.

Some of the crew of Astraea (Compliment 318)

Charle’s ‘Rough log’ (original held by Molly Welton (nee Smith)) shows that he was on board HMS Astraea from 25th Feb 1904 to 19th Sept 1906 patrolling the Mediterranean and China Stations, and details daily life on board ship.

20th Sept. 1906: HMS Terrible as AB.

17th Nov. 1906: HMS Pembroke as AB . 9th Jan. 1907: HMS Wildfire as AB.

16th Feb. 1907: HMS Pembroke as AB.

5th Apr. 1907: HMS Cochrane as AB.

1st Apr. 1909: HMS Berwick as AB.

16th May 1911: HMS Pembroke as AB.

15th Mar. 1912: HMS Glory as AB.

2nd Sep. 1912: HMS Cressy as AB.

14th Nov ? 1912: HMS Pembroke as AB.

At the end of his 12 years, he joined ‘RTR’ ? at Chatham B (dockyard).

The 1st world war broke out on 22nd July 1914, and Charles joined HMS Aboukir on 2nd Aug. 1914 as an AB (over 6 years). He was killed on 22nd Sept. 1914.

There may be an inscription to Charles Valentine on the St. Clements Congregational Church (Back Hamlet, Ipswich) memorial stone. (Not yet checked). He is however noted on his mother’s gravestone.

Note also that his mother died at a relatively young age very shortly after his death (He was one of the ‘early’ deaths of the Great war and amongst the first ever to be killed by a torpedo attack), perhaps there is a connection?

Ipswich ‘old’ cemetery plot X-12-14

His service record (from National Archives, Catalogue Ref. ADM/188/348, Image ref 45) :

About Stephen Creed (HMS Aboukir)

Mr Stephen Hewitt just has this about his great grandfather:

‘My great grandfather Stephen Creed was a Stoker first class and survived the sinking of the Aboukir. Stephen enlisted in 1906 under the assumed name Stephen George Carter, and was recalled from the reserve in 1913.

Stephen does not appear in any list of survivors that I have seen, but his service record confirms service on the Aboukir on the fateful day. I understand that the pay legers kept on shore were not updated with the full complement and some crew did not appear on survivors lists at the time. ‘

About John Edwin Medhurst (HMS Aboukir)

Mrs Tracy Simkins is sad just to know this:

‘My great uncle John Edwin Medhurst was a stoker on the HMS Aboukir and went down with the boat. Would you know where the memorial plaque is. I have recently found his death medal and would like to visit some sort of memorial to all those that lost their lives’.

And I (Henk) can add this: John is buried in Holland, at The Hague General Cemetery, see photograph. He was aged 31 and husband of M.J. Medhurst, of 11, Gillespie Rd, Highbury, London. He served too in the Somaliland Expedition (1902-1904).

About Frank Albert Terry (HMS Aboukir)

Mrs Cheryl Terry wrote:

‘I found your website whilst researching my husband's family tree and I was wondering if you would like to add another name to your society. My husband's Great Uncle FRANK ALBERT TERRY (1893-1914) was a Stoker Ist Class K/15464 on the HMS Aboukir and was killed in action on the 22/09/1914.’ (Henk) I can add: His age was 20, he was a son of Edward and Rosina Terry, of 1, Drivers Cottages, Ham Hill, Snodland, Kent. He was born at Boro’ Green, Kent.

About Arthur Edwin Knights (HMS Aboukir)

Mrs Sue Barrow is a granddaughter of Arthur Knights. 235026. She wrote me: ‘My grandfather appears to be a survivor of the sinking of the Aboukir, according to his service record, which shows him serving on that ship from 29 July 14 to 22 September14 - no mention of the loss of the ship. I would love to find out more about what happened to him, and would appreciate any help you can give for where to look. I cannot attend the event on 22 September but will mark the day.’ In a later mail she adds: ‘Thank you for your interest. I've ordered the book. Happy to be considered a member. Found my grandad's name on the list of survivors, apparently uninjured. My mother recalls that he said he was in the water for about 3 hours. He was posted to HMS Pembroke - shore establishment at Chatham I believe - for nearly a year after the shipwreck.’

About James Conder (HMS Cressy)

‘I came across your website when researching my family history,’ said Sandra Squire, nee Conder,

‘My great grandfather was on HMS Cressy when she was sunk. Thankfully for me, he survived or I wouldn't be here today! I was told the story of the three ships by my father when I was a child and never really believed him or took much notice. It was only when I started researching my family tree now I have children of my own and came across my Great Grandfather's Naval record, that I remembered the story by father told me.

James Conder was born in Feb 1891 in Shillington in Bedfordshire, however he either lied about, or didn't know his date of birth, as when he joined the Navy in 1906, he declared his birth year to be 1888, making him look 18, not the 15 years that he actually was.

He left the Navy in September 1911 but was back in July 1914, when my grandfather was 18 days old! We are lucky indeed that he survived the sinking of the Cressy, I take it that he can't have been on duty at that particular time as there were very few stokers that survived. He eventually died in 1959, sadly long before I was born.

As I was growing up, I learned about the sinking of the Cressy, Aboukir and Hogue from my father. He had a large framed picture of the sinking on the wall in the lounge and would simply tell me that my great grandfather was on one of the ships. It wasn't until I got older and started researching family history that I found he had been telling the truth! I downloaded a copy of James Conder's Naval Record (attached), not that I understand or can read most of it, but it's still nice to have! There seem to be an awful lot of entries on it. It is in 2 parts, it comes with some records for other men and then right at the bottom is another entry. (Henk: indeed extremely difficult to read, so no picture of it)

I've also attached a portrait that my Uncle gave me of James Conder and my Grandfather Richard, who later went on to join the Fleet Air Arm in WW2. We believe the photograph to have been taken in about 1918 but we aren't sure.

About George John Blandford (HMS Cressy)

This email about George was quite sober. ‘My great grandmothers brother was chief armourer on the Cressy, his name was George Blandford. I am a Blandford because my grand father was illegitimate.’ By Mr Mike Blandford.

So this is what I managed to find about him: ‘Chief armoourer, 340800, Royal Navy, Age 38, Son of Martin and Louisa Blandford, of Gosport.’

About Walter Charles Nelson Hall (HMS Cressy)

Simon Dale sent this, quite interesting.

‘My great great Uncle Walter Charles Nelson Hall was a leading cooks mate on the Cressy. I have some postcards from him to his fiance and one of these has a picture of the Cressy on the front and another has a selection of naval vessels on the front.

‘Here are some details about Walter, we have a photo of a man in naval uniform but we are not sure it is him. Walter Charles Nelson Hall was my great great Uncle and he served on the HMS Cressy as a Leading Cooks Mate. He was born in 1891 and was the sixth child of William and Elizabeth. He was engaged to Maud Bunn and we are lucky enough to have the postcards he sent her during his time in the navy. He joined the navy in 1909 and joined the Cressy on 30 July 1914. ‘

About two brothers: James William and Thomas Joseph Hussey (HMS Cressy)

My conversation with Mrs Betty Cole started 3rd December 2012. And the First ending was ultimate January 2013. It shows that research can be very rewarding, but disappointing too. Her emails to me:

‘Hello Henk, I am the membership secretary of Friends of Medway Archives and through them I have heard of your interest and research into the three ships which were sunk in 1914. I have recently been looking at some documents at Medway Archives which have only recently come into their possession. In particular a school log book from that period. The school was St Mary's which was (and still is) next to Chatham Town Hall. (For some time now it has been a military recruiting office). However, an entry in 1914 states that two school rooms were set aside for the wives of sailors who were waiting to hear the fate of their husbands.

If you are interested when I go back to the archives I will make a note of the exact date and an exact quote with references. No doubt these were the wives of those who went down on those ships. Incidentally my mother's father was killed in the first world war on the Western Front and she was put into an orphanage in Gillingham which was run by The Royal Naval Benevolent Fund and she told me that a lot of the orphans had fathers on those ships. There are documents of admission and discharge for the orphanage in the archives.’

Followed later on by these:

‘I am trying to find some other descendants for you. My ex-husband's mother was a 'Hussey'. Her father was a Royal Marine died later whilst still in service but two of his brothers went down on one of the ships. They were Pte. James Hussey and Pte Thomas Hussey. Their photographs are among those featured in a full page spread in the local newspaper in October 1914. Both were Royal Marines and each left seven dependents. I know some of their children were in the orphanage with my mother. I will see if I can find any living descendants of those two men.’

‘Now the festivities are over I have booked a table at the archives tomorrow so hope to send some information to you tomorrow or Saturday morning. This will be about the classrooms set aside for the women to wait for news of their husbands. It will take me longer to do some research on the children's home but I aim to get on with that from tomorrow. Best wishes and Happy 2013’

‘Bad news on both efforts I am afraid. The entry in the school log which I had seen said "The attendance this week has been very bad, Av.179 76%. Many children are absent through the excitement caused by the war. Dr. Burr called. Two of the rooms have been given up for the use of sailors' wives who are waiting for news of their relations at the Town Hall. Some of the girls are in the infants class room." Unfortunately, this entry was dated August 7th 1914.

So it wasn't after the sinking of the three ships which you are researching. I looked at the newspapers for August 1914 and it would seem these women were waiting for news of relations on the HMS Amphion which I believe may have been the first British ship lost in the war with the loss of 150 men. It was built in Chatham so probably a lot of the men were from the Medway Towns.

I then put in a request for the documents relating to the orphanage in which my mother spent seven years. It was called The Nore Orphanage. I was going to look up the admission book to see which children had lost their fathers in the three ships disaster. I was unable to do this as it was embargoed. Some of the entries go up to the 1920s and the 100 year rule applies to the last date. I had planned to do an article on the orphanage for our journal but now cannot as I am not allowed access. I believe that a family descendant can probably apply to look at the archive. Sorry to be such a disappointment.’

‘I was over at the archives yesterday and now was allowed access to certain pages of the Admission/Discharge book. I found only 11 admissions of children whose fathers were "drowned on the Cressy". Eight were girls and three boys. No admissions referred to the other two ships at all i.e. Aboukir and Hogue. The children were not admitted to the orphanage immediately after the disaster. Of the 11 children admitted the earliest was 7th June 1915 and the latest 4th September 1922. This may have been because they were not of the right age as I know there were no babies or very young children taken in. The ages of the children mentioned ranged from 5 to 12. The later admissions could have been because by then the mother may also have died. The boys were not admitted to The Nore Orphanage although they are in the admission book. They were sent on to the Swanley Home for Little Boys. I don't think there is a lot more I can tell you but I hope it helps.’

That was it, for over a year, she resumed with this one, dated 20 June 2014.

‘Hello Henk I don't know if you remember my name. I have been in touch with you before about the children that may have gone to The Nore Orphanage in Gillingham. Since communicating with you I have found that my daughters and their children are directly descended from the Hussey brothers who went down on The Cressy. The two that went down on the ship were my ex-husband's great grandfather and the brother of that person. Therefore my children and their children (but not me) are direct descendants. I know my daughter has asked at her children's school if they would be allowed to have the Monday off school to attend the ceremony and the head teacher was quite keen. I assume they have to book a place and if so how long have they got to do this. They don't live locally so it would depend on having transport so hopefully my daughter's husband can also get the day off. Betty from Chatham in Kent

A few days later followed by:

‘Attached are two articles which were printed in our local newspaper about the Hussey family. My daughters and I know very little about them as they were my husband's ancestors and he left us many years ago although we maintain friendly terms. My mother in law (born Agnes Kathleen Hussey) was the daughter of the younger Hussey (first left on bottom row) and the granddaughter of the first in the top row. The first two on the top row are the brothers who went down on the Cressy. Unfortunately my mother in law died in the 60s so unable to ask her anything. Because the newspaper article is difficult to read the second attachment is a transcription. Hope you find this useful.’

Betty Cole did a great job, indeed.

About George Henry Perry (HMS Cressy)

From Mrs Emma Cotter, nee Perry:

‘I am putting together a paper in remembrance of my Great Grandfathers centenary passing on HMS Cressy. His name is George Henry Perry and he was a lead stoker on the ship. He died that day and none of our family ever knew him. My great grandmother was pregnant with my grandfather at the time and remarried very quickly after his death. When my grandfather was born, he was named after his father and we kept the family name (my maiden name being Perry also.) I am really interesting in hearing more and although I grew up in the Medway towns, I am now on the Isle of Wight, so visiting is a bit of an issue, but I just wanted to touch base as I see from the newspaper articles that you were in search of relatives of the fallen. Also, if you have any information on my grandfather within your research, I would really appreciate anything you have on him.’

Henk’s addition: Age 24, Husband of Margareth Bevan (formerly Perry), of 95, Gordon Road, Rosherville, Northfleet, Gravesend, Kent.

About Harry Bray Harris (HMS Cressy)

It was Simon Harris who sent me these emails: ‘I have just come across your website. I thought I would make contact as my grandafther was on the Cressy when it was sank - apparently hung on to a door and was rescued and taken to Newcastle where he was nursed by the woman that became my grandmother. I was born after both of their deaths - but continue to research my family. When I retire (soon) I can intensify the research! Happy if you want to contact me - I do have one or two nice pictures of Harry Bray Harris.’

And:

‘I have my grandfather’s service record and will review it when I have more time. His name was Harry Bray Harris – recalled from the reserves and a Petty Officer. I have some good photos when he was in his Cressy uniform. I have not undertaken sufficient research to piece together his WWI career – though I understand that he went to work in Dover castle in 1915. I would be fascinated to k now if he was taken to Holland when he was rescued.’

Henk: And that ended our conversation. A pity. But who knows?

About Coulson Henry Crascall (HMS Cressy)

Marilyn Stephenson – Knight wrote: ‘Indeed, yes, my uncle, Coulson Henry Crascall (known as "Harry"), was lost with the "Live Bait" Squadron in September 1914.

I don't have a photo of him - I wish I did. I do have a little information about him - Harry was born on 15 September 1878 at Dover, the son of Henry Crascall, a printer, and his wife Margaret. From his naval record I know that he was 5 feet 6 inches tall, had brown hair and blue eyes, and a tattoo of HC on his left arm. Before he joined the Navy he had been working as a barber. He lost his life with HMS Cressy.

When he died, Harry had been living at 10 Percival Terrace, Dover. In the 1881 census he was listed at his grandparents' house, Alfred and Hannah Uden, at 9 Military Road, Dover. The 1901 census showed him as a 24 year old seaman in Dover. In 1907 he married Charlotte Ann Hedgecock, and in 1911 the couple were living at 28 Douglas Road. Very sadly, less than a year after Harry died, Charlotte Crascall was found in the street and, when told to go home, stated that she had no home to go to. However, in 1916 she did remarry, to a Mr Parker. Harry Crascall is commemorated on the Town Memorial in Dover, and also at his church, Christchurch, Hougham, Dover. Also named on both memorials is his brother, Eddie, who was killed in 1917 in France. Several other brothers served in the Great War, one with Canadian forces. Harry's first name, Coulson, is an ancestral name, given to the first-born son of each generation. After Harry lost his life with the Live Bait Squadron, the forename Coulson was never used again. Thus a 400-year old tradition came to an end with Harry's death.’

About William J. Potter (HMS Cressy)

Stuart Heaver wrote me several times. And that means serious business! He is quite a storyteller!

‘It took me two decades to make the short trip to the Suffolk coast and when I did it opened the lid on stories about my family, war, the sea and the tragic story of HMS Cressy. I had always been vaguely curious about why I was the only member of my family with any Naval and seafaring ambitions (I was a RN officer for ten years and remain a keen sailor, diver and maritime journalist). About twenty years ago, over a cup of tea, my Father let slip that his Mother's family (the Potters) were from Dunwich and that his Uncles were mostly fishermen and sailors, many of whom had served in the Royal Navy in World War One. I thought it might be worth making a short trip to trace my seafaring ancestors one day.

Last month, (Henk: June 2014) I finally decided to make the trip to Dunwich, the town that was reclaimed by the sea, only because my wife and I were scheduled to be in Hong Kong and had rented out our house in Whitstable to holiday makers. When our trip was cancelled, we found ourselves homeless in England for a week, so it seemed to the perfect opportunity to make the long postponed pilgrimage. My cousin, David furnished me with some basic family background and suggested a stop en route at the pretty Village of Westleton just 3 miles inland from Dunwich, which he discovered was once the home of my paternal Grandmother, Lily Louisa May Potter. Nanna as we all called her had been a big influence in my early life and her small house in a Kent village has always been called Dunwich and still is today.

A wonderful lunch of dressed Cromer crab washed down by a pint of the delightful local Adnams ale at the Crown Inn in Westleton, fuelled my desire to undertake some light- hearted research into the seafaring Potters. Stepping confidently across the sunny street to the modest war memorial located outside the Village Hall, I was not to be disappointed.

On the list of the 18 men from the Village who lost their lives in the great war was Able Seaman William John Potter who died in HMS Cressy 22 September 1914, just seven weeks after the outbreak of war. Remarkably, one other young man from the same village, David Spindler, was lost in the same ship on the same day. Two lads from the same Village serving on the same ship must have been mates and my gentle curiosity was gradually hardening into something more substantial.

Stumbling aimlessly around the graveyard of St Peters Church in the brilliant afternoon sunshine, peering at headstones and trying to decipher the weather worn names and inscriptions through the moss and lichen, my thoughts of HMS Cressy were interrupted by the sound of a man shouting at me. "Are you looking for anyone in particular," enquired a tall elderly man who I assumed must be the church warden. "I am looking for my great grandparents, the Potters" I replied not expecting any sort of positive reaction but hoping at least to establish that my motives were at least benign. Instead, the very kind Peter Hecker beckoned me inside the cool interior of the church to examine the official list of graves and it revealed five Potters including my great- grandparents (Able Seaman William's parents). The grave was a modest headstone marking a double plot a just few steps from the church porch. Peter also went home and returned with a copy the official book of graveyard inscriptions which includes research into the men of Westleton, lost in the great war.

My heart started to beat faster and it was not the effect of the lunchtime Adnams. There was an entire page dedicated to my great Uncle and the story of the loss of HMS Cressy. He was born in Frostenden (near Southwold) in 1891 the second eldest of fourteen children and by the 1901 census he was already serving in an RN ship based in Malta. So great-uncle William (Bill?) was not a young conscript or a patriotic war volunteer. He had joined the Navy, as a career choice and no doubt to relieve the economic burden on his family, long before the outbreak of war. By September 1914, William was an experienced leading seamen, an old sea dog with at least thirteen years service including time in the Mediterranean.

His shipmate from the same village, David S Spindler was older. Born in 1876 and had left the village to marry and bring up three children in Kessingland working like many local men as a fisherman, either in the typical long-shore style clinker built boats dragged up on the local beaches, or with the booming herring fleet in Lowestoft. He was a Stoker first-class, when at the age of 38, he went down with the Cressy. Stokers had almost no chance of survival from a successful torpedo attack working many decks down below the water line in the engine rooms and boiler spaces of the ship.

In the space of less than two hours, I had established this personal connection with a great Naval tragedy and one which I had never heard of before. There were two other ships than

42 were sunk by the same German U-boat attack that day; HMS Aboukir and HMS Hogue. The total loss of life in the chilly waters of the North Sea, just off the coast of Holland was a staggering 1,459 hands. It must have been a massive blow for morale in the early days of the war and to the invincible reputation of the Royal Navy. Not to mention a great loss for one small village in Suffolk. Is this the reason why the story is not more widely known? Was it hushed up or played down? Why were the ships not zig-zagging which was (and still is) standard anti-submarine tactics for surface ships on patrol and were they really just being used as bait to coax the German fleet out into the open sea? And the Cressy was a Chatham based ship. Uncle William is also commemorated on the war memorial in the dockyard at former HMS Pembroke, where I once served as a young midshipmen and to my shame, did not even stop to look carefully at the names.

And Chatham might be the link between the seafaring Suffolk arm of my family (the Potters) and the Kent landsmen, (the Heavers) many of whom served in the West Kent regiment in the First World War. My grandmother married a Heaver from Kent and her brother (another sailor, Tosh Potter) married my grandfathers sister (Girtrude Heaver). Could HMS Cressy be responsible for my DNA? I told my dad about my trip last week. He is 87 now and thought he doesn't miss much his memory is not as razor sharp as it once was. "Ah yes" he said "I remember your uncle Tosh always had a picture of HMS Cressy on his wall". "Why Dad? Did he serve in the Cressy or was it because of the death of his brother William?" "Sorry,I can't remember," said my Dad .

Lets hope someone out there can.’

About Thomas Tranter Keates (HMS Cressy)

Richard Grint and his wife Diana presented Thomas Keates (July 2014).

‘My wife and I wish to attend and take part in these events in memory of my grandfather stoker no1 Thomas Tranter Keates, and this major terrible happening. We are interested in taking part in the ceremonies in Holland. With respect to my grandfather, I do have his war medal but his certificate from the King was stolen/disappeared from the family home after my mother died. My mother was young when he was killed and this completely changed her life and upbringing. His family ownned hotel incling the York hotel next to the Naval hospital on the promenade at Gt.Yarmouth Perhaps this is why he was in the Navy.’

And that is all I have about Thomas, it is a pity. Diana and Richard attended indeed, in Holland too. And very proudly wore on every occasion his granddad’s medal.

About Frank Pankhurst (HMS Cressy)

John Pankhurst was very brief, but has a lot to come for us, so it seems.....

‘Relative of Able Seaman Frank Pankhurst aboard the HMS Cressie. He was picked up and survived. Frank went on to have 9 children of which 5 remain across the world. I (john) am Franks grandson. Frank died in 1976 after living in Longfield and Dartford in Kent. There are many grandchildren and great grand children and great great grandchildren. We have lots of photos to share’.

Henk: So, John, why not?

About John Thomas Ellis (HMS Cressy)

Adam Ellis wrote me (August 2014) ‘Hello, I'm looking for any pictures or info of my great great uncle, "John Thomas Ellis" Stoker 1st class who served and was killed on HMS Cressy. This is of great meaning to myself and my family and would appreciate anything.’

My answer: ‘no, sorry, I have not’.

His reaction: ‘I purchased your book the other day and will start reading it this weekend. I wondered if you could help with a picture of my great Uncle "John Thomas Ellis" he was a stoker 1st class. I am desperate for a photo but have come to many dead ends. I hope you can help.’ And there ended our conversation.

Who can help him? For your information this: John Thomas Ellis, Stoker 1st Class, SS/106864, RFR/CH/B/9481). Royal Navy. Age 28. Son of Harriet Ellis, of 26, Crown St. Blue Bell Hill, Nottingham and the late Thomas Murden Ellis.

About Ernest Thundercliffe (HMS Hogue)

Mrs Yvonne Ohanlon and Mr A. Shaw mailed me this (July 2014):

‘We are very thankful that you are keeping the memory of this terrible day alive and not letting the names of those who gave so much disappear forever. We are pleased that Ernest Thundercliffe will be remembered with all those who served, those who survived that tragic day and those like Ernest, who payed the ultimate price. We would love to be part of the society and thank you for the kind invitation, but, we are sorry to say- that we will not be able to make it to the centenary events-although they will not be far from our thoughts.

My name is Yvonne and Ernest Thundercliffe was my Gt,Gt Uncle, and my Father,s- Mr Alan Shaw,s Great Uncle . We have found out some more information on Ernest Thundercliffe . He was born on the 3rd of May 1892,and was the son of George E and Amelia Thundercliffe of 9,Hedderley St,Union, Rd ,Nottingham. We have included photographs of them and of Ernest also his service record and his name on the Portsmouth memorial .

Ernest Thundercliffe K/8086 enlisted to join the Royal Navy on the 27th of August 1910. He served on a number of ships ,these are listed on his record of service (please see attached record)His last two were the Victory 11 and then the Hogue where unfortunately he lost his life..He was a stoker 1st class and died at the age of 22 years on H.M.S Hogue. We are glad that the centenary will honour them and remember all those who gave so much. We will keep you updated on any new information when we find it.’

Henk: I received the photo’s but could not usethe, a pity.

About John Street (HMS Hogue)

Jo (Josephine) Snellings (formerly Street) wrote: ‘My Paternal Grandfather served on the Hogue and survived the sinking. We believe he was taken to Holland, although we haven’t been able to find out which ship he was picked up by. His name was John Street, Able Seaman, 216468. I have photo’s of him and I understand these are also being collected for the commemorations, I can send this on in the next few days.

‘As promised, please find attached photo and brief information about my Grandfather. About John Street, HMS Hogue, Able Seaman, 216468 Born 4th May 1884 in Ealing, London Married Ethel Robinson 14th May 1910, John was aged 25 years and Ethel was 26 years when they married. John’s place of residence at time of marriage was on HMS Dasher, Chatham. Ethel was living at 1 Coronation Road, Chatham. John’s father was James Street (a labourer) John’s wife Ethel died 25th December 1914 aged 31 years John died 27th July 1926 aged 42.

He joined the Navy at the age of 14 and served for 24 years including the whole period of the First World War. His regular service ended in May 1914, but he rejoined as a reservist on the outbreak of war and was serving on HMS Hogue at the time of the disaster, he was rescued (name of rescue ship unknown to the family) and transferred to the Shannon and afterwards to another ship. Subsequently he took part in the Battle of Jutland and in several other North Sea engagements. Demobilised in 1919 he was employed as a Porter at Paddington Post Office. He was married twice, his first wife Ethel passed away on 25th December 1914 aged 31 years when their son Alfred was only 14 months old. John was survived by his second wife, Beatrice.’

About Alfred Albert Dunn (HMS Hogue)

Sent by John Dunn: ‘I have just found your society and newsletters online this morning. I am glad to discover your existence as a society. My grandfather Alfred Albert Dunn RNR was a stoker on HMS Hogue and died on that fateful morning in September leaving a wife and three children (Joseph, Frances & Mary). Joseph was my father. I have the memorial scroll that was sent to my grandmother after the war ended. For years my brother and I tried to find his name on the war memorials in Plymouth and Portsmouth. It was only in the last ten years that I discovered that there was a memorial in Chatham and have visited it myself.’

Henk: This is what I have about him: Alfred Dunn, 1794S, Royal Naval Reserve. Age 30. Son of Joseph and Frances Dunn, husband of Mrs W. Peacock (formerly Dunn), of 26, Mortimer St., Blackhill, Co. Durham. Native of Stockton-on-Tees.’

About Arthur Brayshaw, alias Lawrence Barnes (HMS Hogue)

Mrs Jill Brayshaw wrote me: ‘I was wondering if anyone could help me on this one. I'm doing the usual family tree searching, and it took me quite a while to find this one as he was recorded as his alias Lawrence Barnes. I found him on a list of survivors on the HMS Hogue. Brayshaw, Arthur, Private, RMLI, 16793 (CH) So I searched his register number to find Lawrence Barnes and the attached record.

Why would he have used an alias throughout his service? Also, would he have continued to use this name after he left the Marines? I would like to know a little more about this man except his picture and service record and was wondering if anyone here would be able to assist?

‘Hello Henk ‘Thank you so much for your reply it was good to hear from you. Arthur Brayshaw is my husbands grand uncle and I have a photo.

Arthur came from Sheffield Yorkshire, which is where all the family still live. We found he had an alias, Lawrence Barnes, by accident while my son was researching our family tree. We can't trace any movements of him after his survival, under either name.

I would love you to include Arthur in your Bulletins, I am sorry I know nothing else about him.’

And: ‘Information coming in tonight, just as a matter of interest. Laurence Barnes alias Arthur Brayshaw: Royal Marine Service Record Date of Birth: 1st August 1892 Place of Birth: St Philips, Sheffield, Yorkshire Occupation: Stone Polisher Joined: 10th September 1910 Where enlisted: Nottingham Religion: Church of England Age at enlistment: 18 years’