HMT Robert Smith.
HMT Robert Smith (No 1737 ). After 20/07/1917
Displacement: 221 grt.
Length: 35.5 m. Beam: 6.9 m. Draught: 4 m.
Propulsion: Triple expansion engine, 1 boiler, 1 screw.
Complement: 25
Men Lost: 25
Armament: 1 x 12 pdr & 1 x 6 pdr
Displacement: 221 grt.
Length: 35.5 m. Beam: 6.9 m. Draught: 4 m.
Propulsion: Triple expansion engine, 1 boiler, 1 screw.
Complement: 25
Men Lost: 25
Armament: 1 x 12 pdr & 1 x 6 pdr
The steam trawler Robert Smith was built by Hall A. & Sons Ltd. - Alexander Hall, Aberdeen in 1915 for the Aberdeen Pioneer Steam Fishing Co. Ltd and registered in Aberdeen A353. Hired by the Royal Navy as a patrol vessel.
The Loss
HMT Robert Smith was working with the 10th cruiser Squadron and was last reportedly seen by HMT Offa II (No 1406) at 3.30 am on 21st July 1917 in position 59 14N 09 40W. The vessel was then lost without trace with no confirmed reported reason for the loss.
It is not known what happened to HMT Robert Smith but it is thought the trawler was most likely sunk by gunfire from U-44,
(Kapitänleutnant Paul Wagenführ).
Sussex Daily News - Thursday 02 August 1917
NAVAL LIST.
The Secretary of the Admiralty announces the following casualties under various dates:--
MISSING, BELIEVED KILLED,
Lieut, JOSEPH LEWIN, R.N.R
Acting Lieut, ERNEST I GERRARD, R.N.R,
Skipper GEORGE W, ROBINSON, R.N.R. (W.S.A. 1790) .
It is not known what happened to HMT Robert Smith but it is thought the trawler was most likely sunk by gunfire from U-44,
(Kapitänleutnant Paul Wagenführ).
Sussex Daily News - Thursday 02 August 1917
NAVAL LIST.
The Secretary of the Admiralty announces the following casualties under various dates:--
MISSING, BELIEVED KILLED,
Lieut, JOSEPH LEWIN, R.N.R
Acting Lieut, ERNEST I GERRARD, R.N.R,
Skipper GEORGE W, ROBINSON, R.N.R. (W.S.A. 1790) .
U-44
U-44 did not survive the patrol being rammed sunk off Norway by HMS Oracle with the loss of all the crew on 12th August 1917 so there is no KTB to confirm events.
U-44 had a meeting with U-84 off North Hebrides on the 8th August 1917, while on the return journey to Germany, and had communicated that four vessels had been sunk.
Two large steamships, one of which was a Q ship. Post war assessments showed these were the 2,095 ton ''Q' ship Bracondale, and the 2,200 ton Norwegian steamship Thorsdal.
Also reported was a sailing vessel, which was the American 132 wooden schooner John Hays Hammond, and a patrol vessel had been sunk by gunfire.
The patrol vessel was most likely the HMT Robert Smith.
U-44 had a meeting with U-84 off North Hebrides on the 8th August 1917, while on the return journey to Germany, and had communicated that four vessels had been sunk.
Two large steamships, one of which was a Q ship. Post war assessments showed these were the 2,095 ton ''Q' ship Bracondale, and the 2,200 ton Norwegian steamship Thorsdal.
Also reported was a sailing vessel, which was the American 132 wooden schooner John Hays Hammond, and a patrol vessel had been sunk by gunfire.
The patrol vessel was most likely the HMT Robert Smith.
The Crew (research into the crew ongoing)
Name - BARKSBY, Herbert,
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Trimmer Cook, RNR, TC 789
Service History -
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Trimmer Cook, RNR, TC 789
Service History -
Sources:
Name - BELL, Frank,
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Deck Hand, RNR, DA 12450
Service History
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Deck Hand, RNR, DA 12450
Service History
Sources:
Name - BOYCE, Joe,
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Seaman, RNR, C 1969
Service History
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Seaman, RNR, C 1969
Service History
Sources:
Name - GERRARD, Ernest Dundas (27),
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Lieutenant, R.N.R
Service History
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Lieutenant, R.N.R
Service History
Sources:
Name - GILLIES, Roderick,
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Seaman, RNR, B 3560
Service History
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Seaman, RNR, B 3560
Service History
Sources:
Name - GRAHAM, Norman,
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Seaman, RNR, A 7888
Service History
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Seaman, RNR, A 7888
Service History
Sources:
Name - GREEN, John W,
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Telegraphist, RNVR, Tyneside Z 3585
Service History
Newcastle Journal - Thursday 09 August 1917
NAVAL CASUALTIES
Killed-John W. Green, telegraphist. R.N.V.R , Tyneside-
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Telegraphist, RNVR, Tyneside Z 3585
Service History
Newcastle Journal - Thursday 09 August 1917
NAVAL CASUALTIES
Killed-John W. Green, telegraphist. R.N.V.R , Tyneside-
Sources:
Name - HAMMANS, John J,
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Signalman, RNVR, London Z 1756
Service History
Leicester Daily Post - Monday 06 August 1917
OLD WEGGESTONIAN BELIEVED DROWNED Mr. and Mrs. Chas. W. Hammans, of 69 Queen's Road. have received a notification from the Admiralty to the effect that H.M. armed trawler. on which their son, Signalman John James Hammans. was serving. has not been heard of since the 20th July. and that it is feared there can be no doubt she has been lost with all hands. Signalman Hammons., who was only 20 years of age was educated at the Wyggeston School. for which he won a scholarship when 11 years of age, subsequently passing the three Oxford Local Examinations with honours. He had been at sea two years, but before joining the Navy was a clerk in the County Health Insurance Office.
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Signalman, RNVR, London Z 1756
Service History
Leicester Daily Post - Monday 06 August 1917
OLD WEGGESTONIAN BELIEVED DROWNED Mr. and Mrs. Chas. W. Hammans, of 69 Queen's Road. have received a notification from the Admiralty to the effect that H.M. armed trawler. on which their son, Signalman John James Hammans. was serving. has not been heard of since the 20th July. and that it is feared there can be no doubt she has been lost with all hands. Signalman Hammons., who was only 20 years of age was educated at the Wyggeston School. for which he won a scholarship when 11 years of age, subsequently passing the three Oxford Local Examinations with honours. He had been at sea two years, but before joining the Navy was a clerk in the County Health Insurance Office.
Wyggeston War Memorial Photo: Leicester City Council
Sources:
Name - HITCHCOCK, Harold J,
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Deck Hand, RNR, SD 653
Service History
Western Times - Tuesday 21 August 1917
Harold John Hitchcock, of the trawler section of the Royal Navy (son of Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock, of Teign View Terrace, Teignmouth;, is reported as missing. He was 21 years age, and was engaged in the fishing industry.
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Deck Hand, RNR, SD 653
Service History
Western Times - Tuesday 21 August 1917
Harold John Hitchcock, of the trawler section of the Royal Navy (son of Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock, of Teign View Terrace, Teignmouth;, is reported as missing. He was 21 years age, and was engaged in the fishing industry.
Teignmouth War Memorial photo: Mike Guttridge
Sources:
Name - HORNER, George,
DOB - 9th May 1890
Place of Birth -Blyth, Northumberland
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Trimmer, RNR, TS 5615
Service History
DOB - 9th May 1890
Place of Birth -Blyth, Northumberland
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Trimmer, RNR, TS 5615
Service History
Sources:
BT 377/7/115538
BT 377/7/115538
Name - JOHNSTON, Andrew,
DOB - April 1884
Place of Birth - Sandsting, Shetland
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Leading Deck Hand, RNR, B 3798
Service History
DOB - April 1884
Place of Birth - Sandsting, Shetland
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Leading Deck Hand, RNR, B 3798
Service History
Sources:
BT 377/7/26121
BT 377/7/26121
Name - LEWIN, Joseph (40),
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Lieutenant, R.N.R
Service History
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Lieutenant, R.N.R
Service History
Sources:
Name - MAIN, John,
DOB - 24th July 1892
Place of Birth -Stonehaven
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Deck Hand, RNR, DA 7724
Service History
DOB - 24th July 1892
Place of Birth -Stonehaven
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Deck Hand, RNR, DA 7724
Service History
Sources:
BT 377/7/54178
BT 377/7/54178
Name - MCGRATH, Thomas,
DOB - 20th March 1886
Place of Birth -Wexford City
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Leading Deck Hand, RNR, B 4157
Service History
DOB - 20th March 1886
Place of Birth -Wexford City
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Leading Deck Hand, RNR, B 4157
Service History
Sources:
BT 377/7/26477
BT 377/7/26477
Name - NURSE, Rochfort,
DOB - 6th November 1885
Place of Birth -Brightlingsea, Essex
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Deck Hand, RNR, DA 9741
Service History
DOB - 6th November 1885
Place of Birth -Brightlingsea, Essex
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Deck Hand, RNR, DA 9741
Service History
Sources:
BT 377/7/56195
BT 377/7/56195
Name - RALPH, George,
DOB - 28th December 1875
Place of Birth -Nairn
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Act/2nd Hand, RNR, C 2441
Service History
DOB - 28th December 1875
Place of Birth -Nairn
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Act/2nd Hand, RNR, C 2441
Service History
Sources:
BT 377/7/34693
BT 377/7/34693
Name - REID, David,
DOB - 28th November 1872
Place of Birth - Cellardyke
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Deck Hand, RNR, DA 7857
Service History
Cellardyke
DOB - 28th November 1872
Place of Birth - Cellardyke
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Deck Hand, RNR, DA 7857
Service History
Cellardyke
Sources:
BT 377/7/54311
BT 377/7/54311
Name - REID, John,
DOB - 11th December 1891
Place of Birth -Aberdeen
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Trimmer, RNR, TS 4781
Service History
DOB - 11th December 1891
Place of Birth -Aberdeen
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Trimmer, RNR, TS 4781
Service History
Sources:
BT 377/7/114704
BT 377/7/114704
Name - ROBINSON, George William ,
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Skipper, R.N.R
Service History
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Saturday 11 August 1917
LOST AT SEA.
Skipper G. W. Robinson, Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Saturday 11 August 1917
ABERDEEN CASUALTIES
Skipper W. Robinson, husband of Mrs Robinson, 9 Rosebank Terrace, was lost at sea on 20th July. Prior to joining the patrol service, Stopper Robinson was in the employment of the National Trawling Company, being their first skipper on the formation of the company about four years ago. He was then in command of the steam trawler Orthos, and latterly of the Leukos.
Aberdeen Weekly Journal - Friday 17 August 1917
ROBINSON.—Lost sea, 20th July. Skipper George W. Robinson, aged 36 years (H.M, Patrol Boat), beloved husband Lizzie Shirras. 9 Rose bank Terrace, and second son of Mr and Mrs Robinson, 53 Virginia Street, Aberdeen. Dearly loved and deeply mourned.
DOB -
Place of Birth -
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Skipper, R.N.R
Service History
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Saturday 11 August 1917
LOST AT SEA.
Skipper G. W. Robinson, Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Saturday 11 August 1917
ABERDEEN CASUALTIES
Skipper W. Robinson, husband of Mrs Robinson, 9 Rosebank Terrace, was lost at sea on 20th July. Prior to joining the patrol service, Stopper Robinson was in the employment of the National Trawling Company, being their first skipper on the formation of the company about four years ago. He was then in command of the steam trawler Orthos, and latterly of the Leukos.
Aberdeen Weekly Journal - Friday 17 August 1917
ROBINSON.—Lost sea, 20th July. Skipper George W. Robinson, aged 36 years (H.M, Patrol Boat), beloved husband Lizzie Shirras. 9 Rose bank Terrace, and second son of Mr and Mrs Robinson, 53 Virginia Street, Aberdeen. Dearly loved and deeply mourned.
Sources:
Name - STUART, George Sellar,
DOB - 19th August 1872
Place of Birth -Aberdeen
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Act/Engineman, RNR, V 711
Service History
DOB - 19th August 1872
Place of Birth -Aberdeen
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Act/Engineman, RNR, V 711
Service History
Sources:
BT 377/7/122621
BT 377/7/122621
Name - TAIT, William,
DOB - 11th July 1898
Place of Birth -Aith, Aithsting
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Act/Deck Hand, RNR (Shetland Section), L 1075
Service History
DOB - 11th July 1898
Place of Birth -Aith, Aithsting
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Act/Deck Hand, RNR (Shetland Section), L 1075
Service History
Sources:
BT 377/7/76095
BT 377/7/76095
Name - TERRELL, Robert J,
DOB - 28th June 1873
Place of Birth - South Shields
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Leading Deck Hand, RNR, D 1593
Service History
DOB - 28th June 1873
Place of Birth - South Shields
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Leading Deck Hand, RNR, D 1593
Service History
Sources:
BT 377/7/41587
BT 377/7/41587
Name - TOMPKIN, Richard,
DOB - 10th February 1871
Place of Birth - Aberdeen
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Act/Engineman, RNR, V 468
Service History
DOB - 10th February 1871
Place of Birth - Aberdeen
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Act/Engineman, RNR, V 468
Service History
Sources:
BT 377/7/122380
BT 377/7/122380
Edward Tucker
Name - TUCKER, Edward S,
DOB - 22nd September 1892
Place of Birth -Boston, Lincolnshire
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Deck Hand, RNR, DA 7763
Service History
Hull Daily Mail - Wednesday 08 August 1917
ROLL OF HONOUR
Tucker.—Lost off H.M.T. , on or about July 20th, 1917, Edward, beloved eon of Charles and Rose Tucker, aged 25 years. Sadly missed by all. —From his sorrowing mother, father, sisters, and brothers.
Hull Daily Mail - Wednesday 08 August 1917 (below photo)
Edward Tucker, age 25, son of and Mrs Tucker, 6, Laura-Grove, Tyne-Street, who was lost on H.M. trawler or about July 20th. He has two more brothers and father mine-sweeping.
Hull Daily Mail - Monday 21 July 1919
TUCKER.—In loving memory our dear son, Edward Tucker (Ted), who was killed H. M.T. Robert Smith, July 20th, 1917, aged 25.
A loving son, true and kind—
A better brother we'll never find.
We not forget him, nor do intend,
But think him. daily, and will the end.
Like others, he was good and brave;
In doing his bit his life he gave.
We missed him then our hearts still yearn
But more now as the boys return.
—From his sorrowing 11 other, father, brothers, sister*, sisters-in-law, grandparents, brothers-in-law.
TUCKER.—In loving memory our dear brother, Edward Tucker (Ted), who was killed H. M.T. Robert Smith, 1917, aged 25.
A day of remembrance, sad recall;
Loved and remembered by us all.
—From his loving sister (Lily) and brother-in-law (Fred).
TUCKER.—In loving memory our dear brother, Edward Tucker (Ted), who was killed on H. M.T. Robert Smith, July 20th, 1917, aged 25.
Forgotten by some soon was he.
But forgotten by us never will he.
—From his sister (Rene) and brother-in-law (Ted).
DOB - 22nd September 1892
Place of Birth -Boston, Lincolnshire
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Deck Hand, RNR, DA 7763
Service History
Hull Daily Mail - Wednesday 08 August 1917
ROLL OF HONOUR
Tucker.—Lost off H.M.T. , on or about July 20th, 1917, Edward, beloved eon of Charles and Rose Tucker, aged 25 years. Sadly missed by all. —From his sorrowing mother, father, sisters, and brothers.
Hull Daily Mail - Wednesday 08 August 1917 (below photo)
Edward Tucker, age 25, son of and Mrs Tucker, 6, Laura-Grove, Tyne-Street, who was lost on H.M. trawler or about July 20th. He has two more brothers and father mine-sweeping.
Hull Daily Mail - Monday 21 July 1919
TUCKER.—In loving memory our dear son, Edward Tucker (Ted), who was killed H. M.T. Robert Smith, July 20th, 1917, aged 25.
A loving son, true and kind—
A better brother we'll never find.
We not forget him, nor do intend,
But think him. daily, and will the end.
Like others, he was good and brave;
In doing his bit his life he gave.
We missed him then our hearts still yearn
But more now as the boys return.
—From his sorrowing 11 other, father, brothers, sister*, sisters-in-law, grandparents, brothers-in-law.
TUCKER.—In loving memory our dear brother, Edward Tucker (Ted), who was killed H. M.T. Robert Smith, 1917, aged 25.
A day of remembrance, sad recall;
Loved and remembered by us all.
—From his loving sister (Lily) and brother-in-law (Fred).
TUCKER.—In loving memory our dear brother, Edward Tucker (Ted), who was killed on H. M.T. Robert Smith, July 20th, 1917, aged 25.
Forgotten by some soon was he.
But forgotten by us never will he.
—From his sister (Rene) and brother-in-law (Ted).
Sources:
BT 377/7/54217
BT 377/7/54217
John William Wood
Name - WOOD, John W,
DOB - 16th April 1896
Place of Birth - Newcastle-on-Tyne
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Deck Hand, RNR, DA 9735
Service History
Hull Daily Mail - Wednesday 08 August 1917
ROLL OF HONOUR
Wood —Lost off H.M.T. , about July 20th, 1917, John William, the only dearly beloved son of William and Mary Wood, 21. Havelock-street, aged 21 years. Deeply mourned and sadly missed his sorrowing father and mother.
Hull Daily Mail - Wednesday 08 August 1917 (below photo)
John William Wood ago 21, only son of Mr and Mrs Wood, 29, Havclock-street, who was on a minesweeper on or about the 20th July, 1917-
Hull Daily Mail - Monday 21 July 1919
WOOD.—In loving memory John William, only beloved son of Mr and Mrs Wood, 21, Havelock-street, lost with H.M.T. Patrol, July 20th, 1917, aged 21. Fondly we loved him —he is dear to still.
But in grief we must bend God's holy will.
Our sorrow is great, our loss hard to hear.
But the angels, dear son, will guard you with care
Ever in thoughts. —From his sorrowing father and mother.
DOB - 16th April 1896
Place of Birth - Newcastle-on-Tyne
Parents -
Early History -
Rank - Deck Hand, RNR, DA 9735
Service History
Hull Daily Mail - Wednesday 08 August 1917
ROLL OF HONOUR
Wood —Lost off H.M.T. , about July 20th, 1917, John William, the only dearly beloved son of William and Mary Wood, 21. Havelock-street, aged 21 years. Deeply mourned and sadly missed his sorrowing father and mother.
Hull Daily Mail - Wednesday 08 August 1917 (below photo)
John William Wood ago 21, only son of Mr and Mrs Wood, 29, Havclock-street, who was on a minesweeper on or about the 20th July, 1917-
Hull Daily Mail - Monday 21 July 1919
WOOD.—In loving memory John William, only beloved son of Mr and Mrs Wood, 21, Havelock-street, lost with H.M.T. Patrol, July 20th, 1917, aged 21. Fondly we loved him —he is dear to still.
But in grief we must bend God's holy will.
Our sorrow is great, our loss hard to hear.
But the angels, dear son, will guard you with care
Ever in thoughts. —From his sorrowing father and mother.
Sources:
BT 377/7/56189
BT 377/7/56189
