The Crew

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Charles Arthur Garnish remembered on panel of Plymouth Memorial - image copyright W Sadler

Name -  GARNISH (Charles) Arthur 
DOB - 25th November 1868 although no reference of a Charles Arthur can be found on GRO registered for this year.  The closest is the previous year, 1867, but named as Arthur Alfred
Place of Birth - Shenfield, Essex
Parents - Mother, Lucy Garnish, Stepfather Henry Clark, the couple married when Arthur was aged 10.
Early History - Arthur and his mother can’t be found on the 1871 census - by 1877 Lucy had met and married Henry Clark.  On the 1881 England census the small family lived in a cottage in the parish of Blackmore, Ongar, Essex.  Arthur married Margaret Jane Davies, who was born in Milford Haven, in the April of 1890 aged 22 in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, having moved from Essex. 
On the 1891 Wales census the couple were recorded living at 6 Robert Street, Steynton, Milford, living with another family.
In September 1894 he had joined the crew of the MERMAID as Bos’n (boatswain) and sailed until Christmas Eve of the same year and also sailed with CARIAMA from 1st October 1894.
He served as a second hand aboard the fishing vessel GOELAND joining on 10th February 1896 until 17th March of the same year and gained his Certificate of Competency (# 3728) on 14th July 1897.
On the 4th January 1898 he joined the crew of MERMAID again as a second hand, leaving the vessel on 10th May 1899 due to promotion.
In 1898 he was Skipper of the SS HERON (#93073, out of Liverpool), from 13th May to 11th July 
Recorded on the 1911 census, Arthur and Margaret lived at 71 Robert Street with their 8 children, although they had had 12 over the span of their 20 year marriage.  Tragically Margaret died in 1914 and following Arthur’s death, their children were made orphans.

Rank - Skipper 163 WSA RNR
Service History - Arthur joined (as Charles) the RNR on 11th August 1914, shortly on the outbreak of war.  He was noted as being 5’2” tall with brown eyes and a ruddy complexion.  He had a “Faith, Hope & Charity” and cross and hand on his left arm and a sailor and his lass on his right arm and gave his address as 71 Robert Street, Milford Haven.
The KIRKLAND, while attached to other HMS depots (HALCYON, ZARIA and GIBRALTAR) during 1914-1917,  Arthur skippered the trawler from his date of seniority until his death, the death of his crew and loss of his vessel. 

He is remembered at the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Saturday 25 August 1917
ADMIRALTY REPORT.
The Secretary of the Admiralty begs to  announce the following casualties;
KILLED
Skipper C. GARNISH, R.N.R 

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Charles Arthur Garnish signature - Ancestry.com

Sources:
GRO Reference: 1867  D Quarter in BILLERICAY  Volume 04A  Page 149 - cross checked with Free BMD 
1881 England Census
1891 Wales Census
1911 England Census
England & Wales, Civil Registration Marriage Index, 1837-1915 - Free BMD
Liverpool, England, Crew Lists 1861-1919 - Ancestry.com
Liverpool, England, Crew Lists 1861-1919 - Ancestry. Com
UK, Navy Lists, 1888-1970 Marineschule Mürwik; Navy List
 UK, Royal Naval Reserve Service Records Index, 1860-1955 - National Archives
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: 014 (1914 Jan 01 - 1919 Dec 31)
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995
WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; Pension Record Cards: Officers Survived and Officers' Widows; Reference: 003/0005/FRE-HAW
Researched by Wendy Sadler

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Name - HYSLOP William 
DOB - 27th Sept 1877
Place of Birth - Airth, Stirling
Parents - Simon and Jane
Early History - Aged 3 on the 1881 England census, William lived south of the border in Bootle, with his parents and two siblings, he being the middle child.  In the 1891 census the family were recorded back in Scotland, William aged 13, living at 14 Castle Street, Selkirk.
William married Annie Miller Trumbland on 23rd February 1910 in Lerwick
Rank - Petty Officer 1st Class - (Ch) 174651 - RFR (Ch) B3335
Service History - Joined the Navy on 30th August 1893, leaving his job in a mill.  He was 5’5” tall with dark brown hair, brown eyes and a tattoo on his right wrist.  

HMS CALEDONIA - 30/08/1893 - 27/05/1895 as a Boy 2nd Class, rising to Boy 1st Class on 03/08/1894
HMS GALATEA - 28/05/1895 - 17/10/1895, rising to Ordinary Seaman on 28/09/1895
HMS PEMBROKE I - 18/10/1895 - 11/12/1895
HMS EMPRESS OF INDIA - 12/12/1895 - 13/01/1897
HMS PEMBROKE I - 14/01/1897 - 25/01/1897
HMS MONARCH (  ) - 26/01/1897 - 05/04/1900, rising to Able Seaman on 26/11/1897
HMS PEMBROKE I - 06/04/1900 - 22/01/1901, rising to Leading Seaman on 07/09/1900
HMS EDINBURGH, tendered to HMS WILDFIRE - 23/01/1901 - 11/09/1901, recorded aboard during the night of the 1901 census
HMS PEMBROKE - 12/09/1901 - 04/10/1901, rising to Petty Officer 2nd Class, on 12/09/1901
HMS SANS PAREIL - 05/10/1901 - 15/06/1903, reducing in rank to Leading Seaman on 24/05/1902.  He rose again to Petty Officer 2nd Class on 01/02/1903
HMS PEMBROKE  - 16/06/1903 - 29/02/1904
HMS ANDROMEDA - 01/03/1904 - 11/06/1905
HMS VENGEANCE - 12/06/1905 - 27/08/1905
HMS PEMBROKE I - 28/08/1905 - 22/09/1905.  He was then discharged from the Navy, having worked his service duration.  He transferred to the RFR the following day (23rd Sept 1905), re-enrolling on 7th August 1910 to serve only until 22 September 1915.

Following the outbreak of the Great War William was recalled to HMS PEMBROKE I (Chatham) on 05/08/1914 and posted 5 days later to HMS ACTAEON.  He remained there for 15 days and moved to HMS HALCYON where he remained for a year.  His next posting was to HMT WILD ROSE, attached to HMS ZARIA, serving from 10/08/1915 to 09/09/1915.  As he was close to his second service term expiring he re-enrolled with the RNR on 10th September 1915 and was posted to HMT WILD ROSE, attached to HMS GIBRALTAR.  He gained Petty Officer 1st Class status on 26th September 1916 and lost his life aboard HMT KIRKLAND on 20th August 1917 a month short of his 40th birthday. 

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Shetland News - Thursday 30 August 1917
FLEET RESERYEMAN WILLIAM HYSLOP.
Mr. and Mrs. Simon Hyslop, Twagois, Lerwick, received word last Saturday night of the death of their only son, Royal Naval Fleet Reserve-man William Hyslop lost at sea from the sinking of his ship. William Hyslop joined the navy as a lad, and completed the twelve  years regular service. On returning to Lerwick he was employed as an assistant in Messrs John Tait & Coy.'s  shop, and remained with the firm until they gave up business.  Thereafter he joined his father in gardening work. When war broke out he was recalled to the fleet, and for three years he had been employed in the auxiliary service in the discharge of exacting and dangerous work, 
It is interesting  to recall that deceased took part in the South African war, being a member of the Naval Brigade which landed from H.M.S. Powerful and was at Ladysmith. He was the possessor of the South African war medal. Hyslop was also on board a British warship in Port Arthur waters during the Russo-Japanese war.
A typical British sailor in manner and appearance, smart, self-reliant, and ever bright. and cheerful, William Hyslop was both well known and well liked in Lerwick,. He was an enthusiastic member of Lodge Morton, and at the time of his death held the office of Senior Warden o the Lodge.
Deceased is survived by a widow and two children to whom sincere sympathy is extended in their bereavement, and also to his parents; who have recently had & son-in law killed in action in France. 

Shetland Times - Saturday 01 September 1917
WILLIAM HYSLOP, R.N. Much regret was expressed locally when it became known that William Hyslop, R.N., only son of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Hyslop. Twagios, Lerwick, had lost his life by the sinking of his vessel in the North Sea. There were few better known or more popular young men in Lerwick than William Hyslop. He joined the Navy when a lad, and after serving twelve years aboard ship, he entered the Naval Reserve. On coming to Lerwick he became an assistant with Messrs John Tait & Co., where he remained until that firm gave up business, when he joined his father in gardening work. On the outbreak of war he was called up, and had seen a good deal of service. He was an enthusiastic Freemason, and at the last election of office-bearers in Lodge Morton, he was elected Senior Warden of the Lodge, an office he held at the time of his death. Deceased was married, and is survived by a widow and two children, with whom genuine sympathy is felt, as also with his parents, who also had a son-in-law killed in France recently.
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​Sources:
1881 & 1901 England Census
1891 Scotland Census
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: 008 (1914 - 1919)
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 1069
Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services, 1848-1939 National Archives Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 287
CWGC Register
Scotlands People 
Photo courtesy of tradehouselibrary.org 
Researched by Wendy Sadler

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Name -  HENDERSON John George 
DOB - 7th July 1880
Place of Birth - Newcastle
Parents - John and Elizabeth
Early History - John was aged just 3 months old on the 1881 census, the family of 5 lived in Nelson Street, Gateshead. In the 1891 census, aged 10, John lived with his parents, Grandfather and 3 siblings at 97 Edward Street, Gateshead.  He married Margaret Jane Russell in 1906.
Rank - Engineman - 5019 ES RNR
Service History - John enrolled with the RNR on 24th October 1916, recorded as 5’8” tall, grey eyes and a flower tattoo on his right arm.  He was posted HMT JERIA which was attached to shore base HMS VICTORY on 24th October 1916 until 4th February 1917. He then spent seven weeks aboard the KINGFISHER before a posting to Trawler JERIA again which was attached to HALCYON.  He remained in service until 27th April 1917 when he was then posted to HMT EDWARDIAN (attached to HMS GIBRALTAR) where he stayed for a month before joining KIRKLAND on 30th May 1917 where he remained until the vessel’s sinking. 


Sources:
1881 and 1891 England census
England & Wales, Civil Registration Marriage Index, 1837-1915 - FreeBMD
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; Piece: 008 (1914 - 1919)
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
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919  ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 0865
Researched by Wendy Sadler

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SS Pembroke, Image courtesy of the National Library of Ireland.

Name - PHILLIPS Sidney 
DOB - 10th April 1881
Place of Birth - Neyland, Pembrokshire
Parents - Thomas and Ellen
Early History -  Aged 10 at the time of the 1891 census, Sidney lived with his widowed mother and 9 siblings, the youngest just 7 months old. 
On the 1901 Wales Census Sidney was recorded as working aboard the steam ship PEMBROKE as a 2nd Steward.  He can’t be found on a 1911 census but was more than likely aboard a vessel.

Rank - Deckhand - 742 DA
Service History - Sidney enrolled early on at the start of the Great War, on 11th August 1914 and recorded as 5’6” tall with a fair complexion and brown eyes.  He was posted to KIRKLAND for the whole of his service, with only the depot ships changing (from HALCYON, to ZARIA and finally GIBRALTAR).  His RNR medal was issued on 30th March 1925.


​Sources:
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 - FreeBMD
1891 Wales Census
1901 Wales Census
Royal Naval Reserve Service Records Index, 1860-1955 - National Archives
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: 009 (1914 - 1919)
CWGC Register
PEMBROKE image http://catalogue.nli.ie 
Researched by Wendy Sadler

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Name - MALCOMSON Laurence 
DOB - 30th January 1883
Place of Birth - Cunningsburgh Shetland
Parents - George and Barbara
Early History - First mentioned on the 1891 Scotland census, Laurence was aged 8, attended school, the second of 4 children at that time and lived at Ocraquay, Dunrossness, Shetland.
On the 1901 Scotland census he was 18 and worked as a fisherman, to help support an expanded family.  His parents had had another 4 children, eight in total and had moved to Star Kigarth, still in the parish of Dunrossness.  Two years later he joined the Royal Navy Reserve, on his 20th birthday.
Rank -Second Hand 3194 C RNR
Previous service numbers 1014 B,  6292X, 4744QA
                                                
Service History - Laurence enrolled with the RNR on 30th January 1903 although had previous training on HMS ANSON from 1st October 1902 to 31st December 1902 - He was recorded as living at Fairview, Cunningsburgh, Shetland and was 5’9” tall, with light brown eyes and a dark complexion, with no distinguishing features or marks.  A year after joining he married Laura Ann Smith in 1904 on some leave, back in Shetland.
He trained at HMS ANSON, under the service number 6292X, for almost 2 years, then served another 5 years under 4744QA.
He spent a further 5 years under number 1014B, mainly on fishing voyages out of Lerwick and had a month of further training on HMS HOGUE from November to December 1911 as well as continuous training in his 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th (with HMS DUNCAN) and 15th year of service.
With his term of service expired on 29th January 1913 he re-enrolled on 4th November 1913 with a different service number (3194C).  and was quickly recalled to the reserve on the outbreak of the Great War.  His service follows:

VICTORY - (from Lerwick) discharged 09/11/1914
EXCELLENT - discharged 11/12/1914 *it was here that he qualified in Gunnery
COLUMBINE - discharged 21/01/1915
EAGLE - discharged 18/05/1915 
VALIANT II - discharged 01/06/1915
SABRINA - discharged 31/12/1915
CORMORANT - discharged 04/06/1916
SABRINA - discharged 04/01/1917
KIRKLAND (attached to GIBRALTAR) - discharged dead 20/08/1917
He is remembered on the Cunningsburgh War Memorial

Shetland News - Thursday 30 August 1917
SEAMAN LAURENCE MALCOLMSON, R.N.R, Information has been received that Seaman Laurence Malcolmson, R.N.R., son of Mr. George Malcolmson, Starkigarth, Cunningsburgh, has been lost through the sinking of his ship in the North Sea. 
Prior to the war deceased was engaged in the fishing and was skipper of the sail-boat Sprightly. He was recognized at all the principal ports as a very energetic and successful fisherman. He was called up when war was declared, and after a further period of training proceeded south to one of the central naval depots. Later he was drafted to sea, and he had his first war adventure in the mining of the vessel on which he was sailing. She sustained little damage, however, and none of the crew was injured. Subsequently he was in the vicinity of another mine explosion, and had a very narrow escape, and now in his third experience of these hidden dangers of the sea death has claimed him as a victim, He was sailing as chief officer of the vessel at the time. Malcolmson, who was 40 years of age, was extremely well liked in his native parish. He was a very superior type of man, being well read and possessing much general knowledge, and he was & most intelligent and fluent speaker. Sincere, sympathy is extended to his wife and young son and other relatives in their bereavement. A brother of deceased’s, Leading Seaman Wm. Malcolmson, R.N.R., was drowned through the  sinking of this ship in the first of this year. ​

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Cunningsburgh War Memorial. © Stuart Nicholson (WMR-8895)

​Sources:
1891 & 1901 Scotland Census
Royal Naval Reserve Service Records Index, 1860-1955 - National Archives
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 ADM 242/9; Scan Number: 0367
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
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 014 (1914 Jan 01 - 1919 Dec 31)
Scotland, National Probate Index (Calendar of Confirmations and Inventories), 1876-1936
www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk
Researched by Wendy Sadler

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Name - STEVENSON Herbert   
DOB - 31st October 1889
Place of Birth - Lowestoft
Parents - George and Sarah
Early History -  Recorded on the 1891 census, the youngest of three boys, living with his parents at Maida Cottage, Burton Street, Lowestoft.  10 years passed and Herbert was listed on the 1901 census, aged 11, the third of seven children His father George still worked on the railway, progressing from a Fireman to an Engine Driver and they all lived at 4 Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft. He remained living with his father and siblings by the time of the 1911 census and had moved to 3 Primrose Road, Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich; his mother had died in 1904 aged 44.  There was a Harriet Sexton who, as a widow, also lived with the family of boys - it is possible that she was the mother of Herbert’s future wife as he married Dora Sexton in March quarter of 1914.
Rank - Engineer - 450 ES RNR
Service History - He joined the RNR, enrolling on 20th August 1914 and recorded as 5’4” tall with a pale complexion and a tattoo of H.E.S on his right arm.  Similar to most of his crew mates he first served attached to HMS HALCYON until August 1915, transferring to WILDROSE (attached to HMS ZARIA) for a month then serving the remainder of his time aboard KIRKLAND (attached to HMS GIBRALTAR). 
He left a widow and young daughter, Doris Edith.

Sources:
1891,1901 & 1911 England Census
Royal Naval Reserve Service Records Index, 1860-1955 - National Archives
FreeBMD
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 ADM 242/10; Scan Number: 0546
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: 014 (1914 Jan 01 - 1919 Dec 31)
CWGC Register
​Researched by Wendy Sadler

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Name - RISING William Henry   
DOB - 11th September 1891
Place of Birth - Gorleston, Norfolk
Parents - James Charles and (Frances) Annie 
Early History -  aged 9 on the 1901 census, living with his parents, older brother James and and 4 younger siblings at 5 Albany Court, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth. Aged 19 on the 1911 census, the family had expanded to 9 children all who lived with their parents at 22 Bulls Lane, Gorleston. His father and older brother both worked as fishermen but William had gone into employment as a bricklayers labourer.  He married Violet Bidwell in September 1913 and had three children, Thomas, James and Gladys.
Rank - Trimmer TS 1642 RNR
Service History - Enrolled on 11th December 1914 and recorded as 5’8” tall, with blue eyes and his address as 5 Back Chapel Lane, Gorleston.  Such was the need for men immediately, he was mobilized before any training was given and sent to HMS Halcyon II until 9th August 1915 where he embarked to HMS ZARIA (of which KIRKLAND was attached).  He remained with KIRKLAND until its destruction, although the depot ship had changed from ZARIA to HMS GIBRALTAR.

He was awarded the Star, Victory and British medals following his death and is mentioned on the war memorial panel at Gorleston’s Old Cemetery.

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​Sources:
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 - FreeBMD
1901 & 1911 England Census
UK, Royal Naval Reserve Service Records Index, 1860-1955
War Memorial image courtesy of tracesofwar.com    
Royal Naval Reserve Service Records Index, 1860-195 - National Archives
England & Wales, Civil Registration Marriage Index, 1837-1915 - FreeBMD
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/10; Scan Number: 0118
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:010 (1914 - 1919)
Researched by Wendy Sadler

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Name - MOUAT Walter 
DOB - 21st July 1893
Place of Birth - Sandsting, Shetland
Parents - William and Jemima
Early History -  Recorded on the 1901 Scotland census aged 8, Walter lived at Hoganess with his Grandmother, parents and 4 siblings and attended school. By aged 18 he was accustomed to sea life; on the 1911 England census he was recorded as being a seaman aboard the SS Lough Fisher, a fishing vessel and the youngest in a crew of 9, moored at Plymouth.
Rank - Deckhand - 13017 DA RNR
Service History - Walter enrolled with RNR on 14th November 1916, he was noted as being 6 feet tall, with blue eyes and no distinguishing marks or tattoos. 
He was assigned to the KIRKLAND, which was attached to HMS GIBRALTAR immediately upon joining.  On the 3rd February 1917 he was cautioned due to threatening to assault the skipper of KIRKLAND but the majority of his character while serving was always very good.

His father applied on 7th June 1923 for receipt of Walter’s British Medal and Mercantile Marine medal which were issued to William on 13th November 1923.


Shetland News - Thursday 30 August 1917
SEAMAN WILLIAM MOUAT, R.N.R. Seaman William Mouat, R.N.R., second son of Mr. and Mrs. William Mouat, Hoganess, Bridge-of-Walls, also lost his life as a result of the sinking of the ship on which he was sailing. Mouat, who was only 24 years of age, was following the calling of a seaman when war broke out. He joined the Royal Naval Reserve, and had been at sea ever since with the exception of a few days of shore leave. Mouat was a most popular young man in his native parish, and was also well liked and repescted by his shipmates. To his parents and relatives deep sympathy is  extended in their sudden bereavement. 

Shetland Times - Saturday 01 September 1917
WALTER MOUAT, R.N.R. Information has come to hand that Walter Mouat, R.N.R., second son of Mr. and Mrs. William Mouat, Hogganess, Bridge-of -Walls, has lost his life by the sinking of his vessel in the North Sea. Deceased, who was 24 years of age, was sailing south when war broke out. He joined the R.N.R, and had been at sea practically ever since. He had only been home a day or so since joining up. Deceased. who was a handsome young man, was held in high esteem by all who knew him, and was a general favourite with his shipmates, Sincere sympathy is extended to his sorrowing parents and other relatives in their sad bereavement, 


​Sources:
1901 Scotland Census
1911 England Census
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: 009 (1914 - 1919)
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 ADM 242/9; Scan Number: 0607
Campaign Medals Awarded to WWI Merchant Seamen, 1914-1925 - National Archives
Royal Naval Reserve Service Records Index, 1860-1955 - National Archives
Photo source - tradehouselibrary.org 
​Researched by Wendy Sadler

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Name - ROSE George Albert 
DOB - 22nd November 1894
Place of Birth - Peterhead
Parents - George and Jane
Early History - Recorded aged 7 living at 15 Lodge Walk, Peterhead, Elgin with his siblings, Grandfather Alexander and Mother; his father was a fisherman and not recorded on the census, so likely out to sea.

Rank - Deckhand (Po) DA 321 RNR
Service History - He can’t be found on the 1911 census but appears again in records when he enrolled with the Royal Navy Reserve on 28th August 1913, aged 18 - 5’3” tall, with blue eyes and tattoos of an anchor on his right forearm and dots on both hands.  He gave an address of 51 Springbank Terrace, Aberdeen where he lived with his mother and was stationed for training for 4 days attached to SEAFLOWER (a trawler purchased by the Admiralty for pre-war minesweeping training).  His pre war postings were to the steam trawlers DRUMBLADE, OCEAN PRINCE and the GEORGE D IRVIN (which served two world wars).  Upon the commencing of the Great War George was posted to the PRINCESS MELTON, a steam trawler which was attached to HMS HALCYON from August 1914 to August 1915.  He then transferred to HMS WILDROSE (attached to HMS ZARIA) for a month then moved to HMT KIRKLAND which was attached to HMS GIBRALTAR.  He remained with the trawler until it's destruction.

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​Sources:
1901 Scotland Census - Scotlands People
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: 010 (1914 - 1919)
CWGC Register
Royal Naval Reserve Service Records Index, 1860-1955 - National Archives
www.aberdeenships.com 
www.naval-history.net 
Google Maps
Researched by Wendy Sadler

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Name - RODEN Edward  
DOB - 8th Feb 1902
Place of Birth - York, Yorkshire
Parents - John Henry and Mary
Early History - Only mentioned in the 1911 census, Edward was aged 9 living at 3 Grange Crescent, Fulford Road, York with his parents and 6 siblings.  
Rank - Signal Boy 749 SB 
Service History - He enrolled with the RNR on 7th March 1917 for the duration of the war although he previously had training from March 1915 - sadly his war would only last a few short months.  At just 4’11” tall, he has grey eyes, sallow complexion and a scar on his right wrist. 
He joined HMS GUNNER on 7th March 1917 and discharged to HMS VICTORY on 22nd April 1917.  He remained at the shore base for a month before embarking to HMS GIBRALTAR (of which HMT KIRKLAND was attached) on 22nd May 1917 and remained with the trawler until the sinking.  

He is remembered at York Minster as the youngest in their commemoration book 
(yorkminster.org)

Sources:
1911 England Census
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; Piece: 014 (1914 Jan 01 - 1919 Dec 31)
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/10; Scan Number: 0161
Researched by Wendy Sadler
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Name - AXFORD Ernest   
DOB - 16th July 1898
Place of Birth - Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Parents - Unknown - Guardian/Adopted parents - Simon and Elizabeth Davies
Early History - It is not known who Ernest’s parents were; he did however have a brother, William, who was 5 years older.  They are both mentioned in the 1901 census, aged 8 and 3, on their own, residing at the Haverfordwest Workhouse, listed as paupers. Of an unknown date, Ernest was adopted by couple Simon and Elizabeth Davies and lived with them and his adopted brother Howard, who was possibly the only birth child of the pair, mentioned on the 1911 census.  His surname had been changed to Davies to absorb him completely into their family.
Rank - Trimmer 302 T.S 
Service History - Despite naval records stating that Ernest was born in 1896, no reference of a birth for that year or quarter can be found; but there is one in 1898, concluding that Ernest lied about his age in order to gain entry to the Navy earlier than allowed.  He wanted to be part of the Great War as soon as possible, enrolling with the RNR on 11th August 1914 and mobilised before any training was given.  He was recorded as 5’4” tall , brown eyes, a dark complexion and a tattoo of his initials on his left wrist.

He was immediately posted to HMT KIRKLAND (attached to HMS HALCYON), leaving a year later on 9th August 1915.  His next posting was to the Auxiliary Patrol depot ship HMS ZARIA on which he stayed a month before embarking service aboard HMT KIRKLAND (attached to HMS GIBRALTAR) once more.

He was awarded the Star, Victory and British medals following his death, aged 19 and not 21 as reported.  Shortly before receiving confirmation from the Admiralty of his death his parents Simon and Elizabeth received a letter from Ernest on August 17 stating that "he hoped very soon to be walking up Barn Street again to see them".

**Family details sent to us courtesy of S Thomas**
""Ernest was born 15th July 1898 at the Old Pier Toll House Hotel
His Mother known as Bessie was born Elizabeth Amelia Axford living with his brother William Henry Axford Elizabeth died Apr 1900 at same address 8 months pregnant previously wed on 14th Feb 1900 to a Thomas Roberts, the boys where placed in the work house family did remove them but where put back in in 1903"

Sources:
GRO Reference: 1898  S Quarter in HAVERFORDWEST  Volume 11A  Page 1197 - There is no reference of an Ernest Axford registered in 1896
1901 & 1911 England Census
UK, Royal Naval Reserve Service Records Index, 1860-1955 - National Archives
CWGC Register
Photo of Ernest courtesy of newspapers.library.wales 
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: 007 (1914 - 1919)
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
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0141
WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; Pension Record Cards; Reference: 009/0033/AUS-AYK
Researched by Wendy Sadler

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