S.S. Ruby.
BT 110/402/7 Registry of Shipping and Seamen
S.S. Ruby - 28/03/1917
Displacement: 234 grt.
Length: 37.7 m. Beam: 6.7m. Draught: 2.8 m.
Propulsion: 1 x 2 cyl; Compound expansion steam engine, one boiler, single shaft, 1 screw
Machinery: Lees Anderson & Co. Glasgow
Complement: 7 officers and men.
Men Lost: 6
Length: 37.7 m. Beam: 6.7m. Draught: 2.8 m.
Propulsion: 1 x 2 cyl; Compound expansion steam engine, one boiler, single shaft, 1 screw
Machinery: Lees Anderson & Co. Glasgow
Complement: 7 officers and men.
Men Lost: 6
The Iron steamship S.S. Ruby was built by Fullerton J. & Co. Ltd., Paisley in 1882.
Liverpool Shipping Telegraph and Daily Commercial Advertiser - Monday 18 September 1882
RUBY.-On Friday Messrs. John Fullerton and Co. launched from Merksworth building yard, Paisley, a fine iron screw steamer of the following dimensions:-125 feet by 22 feet by 9 feet hold, and 300 tons b.m. The vessel has been built to the order of Messrs. Mitchell and Rae, merchants, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, and is fitted up with all the latest improvements, Harfield's windlass, &c, and will be commanded by Captain Falconer. On leaving the ways she was gracefully named the Ruby by Mrs. J. G. Rae, of Newburgh, Aberdeenshire. The vessel will be fitted with a pair of compound engines by Messrs. Lees, Anderson, and Co., Clyde-street, Glasgow, of 50 horse-power nominal, cylinders 17 inches and 32 inches diameter, and 27 inches stroke, and a working pressure on the boilers of 80lbs. per square inch. After the launch the party were entertained to luncheon at Merks- worth House, where several toasts were proposed and loyally responded to.
North British Daily Mail - Friday 03 November 1882.
TRIAL TRIP.-The Ruby, a new screw steamer of about 220 tons burthen, built for the coasting trade for Messrs Mitchell & Rae, of Newburgh, Aberdeen, went down the Clyde on her official trial trip on the 2d inst,, with a full cargo of coal on board, and attained a speed of ten miles. Her engines, which are compound surface-condensing of about 50 horse-power nominal, and very complete, are by Messrs Lees, Anderson, & Co., Glasgow, the hull having been built by Messrs John Fullerton & Co., Paisley. She has water ballast in double bottom, in main and fore holds, and in after-peak; two steam winches and separate donkey-boiler, patent windlass, &c. The vessel. and machinery have been constructed under the superintendence of Messrs M'Nicoll & Smith, Glasgow, and to Lloyd's highest class.
RUBY.-On Friday Messrs. John Fullerton and Co. launched from Merksworth building yard, Paisley, a fine iron screw steamer of the following dimensions:-125 feet by 22 feet by 9 feet hold, and 300 tons b.m. The vessel has been built to the order of Messrs. Mitchell and Rae, merchants, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, and is fitted up with all the latest improvements, Harfield's windlass, &c, and will be commanded by Captain Falconer. On leaving the ways she was gracefully named the Ruby by Mrs. J. G. Rae, of Newburgh, Aberdeenshire. The vessel will be fitted with a pair of compound engines by Messrs. Lees, Anderson, and Co., Clyde-street, Glasgow, of 50 horse-power nominal, cylinders 17 inches and 32 inches diameter, and 27 inches stroke, and a working pressure on the boilers of 80lbs. per square inch. After the launch the party were entertained to luncheon at Merks- worth House, where several toasts were proposed and loyally responded to.
North British Daily Mail - Friday 03 November 1882.
TRIAL TRIP.-The Ruby, a new screw steamer of about 220 tons burthen, built for the coasting trade for Messrs Mitchell & Rae, of Newburgh, Aberdeen, went down the Clyde on her official trial trip on the 2d inst,, with a full cargo of coal on board, and attained a speed of ten miles. Her engines, which are compound surface-condensing of about 50 horse-power nominal, and very complete, are by Messrs Lees, Anderson, & Co., Glasgow, the hull having been built by Messrs John Fullerton & Co., Paisley. She has water ballast in double bottom, in main and fore holds, and in after-peak; two steam winches and separate donkey-boiler, patent windlass, &c. The vessel. and machinery have been constructed under the superintendence of Messrs M'Nicoll & Smith, Glasgow, and to Lloyd's highest class.
Lloyds Register of Shipping 1884
Lloyds Drawings of SS Ruby 1882
This project obtained a set of Lloyds plans to help understand the layout of the vessel. It became immediately clear that the photo, used in books and websites to represent the S.S. Ruby, is not the vessel lost off Kirkwall in 1917.
This photo is NOT of the SS Ruby sunk off Kirkwall. Photo: K Heath Collection.
As can be seen from the plan above the SS Ruby had an engine room midships with a mast fore and aft and the S.S. Ruby in the photo (above) has engine room aft with the two masts forward of the engine room.
The S.S. Ruby in the photo above is registered in Glasgow and the S.S. Ruby lost off Auskerry was registered in Kirkwall (see Lloyds list below). The S.S. Ruby in the photo would be the one registered 956 on the list, as the S.S. Ruby off Kirkwall is 957.
The S.S Ruby was owned at time of loss by Cooper W. & Son, Kirkwall, having been purchased from Mitchell & Rae Ltd on 25th February 1915 (BT 110/402).
The S.S. Ruby in the photo above is registered in Glasgow and the S.S. Ruby lost off Auskerry was registered in Kirkwall (see Lloyds list below). The S.S. Ruby in the photo would be the one registered 956 on the list, as the S.S. Ruby off Kirkwall is 957.
The S.S Ruby was owned at time of loss by Cooper W. & Son, Kirkwall, having been purchased from Mitchell & Rae Ltd on 25th February 1915 (BT 110/402).
Lloyd's Register of Shipping 1914-15
History
Aberdeen Evening Express - Friday 31 August 1883
FATAL OCCURRENCE AT NEWBURGH.
Yesterday afternoon, between two and three o'clock, a sad accident occurred at Newburgh, whereby labourer named William Pirie, 49 years of age, residing at Bridgefoot, Newburgh, lost his life. The unfortunate man was employed on the deck of the steamer Ruby, owned by Messrs Mitchell & Rae, and presently being discharged at the Quay, Newburgh, when he accidentally fell into the hold, a depth of ten feet, and sustained a compound fracture of the skull, besides being otherwise severely cut about the head. Deceased, who did not speak after falling, was immediately conveyed to his home, and attended by Dr Wm. Macdonald, New- burgh, and Dr Andrew Fowler, Ellon, but their efforts were in vain, and Pirie died from the effects of the in- juries at an early hour this morning. No blame can be attached to anyone as the occurrence was purely of an accidental character. Pirie's duty was to steady bags of meal as they were hoisted on to the deck, and it is supposed that when stepping aside to avoid being struck by one of those he stumbled, and was precipitated into the hold. Pirie, who was a native of Longside, and was a steady industrious man, was 49 years of age, and leaves a widow and eight of a family.
Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser - Tuesday 18 December 1883
SHIPBUILDING DISPUTE
In the Court of Session on Saturday, the case of Lees, Anderson, & Co. v. Mitchell & Rae came up for hearing. These are counteractions, the one raised by Lees, Anderson, & Co., engineers, Glasgow, to recover from Mitchell & Rae, ship- owners, Newburgh, Aberdeen, the sum of £384 13s 11d, in respect of balance of price of the S.S. Ruby, built by the pursuers for the defenders. The defenders retained £784 13s 11d from the last instalment of the price, on account of alleged breach of contract. The difference of £400 between that and the sum sued for is, the pursuers maintain, quite sufficient to compensate the whole claims which the defenders have against them. The pursuers further maintain that they have been absolved from all claims, except on the ground of deficiency in speed, in respect the defenders caused delay in the construction of the vessel by making certain additions and alterations, and also thereby added to the weights on board. The defenders set up various counter claims for delay in delivery, want of speed, and various other matters, and maintain that the one claim is considerably exceeded by the other.
They have raised a separate claim against the pursuers, concluding for £2000 of damages, in respect of alleged breach of contract. On Saturday the Lord Ordinary conjoined both actions, closed the records, and appointed proof to be led.
FATAL OCCURRENCE AT NEWBURGH.
Yesterday afternoon, between two and three o'clock, a sad accident occurred at Newburgh, whereby labourer named William Pirie, 49 years of age, residing at Bridgefoot, Newburgh, lost his life. The unfortunate man was employed on the deck of the steamer Ruby, owned by Messrs Mitchell & Rae, and presently being discharged at the Quay, Newburgh, when he accidentally fell into the hold, a depth of ten feet, and sustained a compound fracture of the skull, besides being otherwise severely cut about the head. Deceased, who did not speak after falling, was immediately conveyed to his home, and attended by Dr Wm. Macdonald, New- burgh, and Dr Andrew Fowler, Ellon, but their efforts were in vain, and Pirie died from the effects of the in- juries at an early hour this morning. No blame can be attached to anyone as the occurrence was purely of an accidental character. Pirie's duty was to steady bags of meal as they were hoisted on to the deck, and it is supposed that when stepping aside to avoid being struck by one of those he stumbled, and was precipitated into the hold. Pirie, who was a native of Longside, and was a steady industrious man, was 49 years of age, and leaves a widow and eight of a family.
Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser - Tuesday 18 December 1883
SHIPBUILDING DISPUTE
In the Court of Session on Saturday, the case of Lees, Anderson, & Co. v. Mitchell & Rae came up for hearing. These are counteractions, the one raised by Lees, Anderson, & Co., engineers, Glasgow, to recover from Mitchell & Rae, ship- owners, Newburgh, Aberdeen, the sum of £384 13s 11d, in respect of balance of price of the S.S. Ruby, built by the pursuers for the defenders. The defenders retained £784 13s 11d from the last instalment of the price, on account of alleged breach of contract. The difference of £400 between that and the sum sued for is, the pursuers maintain, quite sufficient to compensate the whole claims which the defenders have against them. The pursuers further maintain that they have been absolved from all claims, except on the ground of deficiency in speed, in respect the defenders caused delay in the construction of the vessel by making certain additions and alterations, and also thereby added to the weights on board. The defenders set up various counter claims for delay in delivery, want of speed, and various other matters, and maintain that the one claim is considerably exceeded by the other.
They have raised a separate claim against the pursuers, concluding for £2000 of damages, in respect of alleged breach of contract. On Saturday the Lord Ordinary conjoined both actions, closed the records, and appointed proof to be led.
1915
The S.S Ruby was owned at time of loss by Cooper W. & Son, Kirkwall, having been purchased from Mitchell & Rae Ltd on 25th February 1915 (BT 110/402).
Orcadian - Saturday 06 March 1915
ADDITION TO KIRKWALL SHIPPING.- Messrs Wm. Cooper & Son, Kirkwall have just purchased the coasting steamer Ruby, a handy little vessel about 124 feet in length, with a beam of 22 feet and drawing when loaded 10 feet 6 inches of water. The Ruby which carries about 200 tons, has been at Kirkwall and Finstown this week with manures, and her next cargo north is coal for the Kirkwall Gas Company.
Orcadian - Saturday 15 May 1915
The steamer Ruby, belonging to Kirkwall owner- , , discharged a cargo of coals at the New Pier last week to Messrs Shearer and Coy., and left on Friday last for the south.
London Daily Chronicle - Friday 31 December 1915
SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE
(From Lloyds)
WRECKS AND CASUALTIES.
KIRKWALL STEAMER ASHORE AT DYSART. Lloyd's agent at Dysart, under date December 30 reports that the steamer Ruby, Kirkwall from Leith, failed to take the entrance t Dysart Harbour, and drifted on the rocks on the west side of the harbour, where she lies.
London Daily Chronicle - Saturday 01 January 1916
SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE
(From Lloyds)
WRECKS AND CASUALTIES.
Steamer RUBY, before reported drifted on rocks west side of harbour, got off Thursday night, apparently undamaged. (Telegraphed trom Dysart.)
Orcadian - Saturday 06 March 1915
ADDITION TO KIRKWALL SHIPPING.- Messrs Wm. Cooper & Son, Kirkwall have just purchased the coasting steamer Ruby, a handy little vessel about 124 feet in length, with a beam of 22 feet and drawing when loaded 10 feet 6 inches of water. The Ruby which carries about 200 tons, has been at Kirkwall and Finstown this week with manures, and her next cargo north is coal for the Kirkwall Gas Company.
Orcadian - Saturday 15 May 1915
The steamer Ruby, belonging to Kirkwall owner- , , discharged a cargo of coals at the New Pier last week to Messrs Shearer and Coy., and left on Friday last for the south.
London Daily Chronicle - Friday 31 December 1915
SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE
(From Lloyds)
WRECKS AND CASUALTIES.
KIRKWALL STEAMER ASHORE AT DYSART. Lloyd's agent at Dysart, under date December 30 reports that the steamer Ruby, Kirkwall from Leith, failed to take the entrance t Dysart Harbour, and drifted on the rocks on the west side of the harbour, where she lies.
London Daily Chronicle - Saturday 01 January 1916
SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE
(From Lloyds)
WRECKS AND CASUALTIES.
Steamer RUBY, before reported drifted on rocks west side of harbour, got off Thursday night, apparently undamaged. (Telegraphed trom Dysart.)
1917
S.S. Ruby was put into service on the Leith run in February 1917 as a replacement to S.S. Express (I).
Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser and Gazette for the Orkney & Zetland Islands - Wednesday 24 January 1917
THE LOSS
Lloyds War Losses World War One
On the 28th March 1917 the S.S. Ruby, with a crew of 7, left Leith for Kirkwall with 180 tons of general cargo. On the morning of the 29th March 1917 the S.S. Ruby was passing along the swept channel steaming west into Kirkwall.
Chart showing swept channel and mines found March 1917 - ADM 137/1887
At 10.10am, approximately 2 miles south of Auskerry, S.S. Ruby struck a mine and sank almost instantly.
ADM 137/3984 - Enemy submarines: particulars of attacks on merchant vessels in home waters
CAB 24/30 - BRITISH VESSELS
CAPTURED OR DESTROYED
BY THE ENEMY. 1st OCTOBER 1917,
The Survivor
A deckhand who was working in the galley jumped overboard as the ship went down and clung to a barrel. He then swam to the ships boat which had floated free. It was 30 minutes before he was picked up by a patrol vessel. He was the only survivor. Recent research by LiWD in the National Archives has now discovered his identity. He was Able seaman. John Harrold.
This was further confirmed when the crew list was obtained (BT 99/3289).
Research is ongoing to find out more about him.
This was further confirmed when the crew list was obtained (BT 99/3289).
Research is ongoing to find out more about him.
ADM 137/1888 - Secret packs of the Commander in Chief Grand Fleet Volume VIII
BT 99/3289 - Crew List S.S. Ruby.
Footnote: After the loss of the SS Ruby Coopers & Son purchased the S.S. Hebridean and renamed the vessel S.S. Express (II). This vessel was lost on 09/02/1918 in a collision with HMS Grenville north of the Pentland Skerries.
See: SS-Express.
The Search
For many years searches were conducted off Mull Head, Deerness by various dive charter boats and this project. Many books report UC-44 was the U Boat responsible for laying the mine that sank S.S. Ruby.
UC-44 or UC-??
UC-44.
UC-44 had laid 3 mines close to Mull Head, 100m apart on the 9th February 1917,(UC-44 KTB). (Minensperre 7)
The KTB translation:
09. Feb. 1917, 12h52, Course 45°, Mull Head at our stern, on port, about 500 m. I dropped 3 mines,
UC-44 had laid 3 mines close to Mull Head, 100m apart on the 9th February 1917,(UC-44 KTB). (Minensperre 7)
The KTB translation:
09. Feb. 1917, 12h52, Course 45°, Mull Head at our stern, on port, about 500 m. I dropped 3 mines,
Mine Map from KTB UC-44
This area. covering all three mines, was searched with magnetometer in December 2019 with no results.
UC-44 had also been credited with laying the mine that damaged HMS Albacore on 09/03/1917.
In December 2019 a project was conducted, by SULA Diving for HES, to locate the bow of HMS Albacore. While researching for this project it was established that it was UC-55 that had laid the mine that caused the damage to HMS Albacore and not UC-44. See here: HMS-Albacore.
It was decided to also reassess the loss of SS Ruby.
Many books including the main WW1 U-Boat reference books ''The Trade Warfare with U-boats'' (1932) A.Spindler, and ''British Vessels Lost at Sea'' (HMSO) give the date for the loss of S.S. Ruby as 28th March 1917 and this led to the misattribution to the U boat UC-44 (Kurt Tebbenjohanns) as being responsible for laying the mine that sank SS Ruby.
UC-42.
Research in March 2020 by Michael Lowrey, Kevin Heath, and Simon Schnetzke show that another U boat, UC-42, was the U-Boat responsible for laying the mine that sank S.S. Ruby.
UC-42 (Otto Heinrich Tornow) was active off Kirkwall on the night of 28th March 1917. UC-42 laid 9 mines, in two lines. (UC-42 KTB)
Study of UC-42 KTB and Spindler's mine map shows one of these lines, Minensperre 49 (mine barrier 49), consisted of 5 mines, laid 100m apart, south to north, running across the swept channel into Kirkwall. It was considered most likely, due to its location, that one of these mines accounted for S.S. Ruby.
The second line, Minensperre 49a, consisting of 4 mines, was outside the swept channel to the north east and not on a route that S.S. Ruby would have passed over.
UC-44 had also been credited with laying the mine that damaged HMS Albacore on 09/03/1917.
In December 2019 a project was conducted, by SULA Diving for HES, to locate the bow of HMS Albacore. While researching for this project it was established that it was UC-55 that had laid the mine that caused the damage to HMS Albacore and not UC-44. See here: HMS-Albacore.
It was decided to also reassess the loss of SS Ruby.
Many books including the main WW1 U-Boat reference books ''The Trade Warfare with U-boats'' (1932) A.Spindler, and ''British Vessels Lost at Sea'' (HMSO) give the date for the loss of S.S. Ruby as 28th March 1917 and this led to the misattribution to the U boat UC-44 (Kurt Tebbenjohanns) as being responsible for laying the mine that sank SS Ruby.
UC-42.
Research in March 2020 by Michael Lowrey, Kevin Heath, and Simon Schnetzke show that another U boat, UC-42, was the U-Boat responsible for laying the mine that sank S.S. Ruby.
UC-42 (Otto Heinrich Tornow) was active off Kirkwall on the night of 28th March 1917. UC-42 laid 9 mines, in two lines. (UC-42 KTB)
Study of UC-42 KTB and Spindler's mine map shows one of these lines, Minensperre 49 (mine barrier 49), consisted of 5 mines, laid 100m apart, south to north, running across the swept channel into Kirkwall. It was considered most likely, due to its location, that one of these mines accounted for S.S. Ruby.
The second line, Minensperre 49a, consisting of 4 mines, was outside the swept channel to the north east and not on a route that S.S. Ruby would have passed over.
Mine Map from KTB UC-42
The KTB also shows the UC-42 remained in the vicinity of Auskerry after laying the mines and records that on the morning of 29/03/1917 a detonation of a mine was clearly heard.
A translation from the KTB reads:
11.45 - When heading on course 110deg, a sharp bang like a mine detonation is heard. Powerful turbines noised that sometimes go over the boat and keep it under water. It is almost certainly a destroyer flotilla on northern and southern patrol route. Noises can be heard like detonations of depth charges at great distances. The movement of the boat at a depth of 40m shows that the swell is strong. Running underwater. 5 miles east of Auskerry.
Footnotes: The time in the KTB is in Berlin time so would have been written at 10.45.GMT.
UC-42 was lost by the explosion of one of her own mines off Cork, Ireland on the 10/09/1917 at 51°44N’, 8°12’W. 27 dead (all crew lost).
UC-44 was sunk by one of her own mines on 04/08/1917 off southern Ireland. 29 dead and 1 survivor.
A translation from the KTB reads:
11.45 - When heading on course 110deg, a sharp bang like a mine detonation is heard. Powerful turbines noised that sometimes go over the boat and keep it under water. It is almost certainly a destroyer flotilla on northern and southern patrol route. Noises can be heard like detonations of depth charges at great distances. The movement of the boat at a depth of 40m shows that the swell is strong. Running underwater. 5 miles east of Auskerry.
Footnotes: The time in the KTB is in Berlin time so would have been written at 10.45.GMT.
UC-42 was lost by the explosion of one of her own mines off Cork, Ireland on the 10/09/1917 at 51°44N’, 8°12’W. 27 dead (all crew lost).
UC-44 was sunk by one of her own mines on 04/08/1917 off southern Ireland. 29 dead and 1 survivor.
MINESWEEPING
Bi-Monthly Minesweeping Reports 1-15 April 1917. (ADM 116/1516)
The Bi-Monthly minesweeping reports up to 5th of April claims that six mines had been ''accounted for'', but the barque ''Urania'' had in fact been torpedoed by UC-42 on the 28th March 1917 12 miles east of Auskerry.
The story of the Sloop HMS Carnation can be found here .......................HMS CARNATION
The story of the Sloop HMS Carnation can be found here .......................HMS CARNATION
Bi-Monthly Minesweeping Reports 15-30 April 1917 (ADM 116/1516)
THE WRECK
On 27/05/2021 SULA Diving, assisted by Ian Rendall, Great Grandson of George Rendall, the Mate on S.S. Ruby, conducted a survey with side scan sonar and magnetometer.
The search area was established using the information taken from UC-42s KTB.
The KTB mine map was overlaid onto a modern Admiralty chart to give a detailed accurate search area for the wreck of SS Ruby (see chart below).
This was then plotted onto a base-map to use in the MaxView survey software.
The search area was established using the information taken from UC-42s KTB.
The KTB mine map was overlaid onto a modern Admiralty chart to give a detailed accurate search area for the wreck of SS Ruby (see chart below).
This was then plotted onto a base-map to use in the MaxView survey software.
Chart with UC-42 mine map overlaid
Nine survey lines were plotted that crossed over UC-42s mine field (Minensperre 49). Each line was 2000m long and were spaced 100m apart. This would give full coverage of the mine line and 1000m each side. The system used was the C-Max CM2 side scan sonar.
.
.
Survey area and side scan coverage. MaxView.
The survey started at the southern end of the mine line. The area is mostly bedrock with some sand filled gullies.
The wreck was located 100m west of the plotted mine line.
Its location, as S.S. Ruby was steaming west along the swept channel, would correspond with the third or forth mine laid in ''Minensperre 49''.
Once located a magnetometer survey was conducted and the wreck gave a good response as would be expected from an iron vessel. This was post processed with SonarWiz 7 software and overlaid onto the side scan sonar mosaic.
The wreck was located 100m west of the plotted mine line.
Its location, as S.S. Ruby was steaming west along the swept channel, would correspond with the third or forth mine laid in ''Minensperre 49''.
Once located a magnetometer survey was conducted and the wreck gave a good response as would be expected from an iron vessel. This was post processed with SonarWiz 7 software and overlaid onto the side scan sonar mosaic.
Side Scan Sonar image of S.S. Ruby and Magnetic contour overlay created with SonarWiz 7
Images: SULA Diving
Images: SULA Diving
THE DIVE
The wreck of the S.S. Ruby was dived on the 8th June 2021 by Bertrand Taylor and Keith Rendall.
As shown in the side scan the wreck is upright with the hull collapsed on the seabed. The bow is to the south east and is very badly damaged which was most likely from the mine.
S.S. Ruby (1882) was a two hold vessel, one fore, one aft, with engine and boiler room between. There were areas on the wreck that match the Lloyd's drawing.
Starting from the stern, the ships cast iron propeller with the rudder post in place. The prop shaft can be clearly seen which would have passed under the aft hold. There is no evidence of any cargo in the aft hold. There is a large water tank under the aft hold on the ships plan and this is clearly seen. At the forward end of the hold is the steam driven cargo winch, upside down, across the prop shaft.
Forward of aft hold is the large upright 2-cylinder compound engine.
Further forward is the ships single boiler with the outer casing partly degraded so the boiler tubes can be seen.
Next is the forward hold which contains some of the ships cargo. There are what appear to be bags of cement, now solid and mixed with these were a large number of jars, possibly for jam or marmalade.
Forward of this hold the ship is badly damaged but remains of the forward hold steam winch and forward mast can be seen but beyond this the bow, chain locker, anchor winch appear to be missing..
As shown in the side scan the wreck is upright with the hull collapsed on the seabed. The bow is to the south east and is very badly damaged which was most likely from the mine.
S.S. Ruby (1882) was a two hold vessel, one fore, one aft, with engine and boiler room between. There were areas on the wreck that match the Lloyd's drawing.
Starting from the stern, the ships cast iron propeller with the rudder post in place. The prop shaft can be clearly seen which would have passed under the aft hold. There is no evidence of any cargo in the aft hold. There is a large water tank under the aft hold on the ships plan and this is clearly seen. At the forward end of the hold is the steam driven cargo winch, upside down, across the prop shaft.
Forward of aft hold is the large upright 2-cylinder compound engine.
Further forward is the ships single boiler with the outer casing partly degraded so the boiler tubes can be seen.
Next is the forward hold which contains some of the ships cargo. There are what appear to be bags of cement, now solid and mixed with these were a large number of jars, possibly for jam or marmalade.
Forward of this hold the ship is badly damaged but remains of the forward hold steam winch and forward mast can be seen but beyond this the bow, chain locker, anchor winch appear to be missing..
Photos: Bertrand Taylor.
Photos: Keith Rendall
This wreck is the last resting place for six men, five of them local to Kirkwall and Westray. Nothing was removed from the wreck and the dive was used to record and document the site.
CREW.
† 29th March 1917
† 29th March 1917
Mercantile Marine War Medal 1914-18
James Marwick. Photo: M Marwick
MARWICK, JAMES (42), Fireman. Born 2nd May 1874 at St. Catherine’s Place, Kirkwall, Husband of Jessie Arm Marwick (nee Sinclair), of 6, Olaf Place, Kirkwall, Orkney.
Remembered on the Kirkwall War Memorial and on the Tower Hill Memorial.
Orkney-herald-and-weekly-advertiser-Wednesday 11th April-1917
MARWICK-Drowned at sea on March 29th, 1917, James Marwick, aged 42 years, beloved husband of Jessie A. Marwick, 2 Olaf Place. Kirkwall.
Orcadian - Saturday 30 March 1918
In Memoriam.
In loving remembrance of James Marwick, s.s. Ruby, beloved husband of Jessie A. Marwick, who was drowned at sea, March 29, 1917. . There is a link that death cannot sever, love and remembrance live for ever.
Remembered on the Kirkwall War Memorial and on the Tower Hill Memorial.
Orkney-herald-and-weekly-advertiser-Wednesday 11th April-1917
MARWICK-Drowned at sea on March 29th, 1917, James Marwick, aged 42 years, beloved husband of Jessie A. Marwick, 2 Olaf Place. Kirkwall.
Orcadian - Saturday 30 March 1918
In Memoriam.
In loving remembrance of James Marwick, s.s. Ruby, beloved husband of Jessie A. Marwick, who was drowned at sea, March 29, 1917. . There is a link that death cannot sever, love and remembrance live for ever.
MASON, WILLIAM (42). Master, Born 25th January 1875 at East Thorn, Westray, son of James Mason and Ann Mason (née Allan). Husband of Jane Sophie Mason (née Hardy Tulloch )of 4, Olaf Place, Kirkwall, Orkney. .
Remembered on both the Westray & Kirkwall War Memorial, The Kirkwall Masonic Lodge War Memorial and on the Tower Hill Memorial.
Orkney-Herald-and-Weekly-Advertiser-Wednesday 18th April-1917
MASON-Drowned at sea, on March 29th, 1917, William. Mason, aged 42 years, dearly beloved husband of Jane S. Mason, 4 Olaf Place, Kirkwall. Oh, short and sudden was the call Of him so dearly loved by all.
We loved him well,
God loved him best,
And took him home with
Him to rest.
We little thought when he left home
He would no more return;
That he so soon in death should sleep,
And leave us here to mourn.
Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser - Wednesday 18th April 1917
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.
Mrs. Mason and daughter desire to return sincere thanks to their many friends for letters of sympathy and kindness extended to them in their recent very sad bereavement.
4 Olaf Place, Kirkwall.
Remembered on both the Westray & Kirkwall War Memorial, The Kirkwall Masonic Lodge War Memorial and on the Tower Hill Memorial.
Orkney-Herald-and-Weekly-Advertiser-Wednesday 18th April-1917
MASON-Drowned at sea, on March 29th, 1917, William. Mason, aged 42 years, dearly beloved husband of Jane S. Mason, 4 Olaf Place, Kirkwall. Oh, short and sudden was the call Of him so dearly loved by all.
We loved him well,
God loved him best,
And took him home with
Him to rest.
We little thought when he left home
He would no more return;
That he so soon in death should sleep,
And leave us here to mourn.
Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser - Wednesday 18th April 1917
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.
Mrs. Mason and daughter desire to return sincere thanks to their many friends for letters of sympathy and kindness extended to them in their recent very sad bereavement.
4 Olaf Place, Kirkwall.
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Orcadian - Saturday 30 March 1918
In Memoriam In loving memory of William Mason, master of the Ruby. who was lost at sea on March 29, 1917, aged 42 years, beloved husband of Jane Sophia Mason.-Dearly loved and sadly missed. We cannot bend beside his grave, For he sleeps in the secret sea, And not one gentle, whispering wave Will tell the place to me. But though unseen by human eyes, And mortals know it not, His Father knoweth where he lies, And angels guard the spot. No willows weep, no scented flowers Grow o'er the sailor's grave; No emblem left of him who rests Beneath the silent wave. Oh father, dear, how much we miss you, When we see your empty chair; . But in heaven we hope to meet you- There will be no parting there! -Inserted by his sorrowing widow and daughter, 4 Olaf Place, Kirkwall. |
William Mason Death Penny and medals. Photo: Heather Scott
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With thanks to Heather Scott for the above images.
George Rendall. Photo: Mark Rendall
RENDALL, GEORGE SMITH (40), Mate. Born 17th January 1877 at Nether Brough, Westray, son of George Rendall and Margaret S. Rendall (née Seator) Husband of Christina Rendall (nee Stout), of Lizburn, Broughton, Westray, Orkney. Brother of Able-Seaman Stewart Rendall.
Remembered on the Westray War Memorial and on the Tower Hill Memorial.
Remembered on the Westray War Memorial and on the Tower Hill Memorial.
RENDALL, JOHN (23), Fireman, Born 3rd May 1894 at Quoynabreckan, Westray, son of William Rendall and Jane Rendall (née Harcus) Husband of Maggie Ellen Rendall (née Thomson) of 89 Upper Bridge Road, Chelmsford, Essex,
Remembered on the Westray War Memorial and on the Tower Hill Memorial.
Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser - Wednesday 18th April 1917
RENDALL- Drowned at sea on March 29th, 1917, John Rendall, aged 23 years, dearly beloved husband of Maggie E. Thomson, 4 Long Wynd, Kirkwall. Sadly missed.
Had we but seen him still in life,
Or watobed his dying bed,
Our hearts would not have felt so much
The bitter tears we shed.
Orcadian - Saturday 06 April 1918
IN MEMORIAM.
In loving memory of my dear husband, John Rendall s.s. Ruby," who was lost at sea on March 29, 1917, aged 23.
Why was he taken so young and so fair,
Cut off in the midst of his bloom;
But his memory will live with us always,
Though he lies in a watery tomb.
Also,
In loving memory of my infant daughter, Maggie Rendall who died at 4 Long Wynd, on 27th February, 1917, aged 2 months.
She was too pure for this cold world, too beautiful to stay,
And so God's holy angels took our little one away.
Remembered on the Westray War Memorial and on the Tower Hill Memorial.
Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser - Wednesday 18th April 1917
RENDALL- Drowned at sea on March 29th, 1917, John Rendall, aged 23 years, dearly beloved husband of Maggie E. Thomson, 4 Long Wynd, Kirkwall. Sadly missed.
Had we but seen him still in life,
Or watobed his dying bed,
Our hearts would not have felt so much
The bitter tears we shed.
Orcadian - Saturday 06 April 1918
IN MEMORIAM.
In loving memory of my dear husband, John Rendall s.s. Ruby," who was lost at sea on March 29, 1917, aged 23.
Why was he taken so young and so fair,
Cut off in the midst of his bloom;
But his memory will live with us always,
Though he lies in a watery tomb.
Also,
In loving memory of my infant daughter, Maggie Rendall who died at 4 Long Wynd, on 27th February, 1917, aged 2 months.
She was too pure for this cold world, too beautiful to stay,
And so God's holy angels took our little one away.
Stewart Rendall. Photo: Mary Rendall
RENDALL, STEWART (30), Able Seaman, Born 19th November 1886 at Nether Brough, Westray, son of George Rendall and Margaret S. Rendall (née Seator). Brother of Mate George S. Rendall.
Remembered on the Westray War Memorial and on the Tower Hill Memorial.
Remembered on the Westray War Memorial and on the Tower Hill Memorial.
SEVIS, GEORGE DAVID (41), Engineer, Born 12th February 1875 at Livingston Place, Portobello, Edinburgh, Son of John Sevis and Alice Sevis (née Armstrong). Husband of Jessie Sevis, of 48, North Junction St., Leith. Father of John & Christina. Remembered on the St Andrew’s Church of Scotland `War Memorial and the Tower Hill Memorial.
Leith St Andrew’s Church of Scotland, Edinburgh War Memorial. Photo:Joanne Baird
MEMORIALS
WESTRAY
Westray War Memorial Photo: W Sadler
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KIRKWALL
Master William Mason in mentioned on the War memorial within the Kirkwall Masonic Lodge. Photo: K Rendall
Kirkwall War Memorial Photo: Orkney Islands Council
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TOWER HILL MEMORIAL, LONDON
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All the crew lost on SS Ruby are remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial. Photos: LiWD
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NAIRN CEMETARY
Memorial headstone with dedication to brothers George & Stewart Rendall in Nairn Cemetery. Photo: Fifer in Exile
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ST OLAF'S CEMETARY, KIRKWALL
Headstone with dedication to James Marwick, St Olafs Cemetery, Kirkwall. Photo: The Orkney Family History Society.
Footnote: It has been suggested James Marwick was recovered and buried here but if that was so he would not be included on the Tower Hill Memorial. Research is ongoing.
Newspaper Articles
To be Let
By the lamented deaths of the Tenants in
connection with the “Ruby” catas-
trophe, Two Houses in Olaf Place will be
vacant at the May Term.
Apply, Mr WM.
FLETT, Wellington Street.
Advert in The Orcadian of 07/04/1917. Transcribed by George Burgher
By the lamented deaths of the Tenants in
connection with the “Ruby” catas-
trophe, Two Houses in Olaf Place will be
vacant at the May Term.
Apply, Mr WM.
FLETT, Wellington Street.
Advert in The Orcadian of 07/04/1917. Transcribed by George Burgher
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
THE LOSS OF THE STEAMER “RUBY.”
____
SIR, In your last week’s issue the follow-
ing advertisement appeared:-
“To be Let.- By the lamented deaths of
the tenants in connection with the ‘Ruby’
catastrophe, two houses in Olaf Place will
be vacant at the May Term, Apply, Mr Wm.
Flett, Wellington Street.”
This was the first intimation given by the
reverend landlord to the widows of the two
tenants referred to, and, as such, was a cold-
blooded, contemptible, and cruel action to-
wards the bereaved, at a time when their loss
and grief were scarcely more than realised.
It may be stated that the landlord in ques-
tion had previously called on the two widows
in his ministerial capacity, and profession-
ally condoled with them in their “lamented”
loss, but refrained from making any allusion
to his intention of evicting them from their
homes.
Comment upon this is unnecessary – I leave
it to a sympathetic public to form their own
conclusions. It should also be stated, if only
in fairness to Mr Flett, the beadle, that dif-
ferent parties, on making enquiries, of him
regarding the houses, were somewhat sur-
prised to be told that he knew nothing what-
ever either about the advertisement of the
houses.
My object in using the medium of your paper
is to inform the reverend landlord,
as well as the public generally, that these
two houses in Olaf Place will not be vacant
at the May Term
The tenants have no intention at present of
leaving. Their rents will be paid for the
ensuing year.
I take this opportunity of thanking very
sincerely the public who have so generously
responded to the appeal now being made on
behalf of the widows and fatherless by a
committee of lady collectors, and to bespeak
for those in need, a continuance of the gen-
erosity from those who have not yet been called upon.
The collectors have not yet completed their
work but so far, I am glad to say, their
labours have met with a very gratifying
result. – I am, etc., P. S. COOPER. [?]
Letter in The Orcadian of 14/04/1917 – Transcribed by George Burgher
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
THE LOSS OF THE STEAMER “RUBY.”
____
SIR, In your last week’s issue the follow-
ing advertisement appeared:-
“To be Let.- By the lamented deaths of
the tenants in connection with the ‘Ruby’
catastrophe, two houses in Olaf Place will
be vacant at the May Term, Apply, Mr Wm.
Flett, Wellington Street.”
This was the first intimation given by the
reverend landlord to the widows of the two
tenants referred to, and, as such, was a cold-
blooded, contemptible, and cruel action to-
wards the bereaved, at a time when their loss
and grief were scarcely more than realised.
It may be stated that the landlord in ques-
tion had previously called on the two widows
in his ministerial capacity, and profession-
ally condoled with them in their “lamented”
loss, but refrained from making any allusion
to his intention of evicting them from their
homes.
Comment upon this is unnecessary – I leave
it to a sympathetic public to form their own
conclusions. It should also be stated, if only
in fairness to Mr Flett, the beadle, that dif-
ferent parties, on making enquiries, of him
regarding the houses, were somewhat sur-
prised to be told that he knew nothing what-
ever either about the advertisement of the
houses.
My object in using the medium of your paper
is to inform the reverend landlord,
as well as the public generally, that these
two houses in Olaf Place will not be vacant
at the May Term
The tenants have no intention at present of
leaving. Their rents will be paid for the
ensuing year.
I take this opportunity of thanking very
sincerely the public who have so generously
responded to the appeal now being made on
behalf of the widows and fatherless by a
committee of lady collectors, and to bespeak
for those in need, a continuance of the gen-
erosity from those who have not yet been called upon.
The collectors have not yet completed their
work but so far, I am glad to say, their
labours have met with a very gratifying
result. – I am, etc., P. S. COOPER. [?]
Letter in The Orcadian of 14/04/1917 – Transcribed by George Burgher
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Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser and Gazette for the Orkney & Zetland Islands - Wednesday 02 May 1917
ROUSAY - Service of Sacred Praise
..............The collection, which amounted to £2 lls 6d, has been given to the fund in process of collection in Orkney on behalf of the widows and orphans left by the loss of precious lives in the disaster that befell recently the s.s. Ruby. The service was opened and closed with prayer.
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ROUSAY - Service of Sacred Praise
..............The collection, which amounted to £2 lls 6d, has been given to the fund in process of collection in Orkney on behalf of the widows and orphans left by the loss of precious lives in the disaster that befell recently the s.s. Ruby. The service was opened and closed with prayer.
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Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser and Gazette for the Orkney & Zetland Islands - Wednesday 05 September 1917
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