HMS Duke of Albany
HMS Duke of Albany . 24/08/1916
Displacement: 2184 grt.
Length: 100.7 m. Beam: 12.5 m. Draught: 5.2 m.
Propulsion: 2 x 4 cyl. Triple expansion steam engines, 3 single boilers, 9 corrugated furnaces, twin shaft, 2 screws
Complement: 13 officers and 98 ratings.
Men Lost: 25
Armament:
Displacement: 2184 grt.
Length: 100.7 m. Beam: 12.5 m. Draught: 5.2 m.
Propulsion: 2 x 4 cyl. Triple expansion steam engines, 3 single boilers, 9 corrugated furnaces, twin shaft, 2 screws
Complement: 13 officers and 98 ratings.
Men Lost: 25
Armament:
Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Co
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London & North Western Railway
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The S.S. Duke of Albany was built by John Brown & Co. Ltd., Clydebank in 1907 for Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Co., Fleetwood and the London & North Western Railway for the Belfast- Fleetwood route. SS Duke of Albany was hired by the Royal Navy as Armed Boarding Vessel HMS Duke of Albany.
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The image on the left shows crew members of the crew of SS Duke of Albany circa 1914. The photograph was kindly supplied by Jennie Ashby who is hoping someone maybe able to identify some of the crew members.
The Loss.
The following information is taken from evidence given in the Court of Enquiry into loss of HMS Duke of Albany (ADM137/3165).
At 07.00am on 24th August 1916 HMS Duke of Albany together with the Armed Boarding Vessel HMS Duke of Clarence left Longhope to patrol to the east of the Pentland Skerries.
At 09.00 am both vessels being 1 1/2 miles apart in position 58 44N 2 28W and were zig zagging on a true east course. Lt. Leslie, officer of the watch, observed a torpedo, 300 meters distant off the port bow. The vessel was immediately turned away but the torpedo struck the port engine room just a few feet below the waterline at 09.03 am. A second torpedo was then seen passing close to the stern.
HMS Duke of Albany very quickly started to settle. Capt. Ramage appeared in the wheelhouse and asked Lt. Leslie if he had seen anything, referring to the submarine to which he relied no. The order was then given to abandon ship. The blast from the torpedo had destroyed No.4 lifeboat but there were 3 other main lifeboats and a number of rafts and smaller boats.
Capt. Ramage ordered Lt. Leslie to repeat the abandon ship signal and then said '' God damn it Leslie I cannot fire a shot''. That was the last that Lt. Leslie saw of the Captain.
Lt. Leslie went below to check on a fellow lieutenant who was ill but found his bunk empty. He then left and joined his designated lifeboat.
Six minutes after the torpedo struck HMS Duke of Albany she sank. As the vessel sank there was a large explosion at the stern which is thought to have been depth charges going off . Lt. Leslie's lifeboat could not get away from the sinking vessel as the swirling water held the boat alongside the ship. One of the lifeboat davits then caught the lifeboat causing it to capsize with 25 crew onboard.
Lt. Leslie found himself under the lifeboat with 6 or 7 other crewmen. He knew one to be a good swimmer and asked him to duck down under the gunwale and see ''if everything is all right''. The crewman tried but could not owing to the buoyancy in his cork lifejacket so Lt. Leslie removed his own lifejacket and swam out from under the boat. On surfacing he found crew on top of the upturned boat with 2 other lifeboats nearby. Instructions were then passed to those still under the lifeboat and all swam out successfully.
S.S. Duke of Clarence
HMS Duke of Clarence at once proceeded to Duke of Albany and slipped two life boats near the people swimming and then endeavoured to ram the U boat as a disturbance was observed in the water that was thought to indicate its position. It is reported that this may have been slightly successful as slight metallic shock was reported from the engine room.
The survivors were taken back to Scapa Flow by the destroyer HMS Menace and HMS Duke of Clarence and most were put onboard the Receiving ship HMS Imperieuse with 3 officers and 13 ratings being taken for treatment to HM Hospital Ship Soudan. Two bodies were also landed that had been recovered from the sea.
The survivors were taken back to Scapa Flow by the destroyer HMS Menace and HMS Duke of Clarence and most were put onboard the Receiving ship HMS Imperieuse with 3 officers and 13 ratings being taken for treatment to HM Hospital Ship Soudan. Two bodies were also landed that had been recovered from the sea.
HMS Vanguard, sister ship to HMS Imperieuse
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HMHS Soudan
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Star Green 'un - Saturday 26 August 1916
SUNK IN NORTH SEA.
Submarine Torpedoes British Armed Steamer
The Secretary of the Admiralty makes the following announcement this afternoon through the Press Bureau : H.M. armed boarding steamer Duke of Albany (Commander George N. Ramage, R.N.R.) was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea on the 24th Inst, by an enemy submarine. Commander Ramage and Engineer- Lieutenant Albert G. G. Masked and 22 men were lost, and ji officers and 76 ratings were saved.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette - Wednesday 30 August 1916
Berlin Reports
LOSS OF " DUKE OF ALBANY.''
Amsterdam, Tuesday. official communique issued in Berlin states that on August 29 German suib-1 marine sank the northern zone the Sea a British auxiliary cruiser. The statement adds: This cruiser -was the Duke of Albany, which has already been reported lost by the British Admiralty.
SUNK IN NORTH SEA.
Submarine Torpedoes British Armed Steamer
The Secretary of the Admiralty makes the following announcement this afternoon through the Press Bureau : H.M. armed boarding steamer Duke of Albany (Commander George N. Ramage, R.N.R.) was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea on the 24th Inst, by an enemy submarine. Commander Ramage and Engineer- Lieutenant Albert G. G. Masked and 22 men were lost, and ji officers and 76 ratings were saved.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette - Wednesday 30 August 1916
Berlin Reports
LOSS OF " DUKE OF ALBANY.''
Amsterdam, Tuesday. official communique issued in Berlin states that on August 29 German suib-1 marine sank the northern zone the Sea a British auxiliary cruiser. The statement adds: This cruiser -was the Duke of Albany, which has already been reported lost by the British Admiralty.
Blackpool Gazette & Herald - Friday 01 September 1916
TORPEDOED STEAMER.
"Duke of Albany' Survivors At Fleetwood.
CHAT WITH ONE OF THE OFFICERS.
The officer survivors of H.M.S. ''Duke of Albany," one of the auxiliary steamers formerly employed on the wood Belfast mail service, which was torpedoed in the North Sea on Friday last, returned to Fleetwood on Tuesday morning, as did several members of the crew. Both officers and men were in a cheerful mood, though they bore traces of their recent ordeal.
Sub Lieut. Engineer Lyttle, who was seen by one of our representatives, was naturally somewhat reticent. He stated that just before the explosion he had come off duty, and Sub Lieut. Engineer Haskell had taken his place. He was standing on the poop when he heard the deceased man Birnie cry out, and upon looking round he saw a torpedo corning in the direction of the vessel. The torpedo struck the engine room on the port side, and immediately there was an explosion. There were four men on duty in the engine-room, and one of these, a native of Birkenhead, had a narrow escape. He was standing near the engine-room door, and the force of the explosion hurled him to a place of safety. As soon as the explosion occurred Sub Lieut. Engineer Lyttle and others rushed to the engine room to see if they could render assistance, but were unable to enter owing to steam. Of the seven men in the stokehold. only two succeeded in getting on deck. Mr. Lyttle added that in his opinion the three engineers and the occupants of the stokehold met with instantaneous death. The "Duke of Albany" sank within seven minutes of being struck. Of the six boats lowered, only two got away, and the crews of these boats were busy for some time picking up other members of the crew who were in the water. They were 2 1/2 hours in the boats before they were picked up by a destroyer. When last seen, the captain was diving from the bridge of the vessel, as she went down. One of the members of the crew who was killed was Thomas Carson 66 years of age who was well known in Fleetwood. He was a native of Belfast but sailed on Belfast-Fleetwood steamers for 43 years. Samuel Glass, a fireman, who was also of the victim, hailed from Belfast, and had been employed in the service for a number of years; whilst a third, William Gordon, a greaser, was also will known in the Wyre Port, having been employed on the boats for many years. James Allen was likewise well known in Fleetwood, having served for 14 or 16 years on the steamers. On Tuesday, Mrs. Minto, of 53, Gordon Road. sister to Robert Minto, one of the firemen on the "Duke of Albany," received a letter stating that he was safe, and expected to arrive home in a few days.
TORPEDOED STEAMER.
"Duke of Albany' Survivors At Fleetwood.
CHAT WITH ONE OF THE OFFICERS.
The officer survivors of H.M.S. ''Duke of Albany," one of the auxiliary steamers formerly employed on the wood Belfast mail service, which was torpedoed in the North Sea on Friday last, returned to Fleetwood on Tuesday morning, as did several members of the crew. Both officers and men were in a cheerful mood, though they bore traces of their recent ordeal.
Sub Lieut. Engineer Lyttle, who was seen by one of our representatives, was naturally somewhat reticent. He stated that just before the explosion he had come off duty, and Sub Lieut. Engineer Haskell had taken his place. He was standing on the poop when he heard the deceased man Birnie cry out, and upon looking round he saw a torpedo corning in the direction of the vessel. The torpedo struck the engine room on the port side, and immediately there was an explosion. There were four men on duty in the engine-room, and one of these, a native of Birkenhead, had a narrow escape. He was standing near the engine-room door, and the force of the explosion hurled him to a place of safety. As soon as the explosion occurred Sub Lieut. Engineer Lyttle and others rushed to the engine room to see if they could render assistance, but were unable to enter owing to steam. Of the seven men in the stokehold. only two succeeded in getting on deck. Mr. Lyttle added that in his opinion the three engineers and the occupants of the stokehold met with instantaneous death. The "Duke of Albany" sank within seven minutes of being struck. Of the six boats lowered, only two got away, and the crews of these boats were busy for some time picking up other members of the crew who were in the water. They were 2 1/2 hours in the boats before they were picked up by a destroyer. When last seen, the captain was diving from the bridge of the vessel, as she went down. One of the members of the crew who was killed was Thomas Carson 66 years of age who was well known in Fleetwood. He was a native of Belfast but sailed on Belfast-Fleetwood steamers for 43 years. Samuel Glass, a fireman, who was also of the victim, hailed from Belfast, and had been employed in the service for a number of years; whilst a third, William Gordon, a greaser, was also will known in the Wyre Port, having been employed on the boats for many years. James Allen was likewise well known in Fleetwood, having served for 14 or 16 years on the steamers. On Tuesday, Mrs. Minto, of 53, Gordon Road. sister to Robert Minto, one of the firemen on the "Duke of Albany," received a letter stating that he was safe, and expected to arrive home in a few days.
KTB UB-27.
Details taken from the KTB for UB-27.
Details taken from the KTB for UB-27.
Kptlt. Victor Dieckmann
UB-27 was 15 miles east of the Pentland Skerries and spotted two Auxiliary Cruisers approaching from the west. They were reported to be zig zagging.
11.07 am ( Berlin Time) One torpedo was fired at the nearest Auxiliary Cruiser. after exactly two minutes a detonation is heard. Two minutes after the first explosion there is recorded a second, more powerful explosion which is thought to be either the boilers or ammunition exploding. The ship is seen to sink deeper.
21 minutes after the detonation the U boat is sitting at a depth of 11m.
The KTB records the Auxiliary Cruiser has sunk and in the area of sinking are lifeboats. The other Auxiliary Cruiser steaming around at high speed with all the crew on deck. The ship is estimated to be 3000 ton. For an hour UB-27 tries to get in a good firing position to fire torpedo but cannot.
12.35 pm (Berlin Time) An aircraft is spotted flying towards the U boat. In the west a lot of smoke clouds were observed. There was no opportunity to fire and battery was getting flat.
12.50 pm (Berlin Time) Depth 35m course 90 deg,
2.00 pm (Berlin Time) 10m. through the periscope right astern of the U boat a small airship with gondola was observed. Its considered to be acting with the search flotilla. Due to the condition batteries the U boat will run at low speed for 7 hours until dark when the search should be called off.
IN MEMORIAM
John o' Groat Journal - Friday 29 September 1916
INTERESTING RELICS.—There & on exhibition in the window of the Pulteney Post Office, some interesting relics comprising two beautiful ionic crosses on pedestals 71/2 in., carved from the wood of one of the boats washed ashore in Orkney from H.M.S. Hampshire. on which the late’ Lord Kitchener and staff were proceeding to Russia. A heart carved out of the same wood (teak) is also on view. There is likewise an ionic cross in yellow pine carved from a standard of the H.M.S. Duke of Albany. The work has been executed by Mr John Macgregor, 11 Telford Street, Wick, who is at present on Admiralty service in Orkney, and he has generously presented the lot to be sold on behalf of the funds for Caithness prisoners of war in Germany. They will be on sale for two months to the highest offerer so as to give sufficient time for offers to come in from abroad.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser - Saturday 14 October 1916
There are on view at one of the Wick Post-Offices some very interesting relies, which include two fine lonie crosses with pedestals, standing 7 inches, carved from the wood of one of the boats washed ashore in Orkney from H.M.S. Hampshire : a heart carved from the same wood (teak), and an Ionie cross from part of the H.M.S, Duke of Albany, and all the work of Mr John MacGregor, Wick. They are for sale on behalf oi the Caithness prisoners in Germany.
INTERESTING RELICS.—There & on exhibition in the window of the Pulteney Post Office, some interesting relics comprising two beautiful ionic crosses on pedestals 71/2 in., carved from the wood of one of the boats washed ashore in Orkney from H.M.S. Hampshire. on which the late’ Lord Kitchener and staff were proceeding to Russia. A heart carved out of the same wood (teak) is also on view. There is likewise an ionic cross in yellow pine carved from a standard of the H.M.S. Duke of Albany. The work has been executed by Mr John Macgregor, 11 Telford Street, Wick, who is at present on Admiralty service in Orkney, and he has generously presented the lot to be sold on behalf of the funds for Caithness prisoners of war in Germany. They will be on sale for two months to the highest offerer so as to give sufficient time for offers to come in from abroad.
Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser - Saturday 14 October 1916
There are on view at one of the Wick Post-Offices some very interesting relies, which include two fine lonie crosses with pedestals, standing 7 inches, carved from the wood of one of the boats washed ashore in Orkney from H.M.S. Hampshire : a heart carved from the same wood (teak), and an Ionie cross from part of the H.M.S, Duke of Albany, and all the work of Mr John MacGregor, Wick. They are for sale on behalf oi the Caithness prisoners in Germany.
The Wreck Today.
In 2002 a fisherman in Wick had given Kevin Heath the position of a large wreck in position 58 42.5N 02 24.2W. This was considered to possibly be the wreck of HMS Duke of Albany.
A wreck was located 2006 by Netsurvey while conducting a survey off the M.V Anglian Monarch in position 58 42.687N 02 24.007W. In 2006 SULA Diving of Stromness established the identity as HMS Duke of Albany. This was achieved by analysis of the multi beam image matched against the ships plans and known details of design of the ship, archive research into the sinking of HMS Duke of Albany and the U boat KTB.
This wreck was given the UKHO Wreck Card 70429.
In 2002 a fisherman in Wick had given Kevin Heath the position of a large wreck in position 58 42.5N 02 24.2W. This was considered to possibly be the wreck of HMS Duke of Albany.
A wreck was located 2006 by Netsurvey while conducting a survey off the M.V Anglian Monarch in position 58 42.687N 02 24.007W. In 2006 SULA Diving of Stromness established the identity as HMS Duke of Albany. This was achieved by analysis of the multi beam image matched against the ships plans and known details of design of the ship, archive research into the sinking of HMS Duke of Albany and the U boat KTB.
This wreck was given the UKHO Wreck Card 70429.
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MBES of HMS Duke of Albany (Netsurvey/UKHO)
The identity was confirmed when a dive team,led by Leigh Grubb, diving off the M.V Jean Elaine, recovered the ships bell.
After the wreck was formally identified it was then made a Protected Site where it can be dived but must not be touched.
The identity was confirmed when a dive team,led by Leigh Grubb, diving off the M.V Jean Elaine, recovered the ships bell.
After the wreck was formally identified it was then made a Protected Site where it can be dived but must not be touched.
K Heath & L Grubb with bell from HMS Duke of Albany.
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The bell after cleaning (L Grubb)
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Photographs Courtesy of Richard Ayrton.
THE CREW LOST
Royal Navy Crew
Brighton Gazette - Wednesday 30 August 1916
NAVAL CASUALTIES,
The Secretary of the Admiralty announces the‘ following casualties: --
H.M.S. “DUKE OF ALBANY. KILLED.
ATKINSON, John Charles, Able Seaman, RN.V.R., Sussex, 4/159 CAREY, Ralph, Able Seaman, R.N.V.R., Sussex, 4/189.‘ COOK, Arthur James, Seaman, R.N.R., 2841 C. COUCH, Henry .Petty Officer, 1st Class, 115631 (Dev.). MACAULAY, Donald, Seaman, R.N.R., 3060 C. McDONALD, John, Seaman, R.N.R., 3322 A. PRIOR, Charles Henry, Leading Signaller (R.F.R., Dev./ B. 531), 160252 (Dev.). WALKER. John Douglas, Seaman, R.N.R., 2194
NAVAL CASUALTIES,
The Secretary of the Admiralty announces the‘ following casualties: --
H.M.S. “DUKE OF ALBANY. KILLED.
ATKINSON, John Charles, Able Seaman, RN.V.R., Sussex, 4/159 CAREY, Ralph, Able Seaman, R.N.V.R., Sussex, 4/189.‘ COOK, Arthur James, Seaman, R.N.R., 2841 C. COUCH, Henry .Petty Officer, 1st Class, 115631 (Dev.). MACAULAY, Donald, Seaman, R.N.R., 3060 C. McDONALD, John, Seaman, R.N.R., 3322 A. PRIOR, Charles Henry, Leading Signaller (R.F.R., Dev./ B. 531), 160252 (Dev.). WALKER. John Douglas, Seaman, R.N.R., 2194
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Name - Atkinson John Charles
DOB - 3rd March 1884
Place of Birth - Lewes, Sussex
Parents - John and Fanny
Early History - Aged 7 on the 1891 census, John and his family lived at 38 Essex Place, Newhaven. During the next 10 years they moved house but stayed within the parish of Newhaven and were recorded in the 1901 census, at 1 Elphick Road. John was aged 19 and worked at the time in a cement works as a labourer.
He was still labouring ten years later, recorded on the 1911 census. He was the only child that had remained living with his parents at this time - the house was still full however, at 8 Meeking Rise, Newhaven with two extra boarders.
Rank - Able Seaman - Sussex 4/159 RNVR
Service History - Recorded as 5’8” tall with light brown hair and blue eyes, John first enlisted on 27th July 1909 with the RNVR Division and on the outbreak of war was transferred to the Royal Navy Division on the 9th August 1914 until 27th November 1914, serving with the division at the Siege of Antwerp. He transferred to HMS CALYX on 28th November 1914 serving for 4 months before returning to Portsmouth and HMS VICTORY I.
His next posting was to the AMC ALCANTARA, from 15th April 1914 to 31st March 1916, returning to HMS VICTORY for a month. His final posting was to the DUKE OF ALBANY, which was attached to the dockyard repair ship HMS VICTORIOUS, on 29th April 1916 until the ship was torpedoed.
He was awarded the 1914 Star medal which was returned to the Mint in 1934.
1914 Star medal
Sources:
1891, 1901 & 1911 England Census
Great Britain, Royal Naval Division Casualties of The Great War, 1914-1924 - Ancestry.com
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
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0130
Royal Naval Division Index, 1914-1919 & Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Service Records Index, 1903-1922 - National Archives
1891, 1901 & 1911 England Census
Great Britain, Royal Naval Division Casualties of The Great War, 1914-1924 - Ancestry.com
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
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0130
Royal Naval Division Index, 1914-1919 & Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Service Records Index, 1903-1922 - National Archives
Name - Carey Ralph Frank
DOB - 6th September 1894
Place of Birth - Redhill, Surrey
Parents - George and Matilda
Early History - Baptised on 25th November 1894 in St Matthew’s Church, Redhill.
In the 1901 census Ralph was aged 6, the middle of 5 children. The family lived at Lowers Cottage, New Road, Denton, Newhaven, Surrey. They continued to reside at the same address for over 10 years, noted at the cottage again during the 1911 census; Ralph was aged 16 and worked as a farm labourer.
Rank - Able Seaman, (Po) Sussex 4/189 RNVR
Service History - Ralph was working as an engine cleaner with the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway when he enlisted on 3rd April 1912 as an Ordinary Seaman within the RNVR, described as 5’4” tall with brown hair and grey eyes. He was attached to the Howe Battalion on 22nd August 1914 (C/69 22/8/14-28/10/14) serving in Belgium in 1914 and awarded the 1914 Star. On returning home he was drafted to RN Depot Portsmouth and transferred to HMS CALYX on 28th November 1914 serving for 4 months before returning to Portsmouth and HMS VICTORY I.
His next posting was to the AMC ALCANTARA, from 15th April 1915 to 31st March 1916, returning to HMS VICTORY for a month. His final posting was to the DUKE OF ALBANY, which was attached to the dockyard repair ship HMS VICTORIOUS, on 29th April 1916 until the ship was torpedoed.
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 19 September 1916
LOST AT SEA Seaman Ralph Carey was lost the H.M.S Duke of Albany. This man was at the fall of Antwerp with the Naval Division. Later he joined H.M.S. Alcantara, which was sunk, and was rescued after being in the water for five hours. He then joined the ill-fated Duke of Albany.
Sources:
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 - Free BMD
1901 & 1911 England Census
England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975 - Ancestry.com
Surrey History Centre; Woking, Surrey; Surrey Church of England Parish Registers; Reference: P49/200/1/4
UK, Railway Employment Records, 1833-1956 The National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Collection: London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Company: Records; Class: RAIL414; Piece: 608
UK, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Service Records Index, 1903-1922
Royal Naval Division Index, 1914-1919
CWGC Register
Great Britain, Royal Naval Division Casualties of The Great War, 1914-1924
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 007 (1914 - 1919)
WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; Pension Record Cards; Reference: 037/0155/CAP-CAR
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0657
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
DOB - 6th September 1894
Place of Birth - Redhill, Surrey
Parents - George and Matilda
Early History - Baptised on 25th November 1894 in St Matthew’s Church, Redhill.
In the 1901 census Ralph was aged 6, the middle of 5 children. The family lived at Lowers Cottage, New Road, Denton, Newhaven, Surrey. They continued to reside at the same address for over 10 years, noted at the cottage again during the 1911 census; Ralph was aged 16 and worked as a farm labourer.
Rank - Able Seaman, (Po) Sussex 4/189 RNVR
Service History - Ralph was working as an engine cleaner with the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway when he enlisted on 3rd April 1912 as an Ordinary Seaman within the RNVR, described as 5’4” tall with brown hair and grey eyes. He was attached to the Howe Battalion on 22nd August 1914 (C/69 22/8/14-28/10/14) serving in Belgium in 1914 and awarded the 1914 Star. On returning home he was drafted to RN Depot Portsmouth and transferred to HMS CALYX on 28th November 1914 serving for 4 months before returning to Portsmouth and HMS VICTORY I.
His next posting was to the AMC ALCANTARA, from 15th April 1915 to 31st March 1916, returning to HMS VICTORY for a month. His final posting was to the DUKE OF ALBANY, which was attached to the dockyard repair ship HMS VICTORIOUS, on 29th April 1916 until the ship was torpedoed.
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 19 September 1916
LOST AT SEA Seaman Ralph Carey was lost the H.M.S Duke of Albany. This man was at the fall of Antwerp with the Naval Division. Later he joined H.M.S. Alcantara, which was sunk, and was rescued after being in the water for five hours. He then joined the ill-fated Duke of Albany.
Sources:
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 - Free BMD
1901 & 1911 England Census
England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975 - Ancestry.com
Surrey History Centre; Woking, Surrey; Surrey Church of England Parish Registers; Reference: P49/200/1/4
UK, Railway Employment Records, 1833-1956 The National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Collection: London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Company: Records; Class: RAIL414; Piece: 608
UK, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Service Records Index, 1903-1922
Royal Naval Division Index, 1914-1919
CWGC Register
Great Britain, Royal Naval Division Casualties of The Great War, 1914-1924
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 007 (1914 - 1919)
WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; Pension Record Cards; Reference: 037/0155/CAP-CAR
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0657
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Name - Cook, Arthur James (35)
DOB - 31st March 1882
Place of Birth - Appledore, Devon
Parents - Sone of James and Marina Cook
Early History -
Rank - Seaman (no. 2841C)
Service History -
North Devon Journal - Thursday 31 August 1916
DEATHS
Cooke.—Through the sinking of the armed liner, '•Duke of Albany," A. J. Cooke, South-street, Braunton.
North Devon Journal - Thursday 31 August 1916
A Brauntonian, Mr. A. J. Cooke, lost his life whilst on board the British armed liner. ''Duke of Albany," which was torpedoed last week. Mrs. Cooke, who, with five young children, resides at South-street, has been officiality informed that her husband is lost. The deceased was a native Appledore, but had been living in Braunton many years. At the commencement the War he was called up Naval Reservist.
Western Times - Thursday 31 August 1916
Mr. A. J. Cooke, whose wife resides at Braunton, was one the members of the crew who lost their lives by the sinking of the British armed liner Duke of Albany.- Deceased, who was 32 years age, was a native of Appledore. but had resided in Braunton for many years, being held in high esteem. Much sympathy is being extended to the widow, who is left with five children.
Note: Newspaper accounts record name as Cooke but service record listed as Cook.
DOB - 31st March 1882
Place of Birth - Appledore, Devon
Parents - Sone of James and Marina Cook
Early History -
Rank - Seaman (no. 2841C)
Service History -
North Devon Journal - Thursday 31 August 1916
DEATHS
Cooke.—Through the sinking of the armed liner, '•Duke of Albany," A. J. Cooke, South-street, Braunton.
North Devon Journal - Thursday 31 August 1916
A Brauntonian, Mr. A. J. Cooke, lost his life whilst on board the British armed liner. ''Duke of Albany," which was torpedoed last week. Mrs. Cooke, who, with five young children, resides at South-street, has been officiality informed that her husband is lost. The deceased was a native Appledore, but had been living in Braunton many years. At the commencement the War he was called up Naval Reservist.
Western Times - Thursday 31 August 1916
Mr. A. J. Cooke, whose wife resides at Braunton, was one the members of the crew who lost their lives by the sinking of the British armed liner Duke of Albany.- Deceased, who was 32 years age, was a native of Appledore. but had resided in Braunton for many years, being held in high esteem. Much sympathy is being extended to the widow, who is left with five children.
Note: Newspaper accounts record name as Cooke but service record listed as Cook.
Sources:
BT 377/7/35085
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
BT 377/7/35085
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Name - Couch, Charles Henry (51),
DOB - 6th August 1864
Place of Birth - Gosport, Hampshire, England
Parents - Son of Thomas Couch & Elizabeth Stansbury
Early History -
Rank - Petty Officer 1st Class (no. 115631)
Service History -
DOB - 6th August 1864
Place of Birth - Gosport, Hampshire, England
Parents - Son of Thomas Couch & Elizabeth Stansbury
Early History -
Rank - Petty Officer 1st Class (no. 115631)
Service History -
Photo: Guido Blokland findagrave.com Lyness Cemetery, Hoy, Orkney.
Name - Macaulay, Donald ,
DOB - 28th January 1880
Place of Birth - Topson, Bernera, Lewis
Parents - Son of Norman and Kate S. Macaulay
Early History -
Rank - Seaman (no. 3060C)
Service History -
DOB - 28th January 1880
Place of Birth - Topson, Bernera, Lewis
Parents - Son of Norman and Kate S. Macaulay
Early History -
Rank - Seaman (no. 3060C)
Service History -
Sources:
BT 377/7/35300
BT 377/7/35300
Name - Maskell, Albert George Glover (45),
DOB - 1871
Place of Birth - Brightlingsea, Essex, England
Parents - Son on George Maskell & Matilda Victoria Cantall
Early History - Married to Rachel Agnes Gornall. Father to Irene Victoria Maskell.
Rank - Engineer Sub-Lieutenant
Service History - Rank: Engineer Sub Lieutenant (Temporary) Date of Seniority: 21 November 1914.
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 28 August 1916
Engineer Albert G. Maskell resided at Harris Street, Fleetwood, and was married. He was 45 years of age and had for long number of years been engaged as engineer on the Fleetwood-Belfast cross-channel service. His wife is in delicate health.
Blackpool Gazette & Herald - Friday 01 September 1916
Engineer Lieut. A. G. G. Maskell.
Engineer Lieut. Albert G. G. Maskell resided at 64, Harris -street, and was a married man, with one child. aged eleven. He was 45 years of age, and had for a long time been employed as an engineer on the Belfast servioe.
DOB - 1871
Place of Birth - Brightlingsea, Essex, England
Parents - Son on George Maskell & Matilda Victoria Cantall
Early History - Married to Rachel Agnes Gornall. Father to Irene Victoria Maskell.
Rank - Engineer Sub-Lieutenant
Service History - Rank: Engineer Sub Lieutenant (Temporary) Date of Seniority: 21 November 1914.
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 28 August 1916
Engineer Albert G. Maskell resided at Harris Street, Fleetwood, and was married. He was 45 years of age and had for long number of years been engaged as engineer on the Fleetwood-Belfast cross-channel service. His wife is in delicate health.
Blackpool Gazette & Herald - Friday 01 September 1916
Engineer Lieut. A. G. G. Maskell.
Engineer Lieut. Albert G. G. Maskell resided at 64, Harris -street, and was a married man, with one child. aged eleven. He was 45 years of age, and had for a long time been employed as an engineer on the Belfast servioe.
Sources:
ADM 240/38/267
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
ADM 240/38/267
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Name - McDonald, John(28),
DOB - 25th June 1888
Place of Birth - Kirkibost, Rossshire, Lewis
Parents - Son of Norman and Margaret McDonald
Early History -
Rank - Seaman (no. 3322A)
Service History -
DOB - 25th June 1888
Place of Birth - Kirkibost, Rossshire, Lewis
Parents - Son of Norman and Margaret McDonald
Early History -
Rank - Seaman (no. 3322A)
Service History -
Sources:
BT 377/7/3315
BT 339/1/26631
BT 377/7/3315
BT 339/1/26631
Name - Prior, Charles Henry (43),
DOB - 3rd December 1873
Place of Birth -Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. Baptism 12 Dec 1873 • Karrachee, Bombay, India
Parents - Son of George Prior and Emma Middleton
Early History - 1899 - Married Rosina Brown. 1912 - Birth of daughter Vera May Prior
Rank - Leading Signalman (no. 160252)
Service History - 17th April 1891 Ran away from home saying he was 16 years old and joined the Royal Navy. Shore training HMS Impregnable, Davenport. 1892 Passed out boy First Class.
1896 - Promoted to Rating of Qualified signalman.
1899 - Bought out of Navy.
1903 - Joined the Navel reserves
1914 - On board HMS Caesar when war declared.
1914 - Joined HMS Duke of Albany as Leading Signalman September 30th.
Gloucestershire Chronicle - Saturday 09 September 1916
Mrs. Prior, of 18, Kitchener Avenue. Gloucester has received notification from the Admiralty to the effect that her husband, Leading-Signalman C. H. Prior, has been killed in the North Sea. He joined the Royal Navy when a lad, and having served eight years transferred to the Royal Fleet Reserve. Upon the outbreak of hostilities proceeded to Devonport. He served in several ships, including the Condor and Ajax, and for the last months was Leading-Signalman the Duke of Albany, a boarding steamer, which was torpedoed by a German submarine in the North Sea August 24th. Deceased was an all-round athlete and well known in local cricket circles. For several years served captain of the Stroud Road Primitive Methodist Cricket Club, and later of the Wagon Work's Club. He was also a first class boxer and a powerful swimmer. He leaves a widow and two children.
DOB - 3rd December 1873
Place of Birth -Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. Baptism 12 Dec 1873 • Karrachee, Bombay, India
Parents - Son of George Prior and Emma Middleton
Early History - 1899 - Married Rosina Brown. 1912 - Birth of daughter Vera May Prior
Rank - Leading Signalman (no. 160252)
Service History - 17th April 1891 Ran away from home saying he was 16 years old and joined the Royal Navy. Shore training HMS Impregnable, Davenport. 1892 Passed out boy First Class.
1896 - Promoted to Rating of Qualified signalman.
1899 - Bought out of Navy.
1903 - Joined the Navel reserves
1914 - On board HMS Caesar when war declared.
1914 - Joined HMS Duke of Albany as Leading Signalman September 30th.
Gloucestershire Chronicle - Saturday 09 September 1916
Mrs. Prior, of 18, Kitchener Avenue. Gloucester has received notification from the Admiralty to the effect that her husband, Leading-Signalman C. H. Prior, has been killed in the North Sea. He joined the Royal Navy when a lad, and having served eight years transferred to the Royal Fleet Reserve. Upon the outbreak of hostilities proceeded to Devonport. He served in several ships, including the Condor and Ajax, and for the last months was Leading-Signalman the Duke of Albany, a boarding steamer, which was torpedoed by a German submarine in the North Sea August 24th. Deceased was an all-round athlete and well known in local cricket circles. For several years served captain of the Stroud Road Primitive Methodist Cricket Club, and later of the Wagon Work's Club. He was also a first class boxer and a powerful swimmer. He leaves a widow and two children.
Name - Ramage, George Norris (45),
DOB - 16th May 1871
Place of Birth - Westruther, Berwickshire
Parents - Son of William Ramage & Jane Thomson
Early History -
Rank - Commander 79 Cr
Service History -
Date of Seniority: August 1914. (Lieutenant Commander).
Date of Seniority: 31 March 1915.(Commander.)
Northern Whig - Monday 28 August 1916
Commander G. N. Ramage, R.N.R.
Commander George N. R.N.R., who has been reported lost with the s.s. Duke of Albany, formerly of the Belfast- Fleetwood service, resided at Bromsgrove, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast. He was a son-in-law of Mr. A. Blackhill, of Bromsgrove, and had only been married a few years. When the Admiralty took over the Duke of Albany Commander Ramage was appointed to the command. He had been a considerable time in the service of the British India Company, and was regarded as a very capable officer.
Irish Independent - Thursday 31 August 1916
The widow of the late Commander G. N. Ramage. R.N.R.. Bloomfield, Belfast, who went down with H.M.S. Duke of Albany. has received a telegram of sympathy from the King and Queen.
Berwickshire News and General Advertiser - Tuesday 05 September 1916
WESTRUTHER OFFICER LOST AT SEA. Commander George N. Ramage, R.N.R., whose ship, Duke of Albany, has been torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea was a native of Westruther, Berwickshire. Along with Commander Ramage one officer and 22 men lost whilst 11 officers and 76 men were saved. Commander Ramage is son of Mr Wm. Ramage, London, and nephew of Mr Robt. Ramage, Westruther. His widow has received telegraphic message condolence from the King and Queen.
Larne Times - Saturday 09 September 1916
Commander GEO. N. RAMAGE. R.D.. R.N.R., Bromsgrove, Bloomfield, who went down with H.M.S. Duke of Albany. His widow has received the following telegram from Buckingham Palace-—“ The King and Queen deeply regret the loss to you and the Navy have sustained the death of your husband in the service of his country. Their Majesties truly sympathise with you in your sorrow.—Keeper of the Privy Purse." (photo)
DOB - 16th May 1871
Place of Birth - Westruther, Berwickshire
Parents - Son of William Ramage & Jane Thomson
Early History -
Rank - Commander 79 Cr
Service History -
Date of Seniority: August 1914. (Lieutenant Commander).
Date of Seniority: 31 March 1915.(Commander.)
Northern Whig - Monday 28 August 1916
Commander G. N. Ramage, R.N.R.
Commander George N. R.N.R., who has been reported lost with the s.s. Duke of Albany, formerly of the Belfast- Fleetwood service, resided at Bromsgrove, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast. He was a son-in-law of Mr. A. Blackhill, of Bromsgrove, and had only been married a few years. When the Admiralty took over the Duke of Albany Commander Ramage was appointed to the command. He had been a considerable time in the service of the British India Company, and was regarded as a very capable officer.
Irish Independent - Thursday 31 August 1916
The widow of the late Commander G. N. Ramage. R.N.R.. Bloomfield, Belfast, who went down with H.M.S. Duke of Albany. has received a telegram of sympathy from the King and Queen.
Berwickshire News and General Advertiser - Tuesday 05 September 1916
WESTRUTHER OFFICER LOST AT SEA. Commander George N. Ramage, R.N.R., whose ship, Duke of Albany, has been torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea was a native of Westruther, Berwickshire. Along with Commander Ramage one officer and 22 men lost whilst 11 officers and 76 men were saved. Commander Ramage is son of Mr Wm. Ramage, London, and nephew of Mr Robt. Ramage, Westruther. His widow has received telegraphic message condolence from the King and Queen.
Larne Times - Saturday 09 September 1916
Commander GEO. N. RAMAGE. R.D.. R.N.R., Bromsgrove, Bloomfield, who went down with H.M.S. Duke of Albany. His widow has received the following telegram from Buckingham Palace-—“ The King and Queen deeply regret the loss to you and the Navy have sustained the death of your husband in the service of his country. Their Majesties truly sympathise with you in your sorrow.—Keeper of the Privy Purse." (photo)
Sources:
ADM 340/114/17
ADM 240/82/299
ADM 240/52/147
ADM 240/82/1263
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
ADM 340/114/17
ADM 240/82/299
ADM 240/52/147
ADM 240/82/1263
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Name - Walker John Douglas
DOB - 7th January 1889
Place of Birth - Douglas, Isle of Man
Parents - William Walker and Annie Briscoe
Early History - John was first recorded on his baptism records and then on the 1891 census aged 2. He, along with his parents and 3 siblings lived at Frederick Street in Douglas, his father a waiter. The family can’t be found on the 1901 census on the Isle of Man, but within another 10 years only his mother and John lived together at 8 Harris Terrace, Douglas.
Rank - Leading Seaman A/2194 - RNR
Service History - He enrolled with the Reserves on 30th October 1909, recorded as 5’3” tall, with brown eyes and a ruddy complexion, training at Devonport Depot and HMS ARROGANT in December 1909 to the end of March 1910. Before the war he worked on vessels BEN-MY-CHREE, HOLLY BRANCH, CAMPANIA and SAXONIA, sailing to mainly New York, rated as an Able Seaman. While retained with the RNR John undertook Navy training which happened every other year; attached to HMS CAESAR in 1911 and HMS PRINCE OF WALES in 1913. He also passed requirements for signalling and was rated as Leading Seaman on 22nd April 1915. He was attached to HMS VIVID on the outbreak of the Great War, and posted to serve aboard HMS DUKE OF ALBANY on 18th November 1914. Sadly his release from the ALBANY came all too late - he had notice that he could be discharged from the RNR due to being accepted for employment as a Junior Officer in the Mercantile Fleet Auxiliary on 29th October 1916, two months after his death, after gaining his certificate of competency as Second Mate (for foreign-going steam ships) on 10th June 1916.
A single man in life, his pension was awarded to his widowed mother after his death.
DOB - 7th January 1889
Place of Birth - Douglas, Isle of Man
Parents - William Walker and Annie Briscoe
Early History - John was first recorded on his baptism records and then on the 1891 census aged 2. He, along with his parents and 3 siblings lived at Frederick Street in Douglas, his father a waiter. The family can’t be found on the 1901 census on the Isle of Man, but within another 10 years only his mother and John lived together at 8 Harris Terrace, Douglas.
Rank - Leading Seaman A/2194 - RNR
Service History - He enrolled with the Reserves on 30th October 1909, recorded as 5’3” tall, with brown eyes and a ruddy complexion, training at Devonport Depot and HMS ARROGANT in December 1909 to the end of March 1910. Before the war he worked on vessels BEN-MY-CHREE, HOLLY BRANCH, CAMPANIA and SAXONIA, sailing to mainly New York, rated as an Able Seaman. While retained with the RNR John undertook Navy training which happened every other year; attached to HMS CAESAR in 1911 and HMS PRINCE OF WALES in 1913. He also passed requirements for signalling and was rated as Leading Seaman on 22nd April 1915. He was attached to HMS VIVID on the outbreak of the Great War, and posted to serve aboard HMS DUKE OF ALBANY on 18th November 1914. Sadly his release from the ALBANY came all too late - he had notice that he could be discharged from the RNR due to being accepted for employment as a Junior Officer in the Mercantile Fleet Auxiliary on 29th October 1916, two months after his death, after gaining his certificate of competency as Second Mate (for foreign-going steam ships) on 10th June 1916.
A single man in life, his pension was awarded to his widowed mother after his death.
Isle of Man Examiner - Saturday 09 September 1916
SEAMAN J. D. WALKER KILLED. Among those who lost their lives when the armed boarding-steamer Duke of 'Albany was recently torpedoed in the North Sea, was Leading-Seaman John D. Walker, R.N.R., formerly of Harristerrace, Douglas.
Sources:
Isle of Man, Select Births and Baptisms, 1821-1911 - Ancestry.com
1891 & 1911 England census
CWGC Register
UK and Ireland, Masters and Mates Certificates, 1850-1927 - Ancestry.com
UK, Royal Naval Reserve Service Records Index, 1860-1955
UK, Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 ADM 242/10; Scan Number: 0865
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; Piece 013 (1914 Jan 01 - 1919 Dec 31)
National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; Piece: 010 (1914 - 1919)
WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; Pension Record Cards; Reference: 183/0962/WAL-WAL
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Isle of Man, Select Births and Baptisms, 1821-1911 - Ancestry.com
1891 & 1911 England census
CWGC Register
UK and Ireland, Masters and Mates Certificates, 1850-1927 - Ancestry.com
UK, Royal Naval Reserve Service Records Index, 1860-1955
UK, Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 ADM 242/10; Scan Number: 0865
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; Piece 013 (1914 Jan 01 - 1919 Dec 31)
National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; Piece: 010 (1914 - 1919)
WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; Pension Record Cards; Reference: 183/0962/WAL-WAL
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Specially Entered Mercantile Crew.
Brighton Gazette - Wednesday 30 August 1916
NAVAL CASUALTIES,
The Secretary of the Admiralty announces the‘ following casualties: --
H.M.S. “DUKE OF ALBANY. KILLED.
SPECIALLY ENTERED MERCANTILE CREW.
ARMSTRONG, John, Firemen. ATHERTON, George, Fireman, BEARDOE, W., Donkeyman, . BIRNIE, John, Greaser. CARSON, Thomas, Greaser. CASTLES, Joseph, Greaser. COQPER, John, Fireman, GLASS, Sam, Fireman. GRAHAM, James, Fireman. PHILLIPS, Edward, Fireman. PORTER, Walter David, Fireman. ROUNEY, Joseph, Fireman. SMITH, Charles, Fireman. SMITH, Edward, Fireman and Water Tender. WESTWOOD, William, Fireman.
NAVAL CASUALTIES,
The Secretary of the Admiralty announces the‘ following casualties: --
H.M.S. “DUKE OF ALBANY. KILLED.
SPECIALLY ENTERED MERCANTILE CREW.
ARMSTRONG, John, Firemen. ATHERTON, George, Fireman, BEARDOE, W., Donkeyman, . BIRNIE, John, Greaser. CARSON, Thomas, Greaser. CASTLES, Joseph, Greaser. COQPER, John, Fireman, GLASS, Sam, Fireman. GRAHAM, James, Fireman. PHILLIPS, Edward, Fireman. PORTER, Walter David, Fireman. ROUNEY, Joseph, Fireman. SMITH, Charles, Fireman. SMITH, Edward, Fireman and Water Tender. WESTWOOD, William, Fireman.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Armstrong, John - Fireman
Atherton, George - Fireman
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 31 August 1916
ROLL OF HONOUR
ATHERTON— Aug 24 torpedoed on the Duke of Albany , George, the beloved husband of Alice Atherton (nee Kennedy) Sadly missed by his wife and children. Canadian papers please copy.
I cannot stand beside his grave
For he lies in the secret sea
And not one little whispering wave
Will tell that place to me
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 31 August 1916
ROLL OF HONOUR
ATHERTON— Aug 24 torpedoed on the Duke of Albany , George, the beloved husband of Alice Atherton (nee Kennedy) Sadly missed by his wife and children. Canadian papers please copy.
I cannot stand beside his grave
For he lies in the secret sea
And not one little whispering wave
Will tell that place to me
Beardoe Herbert William - Donkeyman
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 28 August 1916
Mrs. Beardoe, 48, Kent-street, Fleetwood received official intimation that her son, Herbert William Beardoe (28), is missing and believed to be killed. He was donkeyman on the Duke of Albany, and had been employed by the railway company on the steamer service since he was 17 years of age.
Fleetwood Express - Saturday 02 September 1916
Herbert William Beardoe, donkeyman, resided with his widowed mother at 48 Kent Street, Fleetwood. Mrs. Beardoe received a telegram on Monday from the Admiralty stating that her son was missing and believed to be killed. The deceased, who was 28 years of age, had been in the railway service for the past eleven years.
Fleetwood Chronicle - Friday 24 August 1917
IN MEMORIAM
BEARDOE: In affectionate remembrance of my dear son, Herbert William Beardoe., who lost his life on H.M.S. "Duke of Albany, - August 24th, 1916.- -From his sorrowing Mother. Sister. and Brothers., 48, Kent street. Fleetwood. "His duty nobly done."
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 28 August 1916
Mrs. Beardoe, 48, Kent-street, Fleetwood received official intimation that her son, Herbert William Beardoe (28), is missing and believed to be killed. He was donkeyman on the Duke of Albany, and had been employed by the railway company on the steamer service since he was 17 years of age.
Fleetwood Express - Saturday 02 September 1916
Herbert William Beardoe, donkeyman, resided with his widowed mother at 48 Kent Street, Fleetwood. Mrs. Beardoe received a telegram on Monday from the Admiralty stating that her son was missing and believed to be killed. The deceased, who was 28 years of age, had been in the railway service for the past eleven years.
Fleetwood Chronicle - Friday 24 August 1917
IN MEMORIAM
BEARDOE: In affectionate remembrance of my dear son, Herbert William Beardoe., who lost his life on H.M.S. "Duke of Albany, - August 24th, 1916.- -From his sorrowing Mother. Sister. and Brothers., 48, Kent street. Fleetwood. "His duty nobly done."
Source:
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Birnie, John - Greaser
Fleetwood Chronicle - Friday 24 August 1917
IN MEMORIAM
BIRNIE: In ever loving memory of my dear husband. John Birnie, who lost his life during the sinking of H.M.S. 'Duke of Albany,' August 24th. 1916.
A good life is always too short.
But a good name endureth for ever.
Sadly missed by his Wife and Children. Pharosgrove. Fleetwood,
Northern Whig - Tuesday 29 August 1916
Mr. John Birnie, another member of the crew, has also been lost. was a native of Belfast, but had lived in Fleetwood for the past fifteen years.
Blackpool Gazette & Herald - Friday 01 September 1916
On Friday afternoon, Mrs Birnie, who resides at 2, Pharos-grove, Fleetwood, received the following telegram: "Regret to inform you that your husband, John. Birnie, a greaser on H.M.S. "Duke of Albany," has been received on board this hospital ship dead, August 24th. H.M. Hospital Ship "Soudan." Birnie was 38 years of age, and served on the "Duke of Albany" before she was taken over by the Admiralty. He leaves a widow and four young children.
Northern Whig - Monday 04 September 1916
Mr. Henry Birnie, 17. George’s Street, Belfast, has news that his brother, Greaser John Birnie, was lost with the Duke of Albany the North Sea. deceased had been leading at Fleetwood for the past twelve years. He leaves a wife and four children, and their address 2, Pharos Grove, Fleetwood.
Larne Times - Saturday 30 September 1916
Greaser John Birnie lot with the Duke of Albany. His brother resides at 17 George Street, Belfast. (photo)
Fleetwood Chronicle - Friday 24 August 1917
IN MEMORIAM
BIRNIE: In ever loving memory of my dear husband. John Birnie, who lost his life during the sinking of H.M.S. 'Duke of Albany,' August 24th. 1916.
A good life is always too short.
But a good name endureth for ever.
Sadly missed by his Wife and Children. Pharosgrove. Fleetwood,
Northern Whig - Tuesday 29 August 1916
Mr. John Birnie, another member of the crew, has also been lost. was a native of Belfast, but had lived in Fleetwood for the past fifteen years.
Blackpool Gazette & Herald - Friday 01 September 1916
On Friday afternoon, Mrs Birnie, who resides at 2, Pharos-grove, Fleetwood, received the following telegram: "Regret to inform you that your husband, John. Birnie, a greaser on H.M.S. "Duke of Albany," has been received on board this hospital ship dead, August 24th. H.M. Hospital Ship "Soudan." Birnie was 38 years of age, and served on the "Duke of Albany" before she was taken over by the Admiralty. He leaves a widow and four young children.
Northern Whig - Monday 04 September 1916
Mr. Henry Birnie, 17. George’s Street, Belfast, has news that his brother, Greaser John Birnie, was lost with the Duke of Albany the North Sea. deceased had been leading at Fleetwood for the past twelve years. He leaves a wife and four children, and their address 2, Pharos Grove, Fleetwood.
Larne Times - Saturday 30 September 1916
Greaser John Birnie lot with the Duke of Albany. His brother resides at 17 George Street, Belfast. (photo)
Photo: Len findagrave.com
|
J. BIRNIE GREASER MMR H.M.S. Duke of Albany 24th August 1916 Aged 34 † GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THAT HE LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS |
Fleetwood Cemetery
Source:
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Findagrave.com
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Findagrave.com
Carson, Thomas - Greaser
Northern Whig - Tuesday 29 August 1916
Amongst those who went down with the ship was Mr. Thomas Carson, whose wife and family live at Westbourne, Onslow Gardens. Cregagh Road. Mrs. Carson has received a message from the Admiralty that her husband is reported missing, and is believed to have lost his life. Deceased had 43 years on the Fleetwood steamers, and when the Duke of Albany was taken over by the Government he volunteered for service, and was one of the specially entered mercantile crew.
Larne Times - Saturday 16 September 1916
Mr. THOMAS CARSON. Westbourne. Onslow Gardens, Cregagh, lost with H.M.S. Duke of Albany. He had been 43 years at sea. (photo)
Northern Whig - Tuesday 29 August 1916
Amongst those who went down with the ship was Mr. Thomas Carson, whose wife and family live at Westbourne, Onslow Gardens. Cregagh Road. Mrs. Carson has received a message from the Admiralty that her husband is reported missing, and is believed to have lost his life. Deceased had 43 years on the Fleetwood steamers, and when the Duke of Albany was taken over by the Government he volunteered for service, and was one of the specially entered mercantile crew.
Larne Times - Saturday 16 September 1916
Mr. THOMAS CARSON. Westbourne. Onslow Gardens, Cregagh, lost with H.M.S. Duke of Albany. He had been 43 years at sea. (photo)
Source:
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Castles, Joseph Cameron - Greaser
Northern Whig - Tuesday 29 August 1916
Mr. Joseph Castles, another victim, was an Aberdeen man, and had been on the Belfast- Fleetwood steamers for many years.
Aberdeen Evening Express - Wednesday 30 August 1916
Roll of Honour.
CASTLES.—Lost with ILM.S. Duke Albany North Sea, Joseph Cameron Castles, third son of Mrs Barbour, 16 Carmelite Street, Aberdeen, aged 26. Deeply regretted.
Sunday Post - Sunday 03 September 1916
ABERDEEN NAVAL HERO AND HIS HANDIWORK.
Seaman Joseph Cameron Castles, who perished with HMS Duke of Albany recently torpedoed in the North Sea. This gallant lad who was a native of Aberdeen where his mother resides at 16 Carmelite Street, is seen photographed with his finely executed model of Girdleness Lighthouse. It was entirely his own handiwork and includes a perfect lighting instillation which could be operated in exactly the same manner as the actual lights on Girdleness. (photo)
Northern Whig - Tuesday 29 August 1916
Mr. Joseph Castles, another victim, was an Aberdeen man, and had been on the Belfast- Fleetwood steamers for many years.
Aberdeen Evening Express - Wednesday 30 August 1916
Roll of Honour.
CASTLES.—Lost with ILM.S. Duke Albany North Sea, Joseph Cameron Castles, third son of Mrs Barbour, 16 Carmelite Street, Aberdeen, aged 26. Deeply regretted.
Sunday Post - Sunday 03 September 1916
ABERDEEN NAVAL HERO AND HIS HANDIWORK.
Seaman Joseph Cameron Castles, who perished with HMS Duke of Albany recently torpedoed in the North Sea. This gallant lad who was a native of Aberdeen where his mother resides at 16 Carmelite Street, is seen photographed with his finely executed model of Girdleness Lighthouse. It was entirely his own handiwork and includes a perfect lighting instillation which could be operated in exactly the same manner as the actual lights on Girdleness. (photo)
Source:
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Cooper, John - Fireman
Glass, Sam - Fireman
Northern Whig - Tuesday 29 August 1916
Mr. Samuel Glass, who has been lost, was a Belfast man. and was serving the ship before she went to the North Sea.
Blackpool Gazette & Herald - Friday 01 September 1916
Samuel Glass, a fireman, who was also of the victims, hailed from Belfast, and had been employed in the service for a number of years
Northern Whig - Tuesday 29 August 1916
Mr. Samuel Glass, who has been lost, was a Belfast man. and was serving the ship before she went to the North Sea.
Blackpool Gazette & Herald - Friday 01 September 1916
Samuel Glass, a fireman, who was also of the victims, hailed from Belfast, and had been employed in the service for a number of years
Source:
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Graham, James - Fireman
Liverpool Echo - Friday 24 August 1917
IN MEMORIAM.
GRAHAM-In loving memory of my dear brother James, who lost his life through the torpedoing of H.MS Duke of Albany August 24, 1916. You are not forgotten, brother dear, Nor will you ever be;
As long as life and memory last
We will remember thee.
His loving Sister Maggie and Brother-in-law Dan.
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 August 1918
IN MEMORIAM.
GRAHAM-In loving memory of JAMES GRAHAM who lost his life through the torpedoing of H.M.S Duke of Albany, August 24, 1916. Ever remembered by his loving sister, Aggie, and Brother-in- law, Jim.
Liverpool Echo - Friday 24 August 1917
IN MEMORIAM.
GRAHAM-In loving memory of my dear brother James, who lost his life through the torpedoing of H.MS Duke of Albany August 24, 1916. You are not forgotten, brother dear, Nor will you ever be;
As long as life and memory last
We will remember thee.
His loving Sister Maggie and Brother-in-law Dan.
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 August 1918
IN MEMORIAM.
GRAHAM-In loving memory of JAMES GRAHAM who lost his life through the torpedoing of H.M.S Duke of Albany, August 24, 1916. Ever remembered by his loving sister, Aggie, and Brother-in- law, Jim.
Phillips, Edward - Fireman
Photo: Guido Blokland findagrave.com Lyness Cemetery, Hoy, Orkney.
Source:
Findagrave.com
Findagrave.com
Porter, Walter David - Fireman
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 28 August 1916
Mrs Porter 14 Jones-grove Fleetwood, has also been notified that her husband, Walter David Porter (38) stoker has been killed. He joined the Royal Navy Reserve in June. He leaves a wife and six young children.
Blackpool Gazette & Herald - Friday 01 September 1916
............A similar communication was also received on Monday by Mrs. Porter, of 14, Jonas,- grove, Victoria street Porter, who was 38 years of age, had been employed on the Belfast boats for a number of years, and went out with the "Duke of Albany" when she was requisitioned by the Admiralty. He leaves a widow and six children.
Fleetwood Express - Saturday 02 September 1916
The fourth man is Walter David Porter, whose wife resides at 14, Jones's Grove, Fleetwood, and who was employed as stoker on the Duke of Albany. He was 38 years of age, married, and leaves a widow and six children, whose ages range from four to seventeen years. He joined the R.N.R. at the end of June, prior to which he was employed in the service of the Rail- way Company between Fleetwood and Belfast.
Fleetwood Chronicle - Friday 24 August 1923
IN MEMORIAM.
PORTER.—In boring memory of Walter David Porter, who was lost on H.M.S. Duke of Albany. in the North Sea. on August 24th. 1916. A day of remembrance. —From his Wife and Children.
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 28 August 1916
Mrs Porter 14 Jones-grove Fleetwood, has also been notified that her husband, Walter David Porter (38) stoker has been killed. He joined the Royal Navy Reserve in June. He leaves a wife and six young children.
Blackpool Gazette & Herald - Friday 01 September 1916
............A similar communication was also received on Monday by Mrs. Porter, of 14, Jonas,- grove, Victoria street Porter, who was 38 years of age, had been employed on the Belfast boats for a number of years, and went out with the "Duke of Albany" when she was requisitioned by the Admiralty. He leaves a widow and six children.
Fleetwood Express - Saturday 02 September 1916
The fourth man is Walter David Porter, whose wife resides at 14, Jones's Grove, Fleetwood, and who was employed as stoker on the Duke of Albany. He was 38 years of age, married, and leaves a widow and six children, whose ages range from four to seventeen years. He joined the R.N.R. at the end of June, prior to which he was employed in the service of the Rail- way Company between Fleetwood and Belfast.
Fleetwood Chronicle - Friday 24 August 1923
IN MEMORIAM.
PORTER.—In boring memory of Walter David Porter, who was lost on H.M.S. Duke of Albany. in the North Sea. on August 24th. 1916. A day of remembrance. —From his Wife and Children.
Source:
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Rooney, Joseph - Fireman
Smith, Charles Norman - Fireman
Liverpool Echo - Friday 24 August 1917
SMITH-In memory of Charles Norman Smith, who lost his life on HMS Duke of Albany August 24, 1916. (Ever remembered by his Sister-in-law Sallie.)
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 05 September 1916
BOOTLE BROTHERS. Stoker C. Smith, who leaves widow three children, who reside at 27, Armstrong street, Bootle, was lost H.M.S. Duke of Albany, which was torpedoed. His brother, E. Smith, was also lost at the same time.
Liverpool Echo - Friday 24 August 1917
SMITH-In memory of Charles Norman Smith, who lost his life on HMS Duke of Albany August 24, 1916. (Ever remembered by his Sister-in-law Sallie.)
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 05 September 1916
BOOTLE BROTHERS. Stoker C. Smith, who leaves widow three children, who reside at 27, Armstrong street, Bootle, was lost H.M.S. Duke of Albany, which was torpedoed. His brother, E. Smith, was also lost at the same time.
Source:
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Smith Edward Bradfield - Fireman & Water Tender
Liverpool Echo - Friday 24 August 1917
SMITH- In loving memory of Edward Bradfield Smith, who lost his life on H.M.S Duke of Albany. August 24, 1916,
Little I thought his time so short in this world to remain
When from his home he went away and thought to come again;
We do not know what pain he bore, we did not see him die,
We only know he went away and could not say good-bye. His sorrowing Wife Sallie.
SMITH- In loving memory of Edward Bradfield Smith (Happy), who lost his life on HMS Duke of Albany August 24, 1916.
In the prime of life death claimed him,
In the pride of his manhood days;
None knew him but to love him,
None mentioned his name but with praise.
His Sister and Brother-in-law, Kate and Jack Cunliffe.
SMITH- In loving memory of Edward Bradfield Smith, who lost his life on HMS Duke of Albany His cheerful smile and happy face Are pleasant to recall;
He had a kindly word for each, And died beloved by all.
His Sisters-in-law Maggie and Nellie.
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 05 September 1916
BOOTLE BROTHERS. Stoker C. Smith, who leaves widow three children, who reside at 27, Armstrong street, Bootle, was lost H.M.S. Duke of Albany, which was torpedoed. His brother, E. Smith, was also lost at the same time.
Liverpool Echo - Friday 24 August 1917
SMITH- In loving memory of Edward Bradfield Smith, who lost his life on H.M.S Duke of Albany. August 24, 1916,
Little I thought his time so short in this world to remain
When from his home he went away and thought to come again;
We do not know what pain he bore, we did not see him die,
We only know he went away and could not say good-bye. His sorrowing Wife Sallie.
SMITH- In loving memory of Edward Bradfield Smith (Happy), who lost his life on HMS Duke of Albany August 24, 1916.
In the prime of life death claimed him,
In the pride of his manhood days;
None knew him but to love him,
None mentioned his name but with praise.
His Sister and Brother-in-law, Kate and Jack Cunliffe.
SMITH- In loving memory of Edward Bradfield Smith, who lost his life on HMS Duke of Albany His cheerful smile and happy face Are pleasant to recall;
He had a kindly word for each, And died beloved by all.
His Sisters-in-law Maggie and Nellie.
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 05 September 1916
BOOTLE BROTHERS. Stoker C. Smith, who leaves widow three children, who reside at 27, Armstrong street, Bootle, was lost H.M.S. Duke of Albany, which was torpedoed. His brother, E. Smith, was also lost at the same time.
Photo: Guido Blokland findagrave.com Lyness Cemetery, Hoy, Orkney.
Source:
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Findagrave.com
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Findagrave.com
Westwood, William - Fireman
The Surviving Injured Crew.
Adams, C (age 21), Fireman MM - suffered shock
Allan, A (age 17), Steward Asst MM - suffered shock and slight scalp wound
Baird, T (age 32), Steward MM - suffered shock and slight scalp wound
Cox, F (age 44), Pte - suffered shock and abrasion
Cusack, B (age 34), Engine Hand MM - suffered shock
Doherty, J (age 20), Fireman MM - suffered shock
Edwards, A.C (age 25), Temp Acting Lt RNR - suffered haemorrhage of lungs and bowels
Graham, A (age 19), Pte - suffered shock
Graham, R (age 42), Steward MM - suffered shock and wounds to hand
Gordon, W (age 37), Engine hand - suffered shock and wound to right hand
Hall, H.B (age 25), Asst Eng - suffered shock
Hare, J (age 20), AB, RNVR - suffered shock
Jones, J (age 20), AB RNR - suffered shock
Kitchen, E (age 38), PO RNR - suffered shock
Laity, J (age 33), PO RNR - suffered shock
Learmont, H (age 28), Lt RNR - suffered shock
MacDonald, M (age 28) - suffered shock and slight scalp wound
Middleton, F.W (age 35), Lt RNR - suffered shock
Morgan, T.D (age 32), Temp Eng Sub Lt RNR - suffered haemorrhage of bowels
Jones, J (age 20), AB RNR - suffered shock
Wallace, J (age 40), Fireman MM - suffered shock and injury to left ankle
Wiseman, W (age 32), AB RNR - suffered shock
Source:
ADM 104: Service Registers and Registers of Deaths and Injuries
Piece 147 (1916 - 1917) - Ancestry.com
