Cantick ''whaler'' tragedy.
10th August 1918.
The Loss
On the 10th of August 1918 a group of four people took a whaler from the hospital ship HMHS China. They sailed out from Longhope Bay where HMHS China was anchored and went east off the island of Switha to go fishing. On board the boat were Surgeon Lionel Martin, Dental Surgeon Herbert Marshall, Nursing Sister Louisa Chamberlain and 3rd Officer Cyril Le Gai Hayward.
The tide in the area was very strong and appears to have caught the small vessel and drove it into the defensive minefield. The boat struck one of the mines resulting in a large explosion which destroyed the boat killing everyone on board.
No bodies were recovered but a memorial headstone was erected in the Lyness Cemetery.
The tide in the area was very strong and appears to have caught the small vessel and drove it into the defensive minefield. The boat struck one of the mines resulting in a large explosion which destroyed the boat killing everyone on board.
No bodies were recovered but a memorial headstone was erected in the Lyness Cemetery.
Royal Navy whaler
Arbroath Herald and Advertiser for the Montrose Burghs - Friday 05 September 1930
In the summer of 1918, readers of these pages will already know that the writer was stationed at Scapa Flow; and those who read in the “Herald” some ten years ago the papers describing that great harbour, will recollect that the harbour had two southern entrances —one between the islands of South Ronaldsay and Flotta, and the other between Flotta and South Walls. The central island. Flotta. being a little further north than the other two, the situation these islands on the southern side forms big bay. near the centre of which lies the small island of Switha. The eastern extremity of South Walls is known Cantick Head, and between this head and Switha a channel leading straight from the Pentland Firth into the ‘’Flow.” During the war, however, this channel was a mass of floating mines, the orthodox passage being to the east of Switha. With the rise and fall of the tides, a strong current usually is running in this once mined channel. One Saturday afternoon the year alluded to. I was landing from a motor boat at Longhope pier South Walls some two miles distant from Cantick Head. Just as the boat touched the pier a terrific noise came from Cantick direction, some two miles distant. So great was the report that I actually felt a tremble on the boat I was standing in. I turned my head toward the direction the sound came from and saw a huge column of water thrown high the air. “Another mine burst.” said I, and thought no more about it. On re-joining my ship that evening I soon learned the cause of the explosion. Half a mile or so from the scene of the explosion, there was moored P. & O. liner, the s.s. “China,” which had been commandeered for service a hospital ship. From the “ China” there had gone in a rowing boat, a party of four, no doubt with the intention of landing one or other of the islands. The party was composed of a doctor, a dentist, nurse, and a ship’s officer. Whether they had wrongly guessed the strength of the current, or been unaware the proximity of the mines, I suppose, will never he known. One thing at least was sure, not a particle of boat or occupants was ever seen. One remark only remains be added—it was the dentist’s twenty-fourth birthday.
On April 7th, 1919. was demobilised at Chatham, and being at liberty with a month’s holiday thrown in. I decided to renew old acquaintances journey north, and spent a day or two at Sandford. In passing along the street where Ebenezer Chapel was situated, I chanced to meet the old caretaker, and in the course of a long chat, he informed me that the dwelling house adjoining the chapel had been purchased by Mr Marsh, the draper. It and been converted into an institute for the benefit of the chapel folks. It had been named the Marsh Memorial Institute in memory of his son who had been killed in the war. ‘’One of the boys” I remarked, “of my old Sunday school class.” That evening I resolved call at Mr Marsh’s house and express sorrow at their loss and also my appreciation the Institute. On calling found Mrs Marsh only was in. and as of old, I was made very welcome. We conversed a long time where her son was alluded to. She informed me that Tom (her son) had gone through his course as a dentist and having finished, offered his services to the Royal Navy. After serving for some time on the “Garth Castle,” he had been transferred to the “China.” “You see’’ continued the grief-stricken mother, ‘’the Germans sunk hospital ships and everything without warning, and I suppose the “China” had gone with the rest. The Admiralty merely said he had died for his King and country. Oh I would like to know a little more the details.” and she burst into sobs at the last sentence. I had not only lost a former Sunday scholar, but actually seen him blown to smithereens: - and been unaware of it. My face flushed up—l felt it. but fortunately the distressed lady didn’t look up. ‘’Well’’ said I, consolingly, “what our Father. conceals from us. is better not known.” By the time the bereaved mother had come to herself somewhat, my face had come back to normal, and I left that house thankful I did not have divulge my secret.
Note: There was no Tom Marsh on the Whaler but Herbert Marshall, Dentist.
In the summer of 1918, readers of these pages will already know that the writer was stationed at Scapa Flow; and those who read in the “Herald” some ten years ago the papers describing that great harbour, will recollect that the harbour had two southern entrances —one between the islands of South Ronaldsay and Flotta, and the other between Flotta and South Walls. The central island. Flotta. being a little further north than the other two, the situation these islands on the southern side forms big bay. near the centre of which lies the small island of Switha. The eastern extremity of South Walls is known Cantick Head, and between this head and Switha a channel leading straight from the Pentland Firth into the ‘’Flow.” During the war, however, this channel was a mass of floating mines, the orthodox passage being to the east of Switha. With the rise and fall of the tides, a strong current usually is running in this once mined channel. One Saturday afternoon the year alluded to. I was landing from a motor boat at Longhope pier South Walls some two miles distant from Cantick Head. Just as the boat touched the pier a terrific noise came from Cantick direction, some two miles distant. So great was the report that I actually felt a tremble on the boat I was standing in. I turned my head toward the direction the sound came from and saw a huge column of water thrown high the air. “Another mine burst.” said I, and thought no more about it. On re-joining my ship that evening I soon learned the cause of the explosion. Half a mile or so from the scene of the explosion, there was moored P. & O. liner, the s.s. “China,” which had been commandeered for service a hospital ship. From the “ China” there had gone in a rowing boat, a party of four, no doubt with the intention of landing one or other of the islands. The party was composed of a doctor, a dentist, nurse, and a ship’s officer. Whether they had wrongly guessed the strength of the current, or been unaware the proximity of the mines, I suppose, will never he known. One thing at least was sure, not a particle of boat or occupants was ever seen. One remark only remains be added—it was the dentist’s twenty-fourth birthday.
On April 7th, 1919. was demobilised at Chatham, and being at liberty with a month’s holiday thrown in. I decided to renew old acquaintances journey north, and spent a day or two at Sandford. In passing along the street where Ebenezer Chapel was situated, I chanced to meet the old caretaker, and in the course of a long chat, he informed me that the dwelling house adjoining the chapel had been purchased by Mr Marsh, the draper. It and been converted into an institute for the benefit of the chapel folks. It had been named the Marsh Memorial Institute in memory of his son who had been killed in the war. ‘’One of the boys” I remarked, “of my old Sunday school class.” That evening I resolved call at Mr Marsh’s house and express sorrow at their loss and also my appreciation the Institute. On calling found Mrs Marsh only was in. and as of old, I was made very welcome. We conversed a long time where her son was alluded to. She informed me that Tom (her son) had gone through his course as a dentist and having finished, offered his services to the Royal Navy. After serving for some time on the “Garth Castle,” he had been transferred to the “China.” “You see’’ continued the grief-stricken mother, ‘’the Germans sunk hospital ships and everything without warning, and I suppose the “China” had gone with the rest. The Admiralty merely said he had died for his King and country. Oh I would like to know a little more the details.” and she burst into sobs at the last sentence. I had not only lost a former Sunday scholar, but actually seen him blown to smithereens: - and been unaware of it. My face flushed up—l felt it. but fortunately the distressed lady didn’t look up. ‘’Well’’ said I, consolingly, “what our Father. conceals from us. is better not known.” By the time the bereaved mother had come to herself somewhat, my face had come back to normal, and I left that house thankful I did not have divulge my secret.
Note: There was no Tom Marsh on the Whaler but Herbert Marshall, Dentist.
Hospital Ship H.M.H.S China
Those Lost
Name - Martin. Lionel Arthur
DOB - 26th May 1887 •
Place of Birth - Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset
Parents - Son of Edward Fuller Martin & Florence Amey Tucker, 7 Royal Terrace, Weston-Super-Mare.
Early History -
Rank - Surgeon
Service History - Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial & Lyness Cemetery
DOB - 26th May 1887 •
Place of Birth - Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset
Parents - Son of Edward Fuller Martin & Florence Amey Tucker, 7 Royal Terrace, Weston-Super-Mare.
Early History -
Rank - Surgeon
Service History - Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial & Lyness Cemetery
Western Daily Press - Saturday 17 August 1918
WESTON NAVAL SURGEON'S DEATH. Much sorrow has been created Weston-super-Mare by the receipt of tidings that Surgeon Lionel A. Martin, youngest son of Dr E. F. Martin, has been killed as the result of an accident to a boat of the hospital ship in which he was serving. He matriculated the University of London, and when in residence as house physician at University College Hospital. London, and the eve of taking his filial examination for the M.B , London, joined the Navy as surgeon in the first few days of the war. Writing of him his senior medical officer stages: : ‘’ He had done splendid work, and 1 had also found his value as an organiser in working the sick-bay staff and looking after the general administration of the hospital," .while another officer stated: "The splendid success he had in the X-ray department made the envy of other hospital ships. and it was all due to his untiring energy and perseverance." The deceased officer was 31 years of age.
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Saturday 24 August 1918
THE LATE SURGEON MARTIN, R.N. Mr. J. Alton Tucker, J.P., of Green Park, has heard with deep regret that his nephew, Surgeon Lionel Arthur Martin, R.N., was accidentally killed at sea August 10th. He was the youngest son of Dr E F. Martin, of Royal Terrace, Weston-Super-Mare. his mother, the late Mrs. Martin, being Mr. Tucker's sister. Educated St. Peter's, Weston, and University Cottage Hospital, he was doing well in his profession when war broke out, and he volunteered as a naval surgeon. His two brothers, also medical men, are both serving, Major Kenneth Martin, and Capt. Philip Martin. M.C
WESTON NAVAL SURGEON'S DEATH. Much sorrow has been created Weston-super-Mare by the receipt of tidings that Surgeon Lionel A. Martin, youngest son of Dr E. F. Martin, has been killed as the result of an accident to a boat of the hospital ship in which he was serving. He matriculated the University of London, and when in residence as house physician at University College Hospital. London, and the eve of taking his filial examination for the M.B , London, joined the Navy as surgeon in the first few days of the war. Writing of him his senior medical officer stages: : ‘’ He had done splendid work, and 1 had also found his value as an organiser in working the sick-bay staff and looking after the general administration of the hospital," .while another officer stated: "The splendid success he had in the X-ray department made the envy of other hospital ships. and it was all due to his untiring energy and perseverance." The deceased officer was 31 years of age.
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Saturday 24 August 1918
THE LATE SURGEON MARTIN, R.N. Mr. J. Alton Tucker, J.P., of Green Park, has heard with deep regret that his nephew, Surgeon Lionel Arthur Martin, R.N., was accidentally killed at sea August 10th. He was the youngest son of Dr E F. Martin, of Royal Terrace, Weston-Super-Mare. his mother, the late Mrs. Martin, being Mr. Tucker's sister. Educated St. Peter's, Weston, and University Cottage Hospital, he was doing well in his profession when war broke out, and he volunteered as a naval surgeon. His two brothers, also medical men, are both serving, Major Kenneth Martin, and Capt. Philip Martin. M.C
Civil & Military Gazette (Lahore) - Saturday 24 August 1918
NAVAL CASULTIES.
London, Aug. 15. —the following list of naval is published :
Surgeon Lionel A. Martin, R.N
Dental Surgeon Herbert Marshall R.N.V.R.
NAVAL CASULTIES.
London, Aug. 15. —the following list of naval is published :
Surgeon Lionel A. Martin, R.N
Dental Surgeon Herbert Marshall R.N.V.R.
Sources:
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Name - Marshall. Herbert Myers,
DOB - 5th July 1895
Place of Birth - Sunderland, Durham.
Parents - Son of Septimus Marshall & Margaret Myers.
Early History -
Rank - Dental Surgeon
Service History - Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial & Lyness Cemetery
Newcastle Journal - Thursday 15 August 1918
ROLL OF HONOUR. OFFICERS. DENTAL SURGEON H MARSHALL. News is to hand of the death, as the result of an explosion on board one of H.M. ships, of Dental Surgeon Herbert Myers Marshall , youngest son of Mr Marshall, Oakhurst, Sunderland. The deceased obtained his D.L.S. degree Guy’s Hospital, London.
Civil & Military Gazette (Lahore) - Saturday 24 August 1918
NAVAL CASULTIES.
London, Aug. 15. —the following list of naval is published :
Surgeon Lionel A. Martin, R.N
Dental Surgeon Herbert Marshall R.N.V.R.
DOB - 5th July 1895
Place of Birth - Sunderland, Durham.
Parents - Son of Septimus Marshall & Margaret Myers.
Early History -
Rank - Dental Surgeon
Service History - Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial & Lyness Cemetery
Newcastle Journal - Thursday 15 August 1918
ROLL OF HONOUR. OFFICERS. DENTAL SURGEON H MARSHALL. News is to hand of the death, as the result of an explosion on board one of H.M. ships, of Dental Surgeon Herbert Myers Marshall , youngest son of Mr Marshall, Oakhurst, Sunderland. The deceased obtained his D.L.S. degree Guy’s Hospital, London.
Civil & Military Gazette (Lahore) - Saturday 24 August 1918
NAVAL CASULTIES.
London, Aug. 15. —the following list of naval is published :
Surgeon Lionel A. Martin, R.N
Dental Surgeon Herbert Marshall R.N.V.R.
British Medal & Victory Medal
UK, Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972
Sources:
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
UK, Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
UK, Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972
Name - Hayward. Cyril Le Gai
DOB - 22nd February 1892
Place of Birth - Southsea
Parents - Son of William Hayward, Commander RNR
Early History - Address given as 93 Bon Accord Street, Aberdeen.
Rank - 3rd Officer Z/12070 - RNVR Division: Tyneside
Service History - Remembered at Lyness Cemetery
DOB - 22nd February 1892
Place of Birth - Southsea
Parents - Son of William Hayward, Commander RNR
Early History - Address given as 93 Bon Accord Street, Aberdeen.
Rank - 3rd Officer Z/12070 - RNVR Division: Tyneside
Service History - Remembered at Lyness Cemetery
Mr & Mrs Hayward. Photo: Chris Munro Ewan
The photo above is of Cyril Le Gai Hayward & Blanche Isabella Ewan on their Wedding Day on the 22nd April 1917. The photo was taken onboard HMHS China where Blanche was a Sister Nurse. Tragically she witnessed the whaler hitting the mine that killed her husband. Blanche never remarried.
Probate Cyril Hayward.
Sources:
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995
Name - Chamberlain. Louisa Charlotte.
DOB - July 1885
Place of Birth - Tortington, Sussex, England
Parents - Daughter of Richard Chamberlain & Louisa Charlotte Chamberlain. South View, Eastgate, Co Durham.
Early History -
Rank - Nursing Sister. Q.A.R.N.N.S
Service History - Awarded the Royal Red Cross - Class 2 (ARRC). Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Lyness Cemetery, "Women of the Empire" memorial panels in York Minster & Nurses memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum
DOB - July 1885
Place of Birth - Tortington, Sussex, England
Parents - Daughter of Richard Chamberlain & Louisa Charlotte Chamberlain. South View, Eastgate, Co Durham.
Early History -
Rank - Nursing Sister. Q.A.R.N.N.S
Service History - Awarded the Royal Red Cross - Class 2 (ARRC). Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Lyness Cemetery, "Women of the Empire" memorial panels in York Minster & Nurses memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum
A.R.R.C medal.
Chatham War Memorial Photo: Wendy Sadler
Sources:
Sources:
Memorial
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Memorial to the four people lost on the whaler. Lyness Cemetery. Photo K Heath.
