HM Whaler Blackwhale
Admiralty Whaler Cachalot sister ship to HM Blackwhale
HM Blackwhale . Adty No 868 03/01/1918
Displacement: 237 grt.
Length: 40.4 m. Beam: 7.6 m. Draught: 2.6 m.
Propulsion: 1 x 3cyl Triple expansion, 1 screw
Machinery:
Complement:
Men Lost: 12
Armament: 1 x 12pdr
Displacement: 237 grt.
Length: 40.4 m. Beam: 7.6 m. Draught: 2.6 m.
Propulsion: 1 x 3cyl Triple expansion, 1 screw
Machinery:
Complement:
Men Lost: 12
Armament: 1 x 12pdr
HM Blackwhale was an Admiralty whaler. Launched 28th June.1915, from Smiths Dock. Co. Ltd. (South Bank), Middlesbrough
History
From 1915-18, served as coastal anti-submarine escort for east coast convoys. These convoys ran between Humber and Lerwick.
In February 1916 Stoker John Benjamin Newman drowned in Aberdeen Harbour. (see bottom of page)
On 11th February 1917 Petty Officer Ernest Henry Maybey died while serving on H.M.S. Blackwhale (see bottom of page)
In February 1916 Stoker John Benjamin Newman drowned in Aberdeen Harbour. (see bottom of page)
On 11th February 1917 Petty Officer Ernest Henry Maybey died while serving on H.M.S. Blackwhale (see bottom of page)
The Loss
H.M.S. Blackwhale was part of an escort to a Scandinavian convoy that sailed from the Humber on 1 January 1918. More ships joined the convoy off Newcastle. The 27 ship convoy then headed north to Lerwick, Shetland.
At 3.45 am on 3 January a dark object was seen ahead of H.M.S. Blackwhale , but before any action could be taken there was a violent explosion. The ship started sinking quickly,
The following statement by Lt James Kennedy OBE R.N.R describes the sinking:
''At 3.45 a.m. on 3rd Jan 1918, the “BLACKWHALE” struck what is supposed a mine. An explosion occurred apparently between No. 1 and 2 mess decks on the starboard side. The ship began to settle down at once. The wireless was put out of action by the explosion, the rotary being in the mess deck, which was flooded.
Signals by morse were flashed to the destroyers, convoys, and apparently understood by all concerned.
Orders were given to lower the boats, and it was reported at the time that nobody was left in the mess deck. After the order was given to lower the boats I went to the bridge before the steam ran off, and repeated the signal by morse on the whistle to prevent any misunderstanding; this message I passed on the whistle, but received no answer.
On my return aft I found one boat had put off without my orders, with, as far as I can ascertain, 20 ratings. The other boat was then lowered to the rail with the 12 remaining men aboard, and three men stepped in it to to guard it. This boat was washed clean away from the tackles with the three men in her about a quarter of an hour after she had been put in that position. We were then left with 9 all told (myself and 8 men). I then again communicated by means of a torch which I found in my cabin to a destroyer that I had no boats and the ship was gradually going down; this signal was answered in the affirmative. A trawler was then seen in the vicinity. We managed to get a coil of 6″ line, the intention being to pass it to the trawler, and for her to hang astern, but apparently the Skipper of the trawler was afraid of coming too near in case of touching the Whaler and causing her to sink immediately, which was quite correct. The trawler then steered dead to windward and lowered a boat, but was unable to assist us owing to it capsizing and his own men being in the water. He took up his men and then steamed down in the direction of the whaler. All this time the ship was gradually going down and she slewed broad wise on the sea and went down immediately
A raft (which was already prepared) with 8 ratings aboard on the aft gun platform was launched and the men ordered to take to it. The ship sunk. I was the last person to leave her, taking refuge on a broken ladder. I was in some hopes that the vessel having lasted for two and a half hour, (as she finally sunk at 6.15 am) that she might weather the weather until daylight when there would have been the possibility of saving her.
The three men who broke adrift in the boat were picked up by a trawler at once. Six men were saved from the raft; the two lost being:- Alfred Beresford, CERA and Thos. Kirk, Deck Hand
As regards the boat containing the 20 men, I have no further knowledge. I was picked up after the second boat and the men on the raft had been saved, by the same trawler.
I would like to report most favourably on the loyalty and excellent conduct of the following men who remained with me to the last:- Hy, Hoffman, Deck Hand. J. Vince, OS RNCVR. T Kirk, Deck Hand (since drowned). W Lyall, Sea RNR. J Morgan, 2nd Hand. A Beresford, CERA (since drowned) A Carnegie, Deck Hand. D Hall, Signalman\. G Grassie, AB A Burnie, Deck Hand. R Quick, OD RNCVR.''
Twelve men died in the sinking, 10 being killed by the explosion, and 2 dying in the sea before being picked up.
The position for the sinking is given as 56.19N, 00.45W. It was concluded that a mine sank H.M. Blackwhale and was thought to be one of those laid by the submarine UC-49 in December 1917.
At 3.45 am on 3 January a dark object was seen ahead of H.M.S. Blackwhale , but before any action could be taken there was a violent explosion. The ship started sinking quickly,
The following statement by Lt James Kennedy OBE R.N.R describes the sinking:
''At 3.45 a.m. on 3rd Jan 1918, the “BLACKWHALE” struck what is supposed a mine. An explosion occurred apparently between No. 1 and 2 mess decks on the starboard side. The ship began to settle down at once. The wireless was put out of action by the explosion, the rotary being in the mess deck, which was flooded.
Signals by morse were flashed to the destroyers, convoys, and apparently understood by all concerned.
Orders were given to lower the boats, and it was reported at the time that nobody was left in the mess deck. After the order was given to lower the boats I went to the bridge before the steam ran off, and repeated the signal by morse on the whistle to prevent any misunderstanding; this message I passed on the whistle, but received no answer.
On my return aft I found one boat had put off without my orders, with, as far as I can ascertain, 20 ratings. The other boat was then lowered to the rail with the 12 remaining men aboard, and three men stepped in it to to guard it. This boat was washed clean away from the tackles with the three men in her about a quarter of an hour after she had been put in that position. We were then left with 9 all told (myself and 8 men). I then again communicated by means of a torch which I found in my cabin to a destroyer that I had no boats and the ship was gradually going down; this signal was answered in the affirmative. A trawler was then seen in the vicinity. We managed to get a coil of 6″ line, the intention being to pass it to the trawler, and for her to hang astern, but apparently the Skipper of the trawler was afraid of coming too near in case of touching the Whaler and causing her to sink immediately, which was quite correct. The trawler then steered dead to windward and lowered a boat, but was unable to assist us owing to it capsizing and his own men being in the water. He took up his men and then steamed down in the direction of the whaler. All this time the ship was gradually going down and she slewed broad wise on the sea and went down immediately
A raft (which was already prepared) with 8 ratings aboard on the aft gun platform was launched and the men ordered to take to it. The ship sunk. I was the last person to leave her, taking refuge on a broken ladder. I was in some hopes that the vessel having lasted for two and a half hour, (as she finally sunk at 6.15 am) that she might weather the weather until daylight when there would have been the possibility of saving her.
The three men who broke adrift in the boat were picked up by a trawler at once. Six men were saved from the raft; the two lost being:- Alfred Beresford, CERA and Thos. Kirk, Deck Hand
As regards the boat containing the 20 men, I have no further knowledge. I was picked up after the second boat and the men on the raft had been saved, by the same trawler.
I would like to report most favourably on the loyalty and excellent conduct of the following men who remained with me to the last:- Hy, Hoffman, Deck Hand. J. Vince, OS RNCVR. T Kirk, Deck Hand (since drowned). W Lyall, Sea RNR. J Morgan, 2nd Hand. A Beresford, CERA (since drowned) A Carnegie, Deck Hand. D Hall, Signalman\. G Grassie, AB A Burnie, Deck Hand. R Quick, OD RNCVR.''
Twelve men died in the sinking, 10 being killed by the explosion, and 2 dying in the sea before being picked up.
The position for the sinking is given as 56.19N, 00.45W. It was concluded that a mine sank H.M. Blackwhale and was thought to be one of those laid by the submarine UC-49 in December 1917.
UC-49
H.M.S. Blackwhale is widely reported to have been sunk by a mine laid by the German U-Boat UC-49 commanded by Oberleutnant zur See Hans Kükenthal.
UC-49 laid two lines of six mines on the 4th of December 1917 and a further line of six mines on the 10th of December 1917.
Kevin Heath and Michael Lowrey obtained the positions for the three mine lines for UC-49 and plotted these. The mine line plots 70 miles west of the reported sinking position for H.M.S. Blackwhale.
UC-49 laid two lines of six mines on the 4th of December 1917 and a further line of six mines on the 10th of December 1917.
Kevin Heath and Michael Lowrey obtained the positions for the three mine lines for UC-49 and plotted these. The mine line plots 70 miles west of the reported sinking position for H.M.S. Blackwhale.
Chart showing UC-49 mine lines and reported position of H.M.S. Blackwhale
There is no reports of either a defensive or offensive (U boat laid) minefields in the area of H.M.S. Blackwhale sinking.
The fact an object was clearly seen on the surface prior to the explosion and research so far has shown no mines laid in the area then it is probable the H.M.S. Blackwhale struck a floating mine that had broken free from a field somewhere in the North Sea, either British or German.
The fact an object was clearly seen on the surface prior to the explosion and research so far has shown no mines laid in the area then it is probable the H.M.S. Blackwhale struck a floating mine that had broken free from a field somewhere in the North Sea, either British or German.
The Wreck
There is no UKHO Wreck Card for the Whaler HM Blackwhale. The reported sinking area for H.M.S. Blackwhale is 56°19′N 0°45′W
Crew Lost
Name - ALBERT, Thomas James
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Leading Trimmer (no. 363ST), Royal Naval Reserve
Service History - Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Leading Trimmer (no. 363ST), Royal Naval Reserve
Service History - Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial
Name - BARLEY, John Edward (46)
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents - Son of Edward and Septianna Barley, of Barton-on-Humber
Early History - Husband of Kate Barley, of 21, Dam Rd., Barton-on-Humber, Lincs
Rank - Trimmer (no. 1018TS), Royal Naval Reserve
Service History - Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents - Son of Edward and Septianna Barley, of Barton-on-Humber
Early History - Husband of Kate Barley, of 21, Dam Rd., Barton-on-Humber, Lincs
Rank - Trimmer (no. 1018TS), Royal Naval Reserve
Service History - Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial
Name - BERESFORD, Alfred
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Chief Engine Room Artificer (no. 444EB), Royal Naval Reserve
Service History - Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Chief Engine Room Artificer (no. 444EB), Royal Naval Reserve
Service History - Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial
Name - DALTON, Henry (33)
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents - Son of Agnes Dalton, of 46, Christian St., Harrington, Cumberland, and the late Alexander Dalton
Early History -
Rank - Leading Trimmer (no. 1463ST), Royal Naval Reserve,
Service History - Remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents - Son of Agnes Dalton, of 46, Christian St., Harrington, Cumberland, and the late Alexander Dalton
Early History -
Rank - Leading Trimmer (no. 1463ST), Royal Naval Reserve,
Service History - Remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial
Name - DUNGEY, Samuel Henry (33)
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents - Son of John Folmon Dungey and Emily Maria Dungey
Early History - Husband of Alice Maud Dungey, of Pearns Cottage, Turnchapel, Plymouth
Rank - Trimmer (no. 2883ST), Royal Naval Reserve,
Service History - Remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents - Son of John Folmon Dungey and Emily Maria Dungey
Early History - Husband of Alice Maud Dungey, of Pearns Cottage, Turnchapel, Plymouth
Rank - Trimmer (no. 2883ST), Royal Naval Reserve,
Service History - Remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial
Name - ENRIGHT, James Francis
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Trimmer (no. 7176TS), Royal Naval Reserve
Service History - Remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Trimmer (no. 7176TS), Royal Naval Reserve
Service History - Remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial
The Nauticapedia
Name - GAGE, Gordon William
DOB - 07/07/1898
Place of Birth - Kent
Parents - Son of Mrs. Kate Gage, West Toronto, Ontario.
Early History -
Rank - Ordinary Seaman (no. VR/3255), Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve,
Service History - Remembered on the Halifax Memorial, Canada.
DOB - 07/07/1898
Place of Birth - Kent
Parents - Son of Mrs. Kate Gage, West Toronto, Ontario.
Early History -
Rank - Ordinary Seaman (no. VR/3255), Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve,
Service History - Remembered on the Halifax Memorial, Canada.
Halifax memorial. Photo: Myrna Burgoyne
Name - KIRK, Tom (29)
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History - Husband of Nellie Kirk, of Chemical Rd., Barton-on-Humber, Lincs,
Rank - Deckhand (no. 15448DA), Royal Naval Reserve,
Service History - Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History - Husband of Nellie Kirk, of Chemical Rd., Barton-on-Humber, Lincs,
Rank - Deckhand (no. 15448DA), Royal Naval Reserve,
Service History - Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial
Name - LARVIN, Henry,
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Trimmer (no. 1388TS), Royal Naval Reserve
Service History - Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Trimmer (no. 1388TS), Royal Naval Reserve
Service History - Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial
Name - MORRIS, James Stanley (16)
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents - Son of Sarah Jane Morris, of 9, Bainton's Terrace, Gillett St. Hessle Rd., Hull
Early History -
Rank - Trimmer (no. 6740TS), Royal Naval Reserve,
Service History - Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents - Son of Sarah Jane Morris, of 9, Bainton's Terrace, Gillett St. Hessle Rd., Hull
Early History -
Rank - Trimmer (no. 6740TS), Royal Naval Reserve,
Service History - Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial
Name - SIM, John Fearnlie (35),
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents - Son of George and Amy Sim, of Woodside Brinkley, Maud, Aberdeenshire.
Early History -
Rank - Trimmer (no. 5800TS), Royal Naval Reserve,
Service History - Remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial
Fraserburgh Advertiser - Friday 18 January 1918
ROLL OF HONOUR.
STOKER JOHN SIM Fraserburgh
John Sim, stoker on one of H.M. Patrol vessels, is reported lost at sea. He was 35 years of age, unmarried, and belonged to the Aberdour district, Before joining the Admiralty service he was employed as a vanman with Mr A. M. Lawrence, Fraserburgh.
Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser - Tuesday 22 January 1918
ROLL OF HONOUR.
SIM.—Lost at sea, on 3rd January, through the sinking of H.M.S. Blackwhale, John Fowlie Sim, third son of George Sim, Woodside, Brucklay, Maud. Deeply mourned.
Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser - Tuesday 07 January 1919
Sim.—ln loving memory of John F. Sim. R.N.R., third son of George Sim, Woodside, Brucklay, who lost his life on 3rd January, 1918, through the sinking of H.M.S. Blackwhale i the North Sea. Deeply mourned. In God’s keeping till the day dawn and the shadows flee away.
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents - Son of George and Amy Sim, of Woodside Brinkley, Maud, Aberdeenshire.
Early History -
Rank - Trimmer (no. 5800TS), Royal Naval Reserve,
Service History - Remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial
Fraserburgh Advertiser - Friday 18 January 1918
ROLL OF HONOUR.
STOKER JOHN SIM Fraserburgh
John Sim, stoker on one of H.M. Patrol vessels, is reported lost at sea. He was 35 years of age, unmarried, and belonged to the Aberdour district, Before joining the Admiralty service he was employed as a vanman with Mr A. M. Lawrence, Fraserburgh.
Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser - Tuesday 22 January 1918
ROLL OF HONOUR.
SIM.—Lost at sea, on 3rd January, through the sinking of H.M.S. Blackwhale, John Fowlie Sim, third son of George Sim, Woodside, Brucklay, Maud. Deeply mourned.
Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser - Tuesday 07 January 1919
Sim.—ln loving memory of John F. Sim. R.N.R., third son of George Sim, Woodside, Brucklay, who lost his life on 3rd January, 1918, through the sinking of H.M.S. Blackwhale i the North Sea. Deeply mourned. In God’s keeping till the day dawn and the shadows flee away.
Name - TOULSON, Harry Percy (30),
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents - Son of Richard and Annie Toulson, of Gravesend
Early History - Husband of Hilda Toulson, of 38, Brunswick Rd., Gravesend, Kent
Rank - Trimmer (no. 2258ST), Royal Naval Reserve,
Service History - Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents - Son of Richard and Annie Toulson, of Gravesend
Early History - Husband of Hilda Toulson, of 38, Brunswick Rd., Gravesend, Kent
Rank - Trimmer (no. 2258ST), Royal Naval Reserve,
Service History - Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial
MEMORIAL
Memorial for HMS Blackwhale at St Andrew's Church, Immingham, Lincolnshire
© Charles J. Anderson (WMR-51677)
Awards
Signaler Douglas McDonald Hall, R.N.V.R. was awarded the D.S.M. for a gallant act in relation to the sinking of H.M.S. Blackwhale.
London Gazette 20 September 1918:
‘In appreciation of his conduct on the occasion of the loss of H.M. Whaler “Blackwhale” on 3 January 1918.’
London Gazette 20 September 1918:
‘In appreciation of his conduct on the occasion of the loss of H.M. Whaler “Blackwhale” on 3 January 1918.’
Signaler Hall, R.N.V.R Medal set. Distinguished Service Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal and Defence Medal
Losses From H.M.S. Blackwhale Prior to Sinking
04/02/1916
Name - NEWMAN John Benjamin
DOB - 6th. September 1867
Place of Birth - Catfield, Great Yarmouth.
Parents - Son of George Newman and Sarah Ann, nee Myhill.
Early History - Husband of Lily Gertrude Newman (Gillingwater)
Rank - Stoker R.N.R.
Service History - Buried in All Saints churchyard, Catfield.
DOB - 6th. September 1867
Place of Birth - Catfield, Great Yarmouth.
Parents - Son of George Newman and Sarah Ann, nee Myhill.
Early History - Husband of Lily Gertrude Newman (Gillingwater)
Rank - Stoker R.N.R.
Service History - Buried in All Saints churchyard, Catfield.
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Aberdeen Weekly Journal - Friday 11 February 1916
The body a seaman named J. B. Newman was recovered from the tidal harbour, Aberdeen on Friday morning, and was removed to the police mortuary, Lodge Walk. The body had not long in the water. Newman was married, and his home address Catfield, near Great Yarmouth. Waxham Deanery magazine- March 1916: "John Benjamin Newman who was serving on HMS Blackwhale met with an accident and was drowned at Aberdeen. From the report sent to me by a senior Naval officer, he had been on watch on another vessel to which the men of Blackwhale had been removed while their ship was undergoing repair. After his watch he must have gone onto the quay and fallen off into the harbour, probably striking his head against some steps as he fell. His body was sent home to Catfield". Headstone reads: J.B. NEWMAN STOKER 1ST CL. RN.75/ST H.M. WHALER "BLACKWHALE" 3RD FEBRUARY 1916 AGE 48 †
THE SOLE
OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD R.I.P |
All Saints churchyard, Catfield Photo: Chris, Norfolk
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11/02/1917,
Name - MAYBEY, Ernest Henry (38)
DOB - 15th August 1878
Place of Birth - Lambeth, London,
Parents - Son of Charles Henry and Jane Maybey, of Lambeth, London
Early History - Husband of Charlotte Emily Maybey, of 14, Chaucer Rd., Broadstairs
Rank - Petty Officer (no. 181868) R.N.
Service History - Remembered on the memorial Nunhead (All Saints) Cemetery. Peckham. London
Died while serving on H.M.S. Blackwhale of heart failure.
DOB - 15th August 1878
Place of Birth - Lambeth, London,
Parents - Son of Charles Henry and Jane Maybey, of Lambeth, London
Early History - Husband of Charlotte Emily Maybey, of 14, Chaucer Rd., Broadstairs
Rank - Petty Officer (no. 181868) R.N.
Service History - Remembered on the memorial Nunhead (All Saints) Cemetery. Peckham. London
Died while serving on H.M.S. Blackwhale of heart failure.
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar
Ernest in remembered on the War Memorial at Nunhead (All Saints) Cemetery, Peckham. London but research so far has not discovered where he is buried. A couple of internet forums suggest he died at Peterhead, of a heart attack, while lining up for Church Parade.
Nunhead (All Saints) Cemetery. War Memorial. Photo: Iain MacFarlaine
