HMS Itchen boating tragedy
18/05/1913
HMS Itchen
Portsmouth Evening News - Monday 19 May 1913
NAVAL DISASTER
SEVEN MEN DROWNED
H.M.S. ITCHEN'S BOAT CAPSIZED
An accident, which it is feared has resulted in the death of seven men, took place in the Firth of Forth on Sunday afternoon.
It appears that about half-past four a rowing boat with nineteen of the crew of H.M.S. Itchen, a destroyer, who were at liberty for the evening, started for the shore.
A high wind was blowing and the sea was rough. When the boat was half a mile from the shore it capsized and the men were thrown into the water. The boat righted itself and a number of the men clung to it.
Assistance came from torpedo-boats and other craft and twelve men were saved. Seven were missing, but their names were not known on Sunday night.
The Itchen belongs to the Ninth Destroyer Flotilla, and is a tender to the cruiser St. George, the depot ship, which is based at Chatham.
BOAT TURNED TURTLE.
MEN SWEPT AWAY BY SWIFT CURRENT.
Edinburgh, Monday. -- Although details are still lacking regarding the Naval boating disaster in the North yesterday, there is no doubt that seven men lost their lives.
The Ninth Destroyer Flotilla, consisting of thirteen vessels, with the parent ship St. George, have been exercising in the Forth, and on Sunday the flotilla anchored off Granton in three lines, the destroyers Kale, Itchen, and Ure being about four hundred yards from the end of Granton breakwater. About half-past four a six-oared rowing boat put off from the Itchen, picking up men from the Kale and Ure, and made for Granton harbour with about a score of men aboard. A heavy sea was running, and when within fifty yards of the pier a strong current was encountered, which carried the boat in the direction of Leith. Three times the crew tried to make the harbour without success, and then boat was then put about with the intention of returning to the ship.
Suddenly, to the horror of the onlookers, the bow of the boat was lifted by a big wave. There was an inrush of water, and the boat turned turtle, the occupants being pitched into the sea. Some clung to the upturned boat, but others struck out for the harbour, and getting into the swift current were soon engulfed. One man reached a destroyer, and the others, who clung to the boat, were rescued by boats which put off from the flotilla.
The bodies have not been recovered, and the names of the men drowned are not yet known.
It is stated that an artificer of the Itchen on finding himself in the water struck out for the Exe. He was thrown a lifebuoy, with which he swam back to where his shipmates were struggling in the water. To one of these he threw the lifebuoy, and both were picked up by the rescuing boat. Some of the sailors rescued were in an exhausted and unconscious condition when taken from the sea.
The Flotilla is engaged in dragging operations to-day.
NAMES OF THE DROWNED.
Edinburgh, later. -- Later details show that the boat which capsized only carried men belonging to the destroyer Itchen. The names of the drowned are:--
Leading Seaman Alexander Alexander, married, Chatham.
Leading Torpedoman Wing, London.
Stoker J Morrow, Liverpool
Stoker J. Lakeland, Liverpool.
Stoker Nixon, London.
Able Seaman J. Hodge, London.
Three bodies have already been recovered by boats engaged in dragging operations to-day, namely, those of the coxswain and two sailors.
ADMIRALTY ANNOUNCEMENT.
London, Monday. -- The Secretary of the Admiralty regrets to announce that a boat belonging to H.M.S. Itchen was swamped near Granton yesterday afternoon.
Of the crew seven are reported to be missing, and it is feared that no hope can be entertained as to their recovery. The names of the missing men are as follows:--
Herbert Percival Wing, leading seaman, official number 237834.
John Arthur Alexander, leading seaman, O.N. 226196.
Gilbert Redsell, leading signalman, O.N. 228121.
Francis William Hodge, able seaman, O.N. 210873.
Alec Thomas Maxim, stoker, first-class, O.N.S.S. 109227
James Morrow, stoker, first-class, O.N.S.S. 109169.
John Lakeland, stoker, first class, O.N.K. 4904.
Western Gazette - Friday 23 May 1913
NAVAL TRAGEDY. BLUEJACKETS DROWNED FIRTH OF FORTH. BOAT TURNS TURTLE. Seven bluejackets were lost in the Firth of Forth by the capsizing of a rowing boat a choppy sea on Sunday. The boat was making its way to Granton Harbour with 20 men board when it was struck by a big wave. There was an inrush of water, and the boat turned turtle. Some of the men clung to the upturned boat, but others struck out for the harbour, and, getting into a swift current, were soon engulfed. One man reached ship safety, and those who clung to the boat were rescued. The following is the official list of the victims issued by the Admiralty:
Herbert Percival Wing, Leading Seaman, 0.N.. 237,834.
John Arthur Alexander, Leading Seaman, 0.N., 226.196.
Gilbert Redsell, Leading Signalman, 0.N., 228.121.
Francis William Hodge, Able Seaman, 0.N., 210,873.
Alec Thomas Maxim, Stoker (first-class), ON., SS. 109.227.
James Morrow, Stoker (first-class), 0.N., SS. 109.169.
John Lakeland, Stoker (first-class). 0.N., X.4904.
As the result of dragging operations on Monday three bodies were recovered, namely, those John Lakeland, Stoker. Liverpool; Alec Thomas Maxim. 34, Stoke-road. Forest Gate. London : and Gilbert, Redsell, Leading Signalman, 35, Wyecliffe-road, Gravesend. One of the survivors attributed his escape his oilskin coat. It was buttoned tightly round his neck, and the air under the coat caused it to act a life-jacket, which buoyed him up for a considerable time.
NAVAL DISASTER
SEVEN MEN DROWNED
H.M.S. ITCHEN'S BOAT CAPSIZED
An accident, which it is feared has resulted in the death of seven men, took place in the Firth of Forth on Sunday afternoon.
It appears that about half-past four a rowing boat with nineteen of the crew of H.M.S. Itchen, a destroyer, who were at liberty for the evening, started for the shore.
A high wind was blowing and the sea was rough. When the boat was half a mile from the shore it capsized and the men were thrown into the water. The boat righted itself and a number of the men clung to it.
Assistance came from torpedo-boats and other craft and twelve men were saved. Seven were missing, but their names were not known on Sunday night.
The Itchen belongs to the Ninth Destroyer Flotilla, and is a tender to the cruiser St. George, the depot ship, which is based at Chatham.
BOAT TURNED TURTLE.
MEN SWEPT AWAY BY SWIFT CURRENT.
Edinburgh, Monday. -- Although details are still lacking regarding the Naval boating disaster in the North yesterday, there is no doubt that seven men lost their lives.
The Ninth Destroyer Flotilla, consisting of thirteen vessels, with the parent ship St. George, have been exercising in the Forth, and on Sunday the flotilla anchored off Granton in three lines, the destroyers Kale, Itchen, and Ure being about four hundred yards from the end of Granton breakwater. About half-past four a six-oared rowing boat put off from the Itchen, picking up men from the Kale and Ure, and made for Granton harbour with about a score of men aboard. A heavy sea was running, and when within fifty yards of the pier a strong current was encountered, which carried the boat in the direction of Leith. Three times the crew tried to make the harbour without success, and then boat was then put about with the intention of returning to the ship.
Suddenly, to the horror of the onlookers, the bow of the boat was lifted by a big wave. There was an inrush of water, and the boat turned turtle, the occupants being pitched into the sea. Some clung to the upturned boat, but others struck out for the harbour, and getting into the swift current were soon engulfed. One man reached a destroyer, and the others, who clung to the boat, were rescued by boats which put off from the flotilla.
The bodies have not been recovered, and the names of the men drowned are not yet known.
It is stated that an artificer of the Itchen on finding himself in the water struck out for the Exe. He was thrown a lifebuoy, with which he swam back to where his shipmates were struggling in the water. To one of these he threw the lifebuoy, and both were picked up by the rescuing boat. Some of the sailors rescued were in an exhausted and unconscious condition when taken from the sea.
The Flotilla is engaged in dragging operations to-day.
NAMES OF THE DROWNED.
Edinburgh, later. -- Later details show that the boat which capsized only carried men belonging to the destroyer Itchen. The names of the drowned are:--
Leading Seaman Alexander Alexander, married, Chatham.
Leading Torpedoman Wing, London.
Stoker J Morrow, Liverpool
Stoker J. Lakeland, Liverpool.
Stoker Nixon, London.
Able Seaman J. Hodge, London.
Three bodies have already been recovered by boats engaged in dragging operations to-day, namely, those of the coxswain and two sailors.
ADMIRALTY ANNOUNCEMENT.
London, Monday. -- The Secretary of the Admiralty regrets to announce that a boat belonging to H.M.S. Itchen was swamped near Granton yesterday afternoon.
Of the crew seven are reported to be missing, and it is feared that no hope can be entertained as to their recovery. The names of the missing men are as follows:--
Herbert Percival Wing, leading seaman, official number 237834.
John Arthur Alexander, leading seaman, O.N. 226196.
Gilbert Redsell, leading signalman, O.N. 228121.
Francis William Hodge, able seaman, O.N. 210873.
Alec Thomas Maxim, stoker, first-class, O.N.S.S. 109227
James Morrow, stoker, first-class, O.N.S.S. 109169.
John Lakeland, stoker, first class, O.N.K. 4904.
Western Gazette - Friday 23 May 1913
NAVAL TRAGEDY. BLUEJACKETS DROWNED FIRTH OF FORTH. BOAT TURNS TURTLE. Seven bluejackets were lost in the Firth of Forth by the capsizing of a rowing boat a choppy sea on Sunday. The boat was making its way to Granton Harbour with 20 men board when it was struck by a big wave. There was an inrush of water, and the boat turned turtle. Some of the men clung to the upturned boat, but others struck out for the harbour, and, getting into a swift current, were soon engulfed. One man reached ship safety, and those who clung to the boat were rescued. The following is the official list of the victims issued by the Admiralty:
Herbert Percival Wing, Leading Seaman, 0.N.. 237,834.
John Arthur Alexander, Leading Seaman, 0.N., 226.196.
Gilbert Redsell, Leading Signalman, 0.N., 228.121.
Francis William Hodge, Able Seaman, 0.N., 210,873.
Alec Thomas Maxim, Stoker (first-class), ON., SS. 109.227.
James Morrow, Stoker (first-class), 0.N., SS. 109.169.
John Lakeland, Stoker (first-class). 0.N., X.4904.
As the result of dragging operations on Monday three bodies were recovered, namely, those John Lakeland, Stoker. Liverpool; Alec Thomas Maxim. 34, Stoke-road. Forest Gate. London : and Gilbert, Redsell, Leading Signalman, 35, Wyecliffe-road, Gravesend. One of the survivors attributed his escape his oilskin coat. It was buttoned tightly round his neck, and the air under the coat caused it to act a life-jacket, which buoyed him up for a considerable time.
Daily Record - Tuesday 20 May 1913
Our photograph shows a boat crossing the actual place where the disaster took place The bodies of three - of the drowned-were recovered yesterday. - Daily Record - Tuesday 20 May 1913
Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 16 June 1913
THE NAVAL DISASTER AT GRANTON. TWO MORE VICTIMS BURIED
The terrible disaster off Granton on the 18th of May, whereby seven sailors were drowned, was recalled to the public memory to-day, when two more of the victims were buried in Warnston Cemetery. During last week, while the steamer Seamew was leaving Granton for London, the master observed a body floating in the water. It proved to be the remains of Herbert. Percival Wing, seaman, of the torpedo-boat destroyer lichen. Then late on Saturday night the fishery cruiser Brenda picked up the corpse of Able Seaman Francis William Hodge. Both bodies were removed to the Edinburgh City Police Mortuary, and from there the funeral took place to-day. It was of the most impressive character, both coffins being laid on gun carriages, and draped over with Union Jacks. Teams from the lichen and the Good Hope pulled the gun carriages along with ropes, while in the procession, which was led by the band of the Cameron Highlanders, were also detachments from H.M.S. Good Hope, Hydra, and Teviot. The crowd lining the route was not nearly so numerous as on the former occasion, but at such places as the Post Office there were large gatherings, and the onlookers reverently uncovered as the cortege passed.
THE NAVAL DISASTER AT GRANTON. TWO MORE VICTIMS BURIED
The terrible disaster off Granton on the 18th of May, whereby seven sailors were drowned, was recalled to the public memory to-day, when two more of the victims were buried in Warnston Cemetery. During last week, while the steamer Seamew was leaving Granton for London, the master observed a body floating in the water. It proved to be the remains of Herbert. Percival Wing, seaman, of the torpedo-boat destroyer lichen. Then late on Saturday night the fishery cruiser Brenda picked up the corpse of Able Seaman Francis William Hodge. Both bodies were removed to the Edinburgh City Police Mortuary, and from there the funeral took place to-day. It was of the most impressive character, both coffins being laid on gun carriages, and draped over with Union Jacks. Teams from the lichen and the Good Hope pulled the gun carriages along with ropes, while in the procession, which was led by the band of the Cameron Highlanders, were also detachments from H.M.S. Good Hope, Hydra, and Teviot. The crowd lining the route was not nearly so numerous as on the former occasion, but at such places as the Post Office there were large gatherings, and the onlookers reverently uncovered as the cortege passed.
Pall Mall Gazette - Tuesday 08 July 1913
Bluejacket’s Body Recovered.
The decomposed body of a bluejacket has been found on the beach at Blackball Rocks, near Hartlepool. On the inside of the collar of a tunic is the name J. A. Alexander, and the body is believed to be that of one of the seven men drowned by the capsizing of a. boat belonging H.M.S. Itchen whilst cruising off the Firth of Forth on May 21.
Bluejacket’s Body Recovered.
The decomposed body of a bluejacket has been found on the beach at Blackball Rocks, near Hartlepool. On the inside of the collar of a tunic is the name J. A. Alexander, and the body is believed to be that of one of the seven men drowned by the capsizing of a. boat belonging H.M.S. Itchen whilst cruising off the Firth of Forth on May 21.
Manchester Courier - Wednesday 09 July 1913
TWO COURT MARTIALS.
Two court martials were held on the Albion at Chatham yesterday. Lieutenant Reginald Holt, of the destroyer Itchen, was charged with negligently performing duty imposed upon him in permitting whaler to leave Itchen in a state which, considering the weather, was overloaded. This was the outcome of the swamping of whaler at Granton, Firth of Forth, May 18th, when seven men were drowned. The court found the charge proved, and adjudged the accused to be seriously reprimanded. In the other case, Commander Viscount Kelburne, of H.M.S. Acheron, was acquitted the charge of hazarding a ship which went aground at Dixer Vol, Shetland.
TWO COURT MARTIALS.
Two court martials were held on the Albion at Chatham yesterday. Lieutenant Reginald Holt, of the destroyer Itchen, was charged with negligently performing duty imposed upon him in permitting whaler to leave Itchen in a state which, considering the weather, was overloaded. This was the outcome of the swamping of whaler at Granton, Firth of Forth, May 18th, when seven men were drowned. The court found the charge proved, and adjudged the accused to be seriously reprimanded. In the other case, Commander Viscount Kelburne, of H.M.S. Acheron, was acquitted the charge of hazarding a ship which went aground at Dixer Vol, Shetland.
Newcastle Journal - Thursday 10 July 1913
LEADING SEAMAN'S SAD END
An inquest was held at the Black Hall Rocks Hotel, yesterday afternoon, on the body of a man who was found near the high-water mark at Black Hall Rocks, on Monday. Chief Holographer J. W Burgess, H.M.S. Hitchin, identified the body that of Leading Seaman J. A. Alexandra, of H.M.S. Hitchin, aged 25, whose home was at Chatham. Witness stated that on the 7th of May the ship was lying off Granton, in the Firth of Forth. The deceased, along with other 19 liberty men, left his vessel in a whaleboat to go ashore. They encountered a very heavy sea, and the boat was swamped, the whole the occupants being thrown into the water. Thirteen of the men were picked up, seven others, including deceased, missing. Subsequently, three bodies were found near to the place tire disaster. Evidence was given man named Hutchinson, who found the body, which was minus both arms and the head. The jury returned verdict of ‘‘Death from accidental drowning.”
LEADING SEAMAN'S SAD END
An inquest was held at the Black Hall Rocks Hotel, yesterday afternoon, on the body of a man who was found near the high-water mark at Black Hall Rocks, on Monday. Chief Holographer J. W Burgess, H.M.S. Hitchin, identified the body that of Leading Seaman J. A. Alexandra, of H.M.S. Hitchin, aged 25, whose home was at Chatham. Witness stated that on the 7th of May the ship was lying off Granton, in the Firth of Forth. The deceased, along with other 19 liberty men, left his vessel in a whaleboat to go ashore. They encountered a very heavy sea, and the boat was swamped, the whole the occupants being thrown into the water. Thirteen of the men were picked up, seven others, including deceased, missing. Subsequently, three bodies were found near to the place tire disaster. Evidence was given man named Hutchinson, who found the body, which was minus both arms and the head. The jury returned verdict of ‘‘Death from accidental drowning.”
