HMD South Esk
Drifter South Esk.
HMD South Esk. (No 2021) 07/07/1917
Displacement: 93 grt.
Length: 26.1 m. Beam: 5.6 m. Draught: 2.6 m.
Propulsion: Steam, 1 x boiler Triple Expansion Engine.
Machinery: J A Abernethy & Co. Aberdeen.
Complement: 9 officers and men.
Crew Lost: 4
Armament: 1 x 3pdr
Displacement: 93 grt.
Length: 26.1 m. Beam: 5.6 m. Draught: 2.6 m.
Propulsion: Steam, 1 x boiler Triple Expansion Engine.
Machinery: J A Abernethy & Co. Aberdeen.
Complement: 9 officers and men.
Crew Lost: 4
Armament: 1 x 3pdr
Southesk was a steel steam drifter built by J. Duthie Torry Shipbuilding Co, Aberdeen in 1912 for Johnstone J. & Sons Ltd Montrose. Registered in Montrose with the fishing number ME-195.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Thursday 19 December 1912
JOHN DUTHIE (TORRY) COMPANY. When compared with last year the John Duthie (Torry) Company have had a satisfactory year's operations. Seventeen vessels—ten trawlers and seven drifters built to the order of merchants at the chief home centres, foreign work not figuring so prominently as previously. ..................
Vessel Type Tons L.H.P. Registry
Southesk Drifter 93 250 Montrose
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Thursday 19 December 1912
JOHN DUTHIE (TORRY) COMPANY. When compared with last year the John Duthie (Torry) Company have had a satisfactory year's operations. Seventeen vessels—ten trawlers and seven drifters built to the order of merchants at the chief home centres, foreign work not figuring so prominently as previously. ..................
Vessel Type Tons L.H.P. Registry
Southesk Drifter 93 250 Montrose
Montrose Standard - Friday 29 August 1913
ADDITION TO FISHING FLEET.—Messrs Joseph Johnston & Sons. Ltd., fish curers, have added another steam drifter to their fleet, which now numbers four of this type of vessel, and makes five in all for the port. The " Northesk " is the name of the vessel, and she is after the same design as her sister ships, the "Swift." "Southesk," and " Mare." Messrs John Duthie & Co., Ltd., Torry, were the builders. The same firm has disposed of their s.s. " Frederick," which has been in their possession for nearly half a century.
ADDITION TO FISHING FLEET.—Messrs Joseph Johnston & Sons. Ltd., fish curers, have added another steam drifter to their fleet, which now numbers four of this type of vessel, and makes five in all for the port. The " Northesk " is the name of the vessel, and she is after the same design as her sister ships, the "Swift." "Southesk," and " Mare." Messrs John Duthie & Co., Ltd., Torry, were the builders. The same firm has disposed of their s.s. " Frederick," which has been in their possession for nearly half a century.
History
Model of Southesk. Montrose Museum.
Dundee Evening Telegraph - Friday 09 May 1913
MONTROSE DRIFTER IN DISTRESS.
Imminent Danger. The Montrose steam drifter, South Esk, belonging to Messrs Joseph & Sons, Ltd., and another fishing vessel are in imminent danger off Montrose. _ The lifeboat "Sarah Jane Turner, coxswain, David Anderson, has gone out, but doubtful whether it will reach the vessels. A tremendous sea is running and a strong easterly gale is blowing. One of the vessels has the other in tow.
Banffshire Advertiser - Thursday 15 May 1913
PORTICNOCKIE DRIFTER IN DANGER. The Montrose steam drifter Southesk, belonging to Messrs Joseph Johnston and Sons, Ltd., safely negotiated the bar at the entrance to the Montrose harbour on Saturday, towing the steam drifter Yarmouth, which she had picked up flying signals of distress a quarter of a mile off Usan, near Montrose, on Friday. The Yarmouth, which had just been purchased from Yarmouth owners by Messrs James Wilson (skipper) and J. J. Wood, Portknockie, left Yarmouth on Wednesday, and weathered the storm until Friday morning. A tube of the boiler then burst, and the vessel being without steam, was at the mercy of the elements. Her mainsail was stripped to the top of the mast, and this rendered the navigation of the vessel more difficult. She was sighted by the Southesk in the early afternoon, and after considerable difficulty three hawsers were attached to the disabled vessel. One or other of these repeatedly gave way, and at 10 o'clock on Friday night the tow-ropes all broke. Cast adrift on a turbulent sea, the Southesk had great difficulty in getting into communication with the distressed vessel again. The Yarmouth was in danger of being driven ashore between Usan and Boddin, and possibly the lives of the crew of nine lost. The lifeboat stood by as the Southesk encountered the broken water over the bale, but the drifter was guided safely over, and both vessels were moored at the jetty.
Dundee Courier - Tuesday 10 June 1913
HONOUR TO MONTROSE SKIPPER. WHO GALLANTLY RESCUED VESSEL DISTRESS. Captain David Mearns, a gallant Montrose skipper, who, while commanding the Montrose steam drifter Southesk, effected the rescue of the Portknockie steam drifter Yarmouth and her crew and passengers, numbering ten in all. was last night rewarded for his brave deed. The skipper found the vessel flying signals distress and in imminent danger being dashed on the rocks at Boddin. took helpless vessel in tow, and kept in touch with her for over 30 hours. Captain Mearns was last evening at Montrose Town Council presented by Provost Thomson with marble timepiece, suitably inscribed, on behalf of Mr G. G. Wood, Portknockie, owner of the Yarmouth.
Montrose Review - Friday 13 June 1913
Captain David .Mearns, of the steam drifter Southesk, Montrose. was on Monday night• presented with a bronze clock for rescuing the Portknockie steam drifter and her crew off Montrose during a storm in May last.
MONTROSE DRIFTER IN DISTRESS.
Imminent Danger. The Montrose steam drifter, South Esk, belonging to Messrs Joseph & Sons, Ltd., and another fishing vessel are in imminent danger off Montrose. _ The lifeboat "Sarah Jane Turner, coxswain, David Anderson, has gone out, but doubtful whether it will reach the vessels. A tremendous sea is running and a strong easterly gale is blowing. One of the vessels has the other in tow.
Banffshire Advertiser - Thursday 15 May 1913
PORTICNOCKIE DRIFTER IN DANGER. The Montrose steam drifter Southesk, belonging to Messrs Joseph Johnston and Sons, Ltd., safely negotiated the bar at the entrance to the Montrose harbour on Saturday, towing the steam drifter Yarmouth, which she had picked up flying signals of distress a quarter of a mile off Usan, near Montrose, on Friday. The Yarmouth, which had just been purchased from Yarmouth owners by Messrs James Wilson (skipper) and J. J. Wood, Portknockie, left Yarmouth on Wednesday, and weathered the storm until Friday morning. A tube of the boiler then burst, and the vessel being without steam, was at the mercy of the elements. Her mainsail was stripped to the top of the mast, and this rendered the navigation of the vessel more difficult. She was sighted by the Southesk in the early afternoon, and after considerable difficulty three hawsers were attached to the disabled vessel. One or other of these repeatedly gave way, and at 10 o'clock on Friday night the tow-ropes all broke. Cast adrift on a turbulent sea, the Southesk had great difficulty in getting into communication with the distressed vessel again. The Yarmouth was in danger of being driven ashore between Usan and Boddin, and possibly the lives of the crew of nine lost. The lifeboat stood by as the Southesk encountered the broken water over the bale, but the drifter was guided safely over, and both vessels were moored at the jetty.
Dundee Courier - Tuesday 10 June 1913
HONOUR TO MONTROSE SKIPPER. WHO GALLANTLY RESCUED VESSEL DISTRESS. Captain David Mearns, a gallant Montrose skipper, who, while commanding the Montrose steam drifter Southesk, effected the rescue of the Portknockie steam drifter Yarmouth and her crew and passengers, numbering ten in all. was last night rewarded for his brave deed. The skipper found the vessel flying signals distress and in imminent danger being dashed on the rocks at Boddin. took helpless vessel in tow, and kept in touch with her for over 30 hours. Captain Mearns was last evening at Montrose Town Council presented by Provost Thomson with marble timepiece, suitably inscribed, on behalf of Mr G. G. Wood, Portknockie, owner of the Yarmouth.
Montrose Review - Friday 13 June 1913
Captain David .Mearns, of the steam drifter Southesk, Montrose. was on Monday night• presented with a bronze clock for rescuing the Portknockie steam drifter and her crew off Montrose during a storm in May last.
Painting of the drifter Southesk fishing . B Mearns
HMD
In 1915 Southesk was hired to the Royal Navy, and in documents and telegrams, the vessel appears to have been renamed South Esk. First used as a Boom Vessel but then as a minesweeper with pennant number 2021.
UC-33
The mine or mines that sank HMD South Esk were from a line of six mines laid by UC 33 (Kptlt. Martin Schelle) on the night of 29th June 1917. (Spindler Minesperren 133a) These mines were laid in a line running north/south between Auskerry and Stronsay.
UC-33 KTB (logbook)
A translation of the above logbook (KTB) snip For UC 33 29/06/1917 states.............
Closed with a line of 6 mines, 200m apart, between Auskerry Island and Ingle Skerry, laid on course 0 deg, Auskerry Sound (Quadrat 125a 3) blocked.
U Boat grid chart showing square 125a highlighted.
|
Spindler Mine Map
|
THE LOSS
On 7th July 1917 HMD South Esk, together with HMD Olive, and two other drifters, were conducting minesweeping operations east of Kirkwall. At 12.10 in the afternoon HMD South Esk and HMD Olive fouled their sweep between Stronsay and Auskerry. Eyewitnesses from the island of Stronsay said both drifters let go of the sweep which was then hauled in over the bow of HMD South Esk.
At 12.35 there was a ''terrific explosion'' right below South Esk and the bow was blown away. It is thought that maybe the sweeps had fouled 2 or more mines and these had detonated when they came in contact with each other.
At 12.35 there was a ''terrific explosion'' right below South Esk and the bow was blown away. It is thought that maybe the sweeps had fouled 2 or more mines and these had detonated when they came in contact with each other.
Auskerry Sound. Photo: Keith Rendall
Below is the transcript of a a letter found in the Kirkwall Archive:
D1/1204/25
Papers re. James Anderson Mackintosh, editor of The Orcadian Newspaper from 1918 - 1939: Letter from E.H.Clements, Stronsay,
Stronsay
July 28 1931
Dear Mr Mackintosh
Re your letter of 20th Inst. 2nd Para.
I have no idea which quarry the two men were in at the time the observation balloon came down but if I can find out I will let you know.
Re 1st para: I can give you a short account of the loss of the drifter mine sweeper South Esk but trust you will not publish my name as the author.
Yours Truly
E.H. Clements.
I have no recollection of the date of this happening except that it was summertime, I believe 1917.
On the day in question 4 pairs of sweepers connected up their sweeps a little to the eastward of Helliar Holm, they were under the leadership of H.M.D Pitgaveny and had with them a M.L. whose duty it was to sink any mines which might get cut adrift by the sweeps.
The first sweep out was made in a position south of Auskerry. Here the division turned & swept back up the String on a line slightly to the southward of the outgoing line,
In order to make sure that the channel was clear of mines, another sweep out was made, & this time the course was more northerly with the object of sweeping through Auskerry Sound.
When abreast of Lamma Skerries (Auskerry) it was observed that something was wrong with the second pair of sweepers of South Esk & Olive.
Presuming that their sweep had fouled the bottom, both vessels slipped their sweep out of the towing blocks & commenced heaving in over the bows as was customary with this type of sweep.
Whilst this pair were engaged in heaving in their sweep, the remainder of the division passed them and carried on to the eastward. They had not gone a great distance when there was a terrific explosion on the bow of the South Esk, a huge column of sea rising in the air. It was then apparent that instead of their sweep being foul of the bottom, it had picked up 2 or 3 mines at the same time, and whilst the sweep was being hove in, they had come in contact with each other and had exploded almost below the South Esk.
The bow of the South Esk was blown away but the rest of the vessel floated for about 1 ½ minutes before disappearing below the surface of the sea. The approximate position of here sinking was about 1 mile north of Lamma Skerries (Auskerry) The men in the bow of the South Esk must have been blown to pieces.
The skipper (a Scotsman named Fraser) was in the wheelhouse at the time of the explosion & was blown out of it through the windows into the sea. The engine room staff escaped over the side of the ship.
Immediately after the explosion the Pitgaveny turned and steamed to the scene of the disaster, but in the meantime the ‘’Olive’’ had launched her boat & picked up the survivors, some of whom were wounded. Whilst the Olive’s boat was engaged in this rescue work , the skipper of the Olive ( an Englishman named Armstrong ) observed a man had come to the surface about 20 yards from his ship. Without any hesitation he jumped from the side of his ship, swam to the spot and held on to this man until his boat picked them both up. This man proved to be the skipper of the South Esk, and was badly wounded and cut, having been blown through the windows of the wheelhouse. Skipper Armstrong’s gallant action was one of the bravest deeds in this area during the war.
After a thorough search had been made for any further survivors of the South Esk, the sweeper Olive on board of which the survivors were put, proceeded to Kirkwall accompanied by the flagship Pitgaveny. On arrival there, the injured men were placed in Balfour Hospital for treatment. The remainder of the division awaited the return of the flagship in Inganess Bay, when the proceeded to Auskerry Sound & made a further sweep through it, but without locating any mines.
At 11 PM the division proceeded to Stronsay arriving there about midnight. The following morning at 6 AM Auskerry sound was again swept at slack water, and this time was more successful, the channel being cleared during the day.
Note: The letter above gives the position of the sinking as 1 mile north of ''Lamma Skerries'' which does not show on the modern chart but ''Chart 2180 Orkney Islands 1853'' shows Lumma Skerries.
On charts from the 1880's onwards Lumma Skerries is changed to Lunga Skerries.
D1/1204/25
Papers re. James Anderson Mackintosh, editor of The Orcadian Newspaper from 1918 - 1939: Letter from E.H.Clements, Stronsay,
Stronsay
July 28 1931
Dear Mr Mackintosh
Re your letter of 20th Inst. 2nd Para.
I have no idea which quarry the two men were in at the time the observation balloon came down but if I can find out I will let you know.
Re 1st para: I can give you a short account of the loss of the drifter mine sweeper South Esk but trust you will not publish my name as the author.
Yours Truly
E.H. Clements.
I have no recollection of the date of this happening except that it was summertime, I believe 1917.
On the day in question 4 pairs of sweepers connected up their sweeps a little to the eastward of Helliar Holm, they were under the leadership of H.M.D Pitgaveny and had with them a M.L. whose duty it was to sink any mines which might get cut adrift by the sweeps.
The first sweep out was made in a position south of Auskerry. Here the division turned & swept back up the String on a line slightly to the southward of the outgoing line,
In order to make sure that the channel was clear of mines, another sweep out was made, & this time the course was more northerly with the object of sweeping through Auskerry Sound.
When abreast of Lamma Skerries (Auskerry) it was observed that something was wrong with the second pair of sweepers of South Esk & Olive.
Presuming that their sweep had fouled the bottom, both vessels slipped their sweep out of the towing blocks & commenced heaving in over the bows as was customary with this type of sweep.
Whilst this pair were engaged in heaving in their sweep, the remainder of the division passed them and carried on to the eastward. They had not gone a great distance when there was a terrific explosion on the bow of the South Esk, a huge column of sea rising in the air. It was then apparent that instead of their sweep being foul of the bottom, it had picked up 2 or 3 mines at the same time, and whilst the sweep was being hove in, they had come in contact with each other and had exploded almost below the South Esk.
The bow of the South Esk was blown away but the rest of the vessel floated for about 1 ½ minutes before disappearing below the surface of the sea. The approximate position of here sinking was about 1 mile north of Lamma Skerries (Auskerry) The men in the bow of the South Esk must have been blown to pieces.
The skipper (a Scotsman named Fraser) was in the wheelhouse at the time of the explosion & was blown out of it through the windows into the sea. The engine room staff escaped over the side of the ship.
Immediately after the explosion the Pitgaveny turned and steamed to the scene of the disaster, but in the meantime the ‘’Olive’’ had launched her boat & picked up the survivors, some of whom were wounded. Whilst the Olive’s boat was engaged in this rescue work , the skipper of the Olive ( an Englishman named Armstrong ) observed a man had come to the surface about 20 yards from his ship. Without any hesitation he jumped from the side of his ship, swam to the spot and held on to this man until his boat picked them both up. This man proved to be the skipper of the South Esk, and was badly wounded and cut, having been blown through the windows of the wheelhouse. Skipper Armstrong’s gallant action was one of the bravest deeds in this area during the war.
After a thorough search had been made for any further survivors of the South Esk, the sweeper Olive on board of which the survivors were put, proceeded to Kirkwall accompanied by the flagship Pitgaveny. On arrival there, the injured men were placed in Balfour Hospital for treatment. The remainder of the division awaited the return of the flagship in Inganess Bay, when the proceeded to Auskerry Sound & made a further sweep through it, but without locating any mines.
At 11 PM the division proceeded to Stronsay arriving there about midnight. The following morning at 6 AM Auskerry sound was again swept at slack water, and this time was more successful, the channel being cleared during the day.
Note: The letter above gives the position of the sinking as 1 mile north of ''Lamma Skerries'' which does not show on the modern chart but ''Chart 2180 Orkney Islands 1853'' shows Lumma Skerries.
On charts from the 1880's onwards Lumma Skerries is changed to Lunga Skerries.
Chart 2180 Orkney Islands 1853 (UKHO)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADM 137/479
The Wreck Today.
UKHO have the Wreck Card 69753 for HMD South Esk. The card was created in 2007 but as the wreck was not charted as it had not been located so is for filing only. The position on the Wreck Card is taken from the telegram ADM 137/479.
The wreck of HMD South Esk to date has not been located but is part of an ongoing LiWD project.
The wreck of HMD South Esk to date has not been located but is part of an ongoing LiWD project.
The above chart shows the area where HMD South Esk was lost. The red dots are the mine line as taken from the positions in the KTB. The red wreck is position from the telegram ADM 137/479 and the red flag is the position from the letter written by E.H. Clements in 1931.
The Crew Lost.
HMD South Esk Casualty List ADM 242/ 014 - National Archives
Photo: Guido Blokland
Angus McLean
Deck Hand - RNR 9019.A. (Ch)
Angus was just 19 when laid to rest in Lyness Cemetery. He was the only recovered body of four casualties when the Drifter HM South Esk struck a mine on 7th July 1917; his body found the following day. Angus was born on 12th March 1898 in Brue Barvas, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, to parents Alexander and Catherine. Standing at 5’9” tall, Angus had a dark complexion and grey eyes. His duty within the RNR was to be a deck hand for the duration of his service throughout the war, dispatched from Stornoway on 28th June 1916.
He joined HMS GATWICK (attached to the depot ship HMS Halcyon) on 25th July 1916, leaving HMS PEMBROKE the previous day. He remained with Gatwick until the end of 1916, returning to Pembroke for just over 2 months. He left the Chatham base on 12th March 1917 and joined HMD SOUTH ESK which was attached to HMS ZARIA, the Auxiliary Patrol depot ship in the Orkney Isles.
His Victory and British medals were sent to his father following his death.
Deck Hand - RNR 9019.A. (Ch)
Angus was just 19 when laid to rest in Lyness Cemetery. He was the only recovered body of four casualties when the Drifter HM South Esk struck a mine on 7th July 1917; his body found the following day. Angus was born on 12th March 1898 in Brue Barvas, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, to parents Alexander and Catherine. Standing at 5’9” tall, Angus had a dark complexion and grey eyes. His duty within the RNR was to be a deck hand for the duration of his service throughout the war, dispatched from Stornoway on 28th June 1916.
He joined HMS GATWICK (attached to the depot ship HMS Halcyon) on 25th July 1916, leaving HMS PEMBROKE the previous day. He remained with Gatwick until the end of 1916, returning to Pembroke for just over 2 months. He left the Chatham base on 12th March 1917 and joined HMD SOUTH ESK which was attached to HMS ZARIA, the Auxiliary Patrol depot ship in the Orkney Isles.
His Victory and British medals were sent to his father following his death.
North Star and Farmers' Chronicle - Saturday 21 July 1917
SOME LEWIS WAR ITEMS.
The parents of Seaman Angus Maclean, R.N.R., 28 Brue, have been notified that he was accidentally killed on the 7th inst., and buried with full Naval honours in the Naval Cemetery at Orkney on the 10th. Maclean, who was serving on board HM trawler South Eak was only 18 years of age. Of a genial and kindly disposition, he was a general favourite, and much sympathy is felt for the family in their bereavement. Maclean's father is serving with the Camerons, and is at present doing duty at Invergordon.
SOME LEWIS WAR ITEMS.
The parents of Seaman Angus Maclean, R.N.R., 28 Brue, have been notified that he was accidentally killed on the 7th inst., and buried with full Naval honours in the Naval Cemetery at Orkney on the 10th. Maclean, who was serving on board HM trawler South Eak was only 18 years of age. Of a genial and kindly disposition, he was a general favourite, and much sympathy is felt for the family in their bereavement. Maclean's father is serving with the Camerons, and is at present doing duty at Invergordon.
Sources:
Royal Naval Reserve Service Records Index, 1860-1955 - National Archives
WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/9; Scan Number: 0281
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 122
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; 014; (1914 Jan 01 - 1919 Dec 31)
UK and Ireland, Find A Grave Index, 1300s-Current
CWGC Register
Researched by Wendy Sadler
britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Royal Naval Reserve Service Records Index, 1860-1955 - National Archives
WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/9; Scan Number: 0281
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 122
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; 014; (1914 Jan 01 - 1919 Dec 31)
UK and Ireland, Find A Grave Index, 1300s-Current
CWGC Register
Researched by Wendy Sadler
britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
William Scott Bremner
Deck Hand - RNR 9915 DA
William was 24 years old when he died on HMD SOUTH ESK - like his younger crew mates, he was unmarried, his loss remembered by his parents and siblings.
Born on the 25th May 1893 in Wick, Caithness, the earliest record of him is on the 1901 Scotland census recorded as 7 years old, the second of 4 children to parents Roderick and Annie.
His previous occupation unknown, William joined the Royal Navy Reserve on 30th November 1915 and was posted to HMS ZARIA on which he served for three and a half months.
He was recorded as 5’3” tall with blue eyes and a fresh complexion and following from ZARIA, he was then posted to HMD SOUTH ESK on 17th March 1916 where he served until 7th July 1917, killed aboard the ship.
Deck Hand - RNR 9915 DA
William was 24 years old when he died on HMD SOUTH ESK - like his younger crew mates, he was unmarried, his loss remembered by his parents and siblings.
Born on the 25th May 1893 in Wick, Caithness, the earliest record of him is on the 1901 Scotland census recorded as 7 years old, the second of 4 children to parents Roderick and Annie.
His previous occupation unknown, William joined the Royal Navy Reserve on 30th November 1915 and was posted to HMS ZARIA on which he served for three and a half months.
He was recorded as 5’3” tall with blue eyes and a fresh complexion and following from ZARIA, he was then posted to HMD SOUTH ESK on 17th March 1916 where he served until 7th July 1917, killed aboard the ship.
Northern Ensign and Weekly Gazette - Tuesday 17 July 1917
FALLEN HEROES.
SEAMAN WILLIAM BREMNER KEISS
Official intimation has been received that William Bremner, the second son of Mrs. Roderick Bremner, South Keiss, met his death as a result of his ship being mined. He was a deckhand on one of the trawlers attached to the Admiralty mine sweeping fleet, and while thus engaged met his death as stated.
In his death the country has lost the services of a strong, active personality, who has been sharing the perils of the deep for the greater period of the war. His mother and sisters and brothers now left to mourn the loss of a kind, considerate son and brother, and during this their time of grief they have the sincerest sympathy of the community.
Northern Ensign and Weekly Gazette - Tuesday 24 July 1917
Roll of Honour of Those who have Fallen in Battle.
Greater love hath no man than this- John xv., 13.
BREMNER. —Killed at sea by mine explosion, on 7th July, William Scott Bremner beloved son of the late Roderick Bremner and Mrs Bremner, South Keiss, aged 24 years dearly loved and sadly mourned.
No loved ones stood around him to bid a last farewell,
No word of comfort could he leave to those he loved so well.
FALLEN HEROES.
SEAMAN WILLIAM BREMNER KEISS
Official intimation has been received that William Bremner, the second son of Mrs. Roderick Bremner, South Keiss, met his death as a result of his ship being mined. He was a deckhand on one of the trawlers attached to the Admiralty mine sweeping fleet, and while thus engaged met his death as stated.
In his death the country has lost the services of a strong, active personality, who has been sharing the perils of the deep for the greater period of the war. His mother and sisters and brothers now left to mourn the loss of a kind, considerate son and brother, and during this their time of grief they have the sincerest sympathy of the community.
Northern Ensign and Weekly Gazette - Tuesday 24 July 1917
Roll of Honour of Those who have Fallen in Battle.
Greater love hath no man than this- John xv., 13.
BREMNER. —Killed at sea by mine explosion, on 7th July, William Scott Bremner beloved son of the late Roderick Bremner and Mrs Bremner, South Keiss, aged 24 years dearly loved and sadly mourned.
No loved ones stood around him to bid a last farewell,
No word of comfort could he leave to those he loved so well.
John o' Groat Journal - Friday 27 July 1917
SEAMAN WILLIAM BREMNER, KEISS. Mrs Roderick Bremner, South Keiss, has received the sad news that her second son, Seaman William Bremner, has lost his life by the blowing up of the vessel, a minesweeper, on which he was engaged for some time back, Much sympathy is expressed for the widowed mother, for since the death of his father William had been most kind and considerate to his mother and his younger brothers and sisters, and it might well be said of him that he fully took the place of a father to them. In common with many others the war has made their lot a hard one.
SEAMAN WILLIAM BREMNER, KEISS. Mrs Roderick Bremner, South Keiss, has received the sad news that her second son, Seaman William Bremner, has lost his life by the blowing up of the vessel, a minesweeper, on which he was engaged for some time back, Much sympathy is expressed for the widowed mother, for since the death of his father William had been most kind and considerate to his mother and his younger brothers and sisters, and it might well be said of him that he fully took the place of a father to them. In common with many others the war has made their lot a hard one.
Sources:
1901 Scotland Census - Ancestry.com
Royal Naval Reserve Service Records Index, 1860-1955 - National Archives
CWGC Register
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives Admiralty and predecessors: Office of the Director General of the Medical Department of the Navy and predecessors: Service Registers and Registers of Deaths and Injuries. Registers of Reports of Deaths
UK and Ireland, Find A Grave Index, 1300s-Current
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0464
Researched by Wendy Sadler
britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
1901 Scotland Census - Ancestry.com
Royal Naval Reserve Service Records Index, 1860-1955 - National Archives
CWGC Register
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives Admiralty and predecessors: Office of the Director General of the Medical Department of the Navy and predecessors: Service Registers and Registers of Deaths and Injuries. Registers of Reports of Deaths
UK and Ireland, Find A Grave Index, 1300s-Current
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0464
Researched by Wendy Sadler
britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
|
James Copland
Trimmer - RNR 6133 TS James, like his crewmate Angus, was just 19 years old when he was killed in the mine explosion on South Esk. Born on the 2nd February 1898, on the Isle of Burray, part of the Orkney Islands, to parents Agnes and James, on the 1901 Scotland census he was recorded aged 3, living with his parents and 2 siblings, Alexander and Isabella. He enrolled with the Royal Navy Reserve on 11th October 1916, recorded as being 5’5” tall with fair hair and blue eyes and had left his home at Rosebank, Burray. Just a month later he was posted to HMD SOUTH ESK which was attached to HMS ZARIA in the port of Kirkwall, where he began his service aboard from 28th November 1916. He served just 8 months before his life was cut tragically short. His younger brother Alexander followed James into the Navy, but did not take up service until 1922 and was invalided out on 30th June 1925. |
A photo of James Copland (back left) and possibly other members of H.M.D. South Esk crew ? Photo: L8276-2 940.51 -- Orkney Library & Archive.
James Copland Memorial. Brian Budge
Orcadian - Thursday 04 July 1918
IN MEMORIAM.
COPLAND- In loving memory of James Copland, who was Killed at sea, July 7, 1917.
One year has passed since that sad day
When one we loved was called away;
God took him Home, it was His will,
But in our hearts we love him still.
No willows weep, no scented flowers
Grow o'er the sailor’s grave,
No emblem left of him who rests
Beneath the surging wave.
His smiling face will never from our
memory fade,
Nor yet will we forget the noble sacrifice
he made; | When our hearts are sore for him
we ! seem to hear him say,
Weep not for me, we'll meet again
on that eternal day.
Inserted by his sorrowing mother, sisters and brothers, Rose Bank, Burray. Orkney.
Orcadian - Thursday 02 October 1919
BURRAY ROLL OF HONOUR.
4. James Copland R.N.R. (T)
IN MEMORIAM.
COPLAND- In loving memory of James Copland, who was Killed at sea, July 7, 1917.
One year has passed since that sad day
When one we loved was called away;
God took him Home, it was His will,
But in our hearts we love him still.
No willows weep, no scented flowers
Grow o'er the sailor’s grave,
No emblem left of him who rests
Beneath the surging wave.
His smiling face will never from our
memory fade,
Nor yet will we forget the noble sacrifice
he made; | When our hearts are sore for him
we ! seem to hear him say,
Weep not for me, we'll meet again
on that eternal day.
Inserted by his sorrowing mother, sisters and brothers, Rose Bank, Burray. Orkney.
Orcadian - Thursday 02 October 1919
BURRAY ROLL OF HONOUR.
4. James Copland R.N.R. (T)
Sources:
1901 Scotland Census
Royal Naval Reserve Service Records Index, 1860-1955 - National Archives
CWGC Register
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242 014 (1914 Jan 01 - 1919 Dec 31)
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; (1914 - 1919)
WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; PRC Ledgers; Reference: 644/01D
Photo courtesy of Brian Budge
Researched by Wendy Sadler
britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
1901 Scotland Census
Royal Naval Reserve Service Records Index, 1860-1955 - National Archives
CWGC Register
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242 014 (1914 Jan 01 - 1919 Dec 31)
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; (1914 - 1919)
WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; PRC Ledgers; Reference: 644/01D
Photo courtesy of Brian Budge
Researched by Wendy Sadler
britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
William Cormack
2nd Hand - RNR 2063 SA
William was the oldest crew member aboard South Esk who died in the explosion, just 4 days short of his 38th birthday. Born on 11th July 1879 in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, William joined the Royal Navy Reserve on 26th June 1915 and was posted to HMD SOUTH ESK on 3rd July 1915, on which he served for over two years.
William was married to Elizabeth and they had 3 children - Ivy, James and William. His Star, Victory and British medals were awarded to his eldest son James following his death.
William is remembered on the Banff War Memorial.
2nd Hand - RNR 2063 SA
William was the oldest crew member aboard South Esk who died in the explosion, just 4 days short of his 38th birthday. Born on 11th July 1879 in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, William joined the Royal Navy Reserve on 26th June 1915 and was posted to HMD SOUTH ESK on 3rd July 1915, on which he served for over two years.
William was married to Elizabeth and they had 3 children - Ivy, James and William. His Star, Victory and British medals were awarded to his eldest son James following his death.
William is remembered on the Banff War Memorial.
Banffshire Advertiser - Thursday 19 July 1917
Mr. James Cormack, St. Catherine Street (West), Banff, has received intimation of the death of his son William, who was mate on board a minesweeper that was engaged in northern waters. Death was caused by wounds by which he was instantaneously killed. He was Mr. Cormack's second son and was 38 years of age. He had been a fisherman all his life until the outbreak of war, and since that time he, had been engaged in minesweeping. He is survived by his widow, who is a daughter of Mr John Wood, St. Catherine Street (West), Banff, and by a family of three children.
Aberdeen Evening Express - Tuesday 09 July 1918
In Memoriam.
CORMACK.—In loving memory of my dear William Cormack ("Bill"), who was killed by an explosion while mine-sweeping in northern waters July 7, 1917.
Till the day break and the shadows flee away.
—Inserted his Widow and Family, 73 Catherine Street, Banff.
Banffshire Journal - Tuesday 08 July 1919
In Memoriam.
CORMACK- In loving memory of my dear husband, William Cormack, "Bill," who was killed by mine explosion while sweeping in the North Sea on 7th July 1917.
Time may heal the broken heart,
Time may make the wound less sore,
But it cannot heal the longing
For our loved one gone before.
-Inserted by his widow and family, 73 St Catherine Street, Banff,
Banffshire Journal - Tuesday 06 July 1920
IN MEMORIAM
CORMACK --In loving memory of my dear husband, William Cormack (Bill), who was killed by mine explosion while sweeping with the Northern Patrol in Orkney waters on 7th July 1917.
A loving memory holds him dear, Affection binds him fast,
Though too far away for sight or speech,
But not too far for our thoughts to reach.
Inserted by his widow and family-73 St Catherine Street, Banff.
Mr. James Cormack, St. Catherine Street (West), Banff, has received intimation of the death of his son William, who was mate on board a minesweeper that was engaged in northern waters. Death was caused by wounds by which he was instantaneously killed. He was Mr. Cormack's second son and was 38 years of age. He had been a fisherman all his life until the outbreak of war, and since that time he, had been engaged in minesweeping. He is survived by his widow, who is a daughter of Mr John Wood, St. Catherine Street (West), Banff, and by a family of three children.
Aberdeen Evening Express - Tuesday 09 July 1918
In Memoriam.
CORMACK.—In loving memory of my dear William Cormack ("Bill"), who was killed by an explosion while mine-sweeping in northern waters July 7, 1917.
Till the day break and the shadows flee away.
—Inserted his Widow and Family, 73 Catherine Street, Banff.
Banffshire Journal - Tuesday 08 July 1919
In Memoriam.
CORMACK- In loving memory of my dear husband, William Cormack, "Bill," who was killed by mine explosion while sweeping in the North Sea on 7th July 1917.
Time may heal the broken heart,
Time may make the wound less sore,
But it cannot heal the longing
For our loved one gone before.
-Inserted by his widow and family, 73 St Catherine Street, Banff,
Banffshire Journal - Tuesday 06 July 1920
IN MEMORIAM
CORMACK --In loving memory of my dear husband, William Cormack (Bill), who was killed by mine explosion while sweeping with the Northern Patrol in Orkney waters on 7th July 1917.
A loving memory holds him dear, Affection binds him fast,
Though too far away for sight or speech,
But not too far for our thoughts to reach.
Inserted by his widow and family-73 St Catherine Street, Banff.
Banff War Memorial
Sources:
Royal Naval Reserve Service Records Index, 1860-1955 National Archives
Photographs courtesy of Roy Stevely.
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0891
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; Piece: Piece 007; Piece Description: Piece 007 (1914 - 1919)
Researched by Wendy Sadler
britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Royal Naval Reserve Service Records Index, 1860-1955 National Archives
Photographs courtesy of Roy Stevely.
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0891
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; Piece: Piece 007; Piece Description: Piece 007 (1914 - 1919)
Researched by Wendy Sadler
britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
RESCUE
The Skipper of South Esk, Francis Fraser RNR, was thrown through the wheelhouse window by the explosion and was badly wounded. The skipper of HMD Olive, W H Armstrong, jumped overboard to save him.
The Scotsman - Thursday 16 August 1917
Highland News and Football Times - Saturday 18 August 1917
MEDAL FOR BRAVERY.-A bronze medal has been awarded by the Royal Humane Society to W. H. Armstrong, skipper, R.N.R., Inverness, for his gallantry in saving one of the crew of the South. Esk when that vessel was blown up by a mine in Auskery Sound, Orkney on July 7.
MEDAL FOR BRAVERY.-A bronze medal has been awarded by the Royal Humane Society to W. H. Armstrong, skipper, R.N.R., Inverness, for his gallantry in saving one of the crew of the South. Esk when that vessel was blown up by a mine in Auskery Sound, Orkney on July 7.
Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal
Case number: 43493
Date: 30 July 1917
Case number: 43493
Occupation: Skipper, R.N.R.
Location:
RHS Report: 1917
At 1.30 p.m. on the 7th July, 1917, a man was thrown into Auskerry Sound owing to his vessel being blown up by a mine. W.H. Armstrong, Skipper, R.N.R., jumped from his ship and succeeded in supporting him till they were picked up
Case number: 43493
Occupation: Skipper, R.N.R.
Location:
RHS Report: 1917
At 1.30 p.m. on the 7th July, 1917, a man was thrown into Auskerry Sound owing to his vessel being blown up by a mine. W.H. Armstrong, Skipper, R.N.R., jumped from his ship and succeeded in supporting him till they were picked up
