The Crew of HMS Albacore
PicturePhoto courtesy of Swanley History Group
                                                                   
​

​BERTIE THOMAS ROBINSON
ABLE SEAMAN - (CH) J/19682

Bertie was born on 8th April 1896 in Sutton at Hone, Kent to parents Jane and Alfred, one of 10 children.
Aged 4 he was recorded on the 1901 census living at College Road, Sutton with his parents and 5 siblings.  

The family continued to live at College Road for the next 10 years; the 1911 census notes Bertie (now known as Thomas) aged 14 and working as a Grocers Shop boy.  His mother Jane had her 4 sons living with her, the two eldest working and providing a much needed income as she was now a widow.

Better pay or prospects possibly encouraged Bertie to join the Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 12th August 1912.  He had brown hair, grey eyes and was recorded as having a mark on his left hip and once fully grown stood 5’6” tall.

He trained at HMS IMPREGNABLE until 26th March 1913, rising to Boy 1st Class the day he left the training depot.  His next posting was to HMS ENDYMION from March to August 1913 and a further 6 weeks at HMS PEMBROKE I before joining HMS LANCASTER.  He was recorded in the log as joining the ship at Devonport at 4pm along with 29 other ratings.  
The armoured cruiser sailed to Bermuda and a more detailed account, along with journey points can be read at : 
https://www.naval-history.net/OWShips-WW1-05-HMS_Lancaster.htm

Bertie would rise to Ordinary Seaman on 8th April 1914 (his 18th Birthday) and again to Able Seaman on 25th March 1915 - he left pre-war England as a Boy and returned a man, to a world at war.  HMS LANCASTER returned to Chatham where Bertie left the ship on 29th July 1915.

He remained at HMS PEMBROKE I from 30th July 1915 until 25th February 1916, his final posting being to HMS LEANDER (Albacore) the following day, until his tragic death a year later.
He was a month short of his 21st Birthday.
Bertie is mentioned on the Swanley War Memorial and Chatham Naval Memorial.

Sources:
1901 & 1911 England & Wales Census
Ship’s Badge - cyber-heritage.co.uk
TNA - Admiralty Naval Casualties ADM 242, piece 010
CWGC Register
Photo credit - Swanley History Group
Researched by Wendy Sadler
PictureSignature - London, Church of England Marriages & Banns/London Metropolitan Archives/Ancestry
Albert Edwin Saunders
​Stoker 1st Class - SS 101576 (RFR/I C/762)

Albert was born on 1st August 1885 in Kensington, London to parents Robert and Emily (Rampton).  He was recorded on the 1901 census aged 15, living at 8 Raymede Street, Kensington along with his parents and 9 siblings, working as an errand boy.

More pay or prospects saw Albert sign up to the Navy for special service; 5 years in the fleet followed by 7 years in the Royal Fleet Reserve.  As a chap who was no stranger to hard labour Albert was totally suitable for training as a Stoker to help power any ship he served on. 
His service papers record him as 5’3” tall with dark brown hair, blue eyes and a scar on his forehead.  He began his stoker training (as 2nd Class) on 15th November 1905 aboard HMS ACHERON (the renamed frigate HMS Northumberland), leaving on 18th April 1906.

His remaining service follows:
PEMBROKE II - 19/04/1906 - 14/05/1906
SUTLEJ - 15/05/1906 - 02/02/1907, rising to Stoker 1st Class on 23/08/1906
PEMBROKE II - 03/02/1907 - 13/05/1907, marrying Daisy S.V Parsons on 31st March 1907 in Paddington
SCYLLA - 14/05/1907 - 17/05/1909
PEMBROKE II - 18/05/1909 - 23/08/1909
ALBION - 24/08/1909 - 11/11/1910
PEMBROKE II - 12/11/1910 - 18/11/1910.  He was discharged from service after 18th November and transferred to RFR Chatham the following day, held in retention.  While on reserve Albert returned to a civilian job and was recorded as a coal trimmer at a power station, he, his wife Daisy and children living at 304 Kensal Road, Kensington, with Daisy’s brother also living with the family.

Albert was recalled to the Navy on 13th July 1914 on the probability of war erupting and was stationed aboard HMS HANNIBAL, a reserve pre-dreadnought which was also mobilised prior to the outbreak of war as a guard ship at Scapa Flow.
He left Orkney to return to HMS PEMBROKE II on 20th February 1915 until 2nd March 1915, his next posting to HMS TYNE (Albacore) from 3rd March 1915 to 31st March 1915.  He then moved to HMS LEANDER (Albacore) from 1st April 1915 until the ship’s untimely explosion.
Albert left a widow and 3 children under the age of 10 years old.  He was one of only 3 crew members whose bodies were found for burial.  He rests at Lyness Naval Cemetery on the island of Hoy in Orkney.

​Sources:
1901 & 1911 England and Wales Census
Signature - London, Church of England Marriages & Banns/London Metropolitan Archives/Ancestry
TNA - Royal Navy Register of Seamen's Services ADM 188; piece 1107
Photo - Lyness-cemetery. Guido Blokland
Researched by Wendy Sadler
Picture
Photo courtesy of Guido Blokland

​Bruce Sidney Pledge
Petty Officer - (CH) 192918

Bruce was likely to have been born at 31 Betchworth Castle Garden Cottages in Dorking, Surrey, as his parents and older siblings were recorded here a few months earlier on the 1881 census.
His parents Job and Harriett had Bruce baptised on 11th March 1885 in Dorking, St Martin, Surrey and by 1891, 9 year old Bruce was at school; he, his parents, siblings and grandmother all lived at the same address of 10 years earlier.
Leaving school, Bruce worked for a while as a shop assistant but left for a career on the sea, starting at HMS IMPREGNABLE as a Boy 2nd Class on 20th March 1897.  He joined for 12 years service initially, recorded as 5’6” tall, with dark brown hair and brown eyes.

His impressive service record follows:-

GANGES - 25/03/1897 - 17/03/1898, rising to Boy 1st Class on 09/12/1897
IMPREGNABLE - 18/03/1898 - 30/08/1898
AGINCOURT - 31/08/1898 - 01/11/1898
GALATEA - 02/11/1898 - 06/12/1899, rising to Ordinary Seaman on 24/08/1899
HIGHFLYER - 07/12/1899 - 24/11/1903, rising to Able Seaman on 07/02/1901
PEMBROKE - 25/11/1903 - 29/04/1904
VERNON - 30/04/1904 - 25/02/1905, rising to Leading Seaman on 20/02/1905
PEMBROKE - 26/02/1905 - 26/06/1905
JUNO - 27/06/1905 - 14/07/1907, rising to Petty Officer 2nd Class on 25/01/1906
PEMBROKE - 15/06/1907 - 16/08/1907
ACTAEON - 17/08/1907 - 22/08/1907
VERNON - 23/08/1907 - 16/11/1907
PEMBROKE - 17/11/1907 - 17/02/1908
​COCHRANE - 18/02/1908 - 31/03/1909
BERWICK - 01/04/1909 - 06/02/1911, rising to Petty Officer 1st Class on 03/09/1909 and Petty Officer on 01/03/1910.  It was also while stationed aboard BERWICK that Bruce married Edith Martha Tovert on 30th April 1910 at the parish church of Portsea.

​PEMBROKE I - 07/02/1911 - 17/02/1911
​VERNON - 18/02/1911 - 22/03/1912
PEMBROKE I - 23/03/1912 - 30/04/1912
CRESCENT - 01/05/1912 - 08/05/1912
CORMORANT - 09/05/1912 - 30/06/1914
SUTLEJ - 01/07/1914 - 12/07/1914
PEMBROKE I - 13/07/1914 - 30/07/1914
TYNE (Albacore) - 31/07/1914 - 31/03/1915
LEANDER (Albacore) - 01/04/1915 - 09/03/1917

Bruce’s body was never recovered after the explosion - he is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial. 

Sources:
1881,1891 & 1911 census of England & Wales
Births & Christenings of England 1538-1975
Surrey History Centre - Surrey Church of England Parish Registers ref - DOM/3/5
TNA - Royal Navy Register of Seaman’s Services AMD 188 piece 331/Ancestry
TNA - Admiralty Naval Casualties ADM 242 piece 009
CWGC Memorial Register
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Charles Percival Payne
Leading Signalman (Ch) 224936

Charles was born in Oxford, to parents James and Elizabeth (Horsley) on 25th January 1887. In 1891, Charles, his older brother Cecil and their parents lived at 10 Walton Crescent in St Thomas, a parish in Oxford; 10 years later in 1901 Charles, Cecil and Elizabeth lived at 7 New Road, St Peter le Bailey in Oxford, James having passed away in 1896.

Charles left his local job as a butcher’s boy two years later and began training for a life in the Navy on 28th January 1903 as a Boy 2nd Class.
He was 5’3” tall with dark hair, grey eyes and a dark complexion.

His service record follows:-

GANGES - 28/01/1903 - 14/06/1904, rising to Boy 1st Class on 28/10/1903
PEMBROKE I - 15/06/1904 - 25/01/1905
FISGARD - 26/01/1905 - 07/02/1905
SAPPHIRE II - 08/02/1905 - 07/06/1905, rising to Signalman on 25/01/1905, his 18th Birthday
PEMBROKE I - 08/06/1905 - 02/07/1905
PEMBROKE II - 03/07/1905 - 08/10/1905
PEMBROKE I - 09/10/1905 - 27/11/1905
SAPPHIRE - 28/11/1905 - 21/12/1905
SAPPHIRE II - 22/12/1905 - 26/02/1906
SAPPHIRE - 27/02/1906 - 22/09/1906
SAPPHIRE II - 23/09/1906 - 06/01/1907
PEMBROKE I - 07/01/1906 - 02/04/1907
PEMBROKE II - 03/04/1907 - 03/04/1902
ACTAEON - 04/04/1907 - 04/05/1908
CORMORANT - 05/05/1908 - 24/05/1910
CRESCENT - 25/05/1910 - 09/06/1910
PEMBROKE I - 10/06/1910 - 08/01/1911, rising to Leading Signalman on 22/11/1910
JUNO - 09/01/1911 - 17/04/1912
YARMOUTH - 18/04/1912 - 13/04/1914
ECLIPSE - 14/04/1914 - 21/05/1914
PEMBROKE I - 22/05/1914 - 30/07/1914
TYNE (ALBACORE) - 31/07/1914 - 31/03/1915
LEANDER (ALBACORE) - 01/04/1915 - 09/03/1917

Charles had been married for just 2 months before he was killed, marrying Alice Maud Dawson on 3rd January 1917 in Stratford St John, Essex.

Sources:
1891 & 1901 England & Wales Census
Essex Record Office; Chelmsford, Essex, England; Essex Church of England Parish Register
CWGC Register
The National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties - ADM 242; Piece 009
TNA - ADM 188; Piece: 657
Western Front Association; London, England; Pension Record Cards; Reference: 150/0723/PAW-PAY
British Army WWI Pension Records 1914-1920 WO364; Piece: 2883
Researched by Wendy Sadler
​
PicturePhoto courtesy of Julie Quash Image shows Stan in Navy uniform, standing and Bert seated, in civilian clothes.
Herbert "Bert" Henry Halfhead
Able Seaman - RFR B10136, (Ch) SS 2614

Herbert was born on 20th February 1889 in Luton, Bedfordshire.  His mother Ellen was a single parent and two years later they were recorded lodging with another family in 16 Queen Street, Luton.  Herbert was most likely looked after by the other family while his mother worked as a straw hat machinist.  Herbert’s younger brother Stanley was born 3 years later in 1894.

Herbert cannot be found on the 1901 census - it is probable that he was already working on a vessel within the Merchant Services as this was listed as his previous occupation prior to joining the Royal Navy.  His brother was not so lucky in 1901; he was recorded as living in a home for boys in Highgate Street, Birmingham aged seven.  The boys sadly lost their mother in 1898 when she died aged just 32.  The boys were fostered after Ellen’s death by a Catherine Nicholls who was listed as Herbert’s mother on the naval casualties list and pension records.

Herbert joined the Navy on 6th October 1908 for 5 years and seven on retention.  He was 5’7” tall with brown hair, dark brown eyes and had an anchor tattoo on his left forearm.  His service history follows beginning as an Ordinary Seaman:-






PEMBROKE I - 06/10/1908 - 15/11/1908
INFLEXIBLE - 16/11/1908 - 10/12/1908
COCHRANE - 11/12/1908 - 04/01/1909
LORD NELSON - 05/01/1909 - 11/01/1911, rising to Able Seaman on 01/02/1910
PEMBROKE I - 12/01/1911 - 23/01/1911
WILDFIRE - 24/01/1911 - 03/10/1913
PEMBROKE I - 04/10/1913 - 05/10/1913.  His 5 years service complete, Herbert was transferred to RFR.

On the outbreak of war he was recalled and posted to HMS TYNE as an Able Seaman on 21/10/1913 until 29/12/1914, discharged for 10 days while spending this time in cells.  He rejoined the TYNE on 09/01/1915 leaving on 31/03/1915.  He joined HMS LEANDER (Albacore) on 1st April 1915 until he was killed in the explosion.  
His Star, Victory and British medals were awarded to his brother Stanley after his death.

**Update** - Since the launch of the website, a family relation of Bert's has got in touch and provided more information on the boy's history.  With thanks to Julie Quash.

Ellen, their mother was born in Birmingham in August 1865, registered as Mary Ellen but
until Bert was born in 1889, it seems she probably went by various versions of her name or even was
able to avoid official records. I have ‘maybes’ but nothing certain until 1891 when Ellen and Bert
‘boarded’ with a widower and his family in Luton. Stan was born in 1894 in Luton at 11 Foundry
Lane. The widower, Eli Bent, or his teenage son, I’ve always wondered if either was Stan’s father but
‘who knows’. It’s supposition but, curiously, one of the ‘Bent’ daughters is listed in Stan’s address
book.
Ellen sadly died in 1898, aged 32 from ‘syncope’ so the boys ‘went into care’. They were split up but
Bert ‘drummed it’ into Stan that he must always remember his name, his birth date and their
mother. Stan is listed on the 1901 census in a ‘boy’s home’ in Aston. Then there’s a gap until the
1911 census where he is listed as the ‘adoptive’ son of William Turner of Pelsall. The brothers were
separated, I believe at their mother’s death. We know, but until Bert’s death, there are no records to
confirm that Bert was fostered in Liverpool by Catherine Nicholls.
Thereafter, wasn’t any contact between the brothers for many years though I have a Christmas card
from Bert to Stan, dated 1914
Bert, we know, was a Merchant Sailor prior to enlisting in the Royal Navy in 1908 at the age of 19.
Stan joined the Royal Navy in 1914, aged 20. Family history tells that Bert found Stan by placing an
advert in a Sunday newspaper which was seen by one of Stan’s friends. When they made contact,
it’s understood that Bert wasn’t too impressed that Stan had joined the Navy.  Stan joined HMS Hecla in
June 1915 until July 1917. Stan’s diary notes that Hecla left Long Hope, Orkney on June 21 st , 1916 but
whether Albacore was there at the same time, I can’t find. When Bert was killed on March 9 th 1917, I
believe Hecla was in Ireland, not Orkney so Stan was not officially notified of Bert’s death until 26 th
March 1917.

Sources:
1891,1901 & 1911 England Census​
The National Archives; Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; ADM 188; Piece: 1096
The National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; Piece 008
Medal and Award Roll ADM 171; Piece: 104
Western Front Association; London, England; Pension Record Cards; Reference: 087/0397/HAL-HAL
Researched by Wendy Sadler
​
Herbert Henry King
Able Seaman - 229243 (Ch)

There is not much to find on Herbert outside his navy career.  He was born on 7th September 1886 in Greenwich to single mother Isabella.
He joined the Navy in 1904, beginning his training as a Boy 2nd Class, measuring 5’7” tall, with brown hair and blue eyes.  His record follows:-

NORTHAMPTON - 01/01/1904 - 24/03/1904
CALLIOPE - 23/03/1904 - 13/09/1904, rising to Boy 1st Class on 01/04/1904
PEMBROKE - 14/09/1904 - 14/10/1904
LANCASTER - 15/10/1904 - 19/03/1906
PEMBROKE I - 20/03/1906 - 16/07/1906
SWIFTSURE - 17/07/1906 - 28/10/1908, rising to Able Seaman on 15/12/1906
PEMBROKE I - 29/10/1908 - 28/12/1908
TRIUMPH - 29/12/1908 - 20/05/1910
CRESCENT - 21/05/1910 - 09/06/1910
PEMBROKE I - 10/06/1910 - 05/08/1910
ENDYMION - 06/08/1910 - 30/09/1911
PEMBROKE I - 01/10/1911 - 20/10/1911
BERWICK - 21/10/1911 - 25/03/1913
PEMBROKE I - 26/03/1913 - 28/09/1914
TYNE (Albacore) - 29/09/1914 - 31/03/1915
LEANDER (Albacore) - 01/04/1915 - 09/03/1917

​Sources:
TNA ADM 188 Registers of Services
Pension Ledgers 1914-1923 Western Front Association Ref 114/0533/KIN-KIN
TNA ADM 242/8/1278
Researched by Wendy Sadler
​James John Bennett
Officer’s Steward, 2nd Class - (Ch) L 5223

James was born on 16th March 1897 at 9 Stonehouse Lane, Strood, Kent to parents George and Elizabeth (Richardson).  In the summer months that followed James was baptised in the Weslyan-Methodist Chapel in Strood on 8th July.

The family were next recorded on the 1901 census, living at 13 Cliffe Road, Strood, James the eldest of 3 children, 2 younger brothers having sadly died after James.  10 years later the family were still residing at 13 Cliffe Road, James having also gained another baby brother - William - who was just 1 month old.  James was 14 in 1911 but it is not stated whether he was working or still at school.

The prospect of better wages or life adventures steered James into joining the Navy on 6th March 1914 - he was either desperate or adamant enough to be accepted as he lied about his age, it being recorded on his service records as a full 2 years earlier than it actually was.

He was 5’5” tall with brown hair and grey eyes and he began his training as an Officer’s Steward 3rd Class at HMS PEMBROKE I, leaving on 8th August 1914, following the outbreak of war.
He was posted to HMS DIDO (Lookout), serving on the newly built HMS LOOKOUT, a Laforey class destroyer.  He served aboard until 16th June 1915 rising to Officer’s Steward 2nd Class whilst on the ship.

James was transferred to HMS LANDRAIL on 17th June 1915 leaving a year later on 10th June 1916.  James returned to HMS PEMBROKE I until 21st July 1916 before being posted to HMS LEANDER (Albacore) on 22nd July 1916.

Killed in the explosion, James was the third casualty who was found and buried on the island of Hoy with 2 other ship mates; some small comfort to his parents who had lost 3 of their six children.

​Sources:
Photo - Lyness-cemetery. Guido Blokland
The National Archives Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 998
1901 & 1911 England and Wales Census 
CWGC Register
TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0306
Medway Archive & Local Studies Centre ref# M5/2/Ea/1/15 - Ancestry.com
The National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, Class: ADM 242; Piece 007
Researched by Wendy Sadler
Picture
Photo courtesy of Guido Blokland
PictureHMS Vanguard - photo W Sadler collection
John James Sedwell
Stoker - (CH) K20115

John was born to parents John and Alice on 23rd May 1891 in Clapham Common. He was baptised a few months later on 8th November 1891 at St Phillips, Battersea and a few years later the family was complete with the arrival of a younger brother named Alfred Charles.  Sadly, their happiness was short-lived as John Snr died aged just 33, in 1894.  Alice continued to raise her boys alone until 1899 when she married George Mexter.  It is unclear where John Jnr was at the time of the 1901 census, but Alice and Alfred are recorded as living in Southend on Sea.

It is not known what happened to Alice and George’s marriage but by the census of 1911 Alice is noted as being the wife of John Bainbridge who was 11 years her senior.  Her sons John and Alfred are also living with the couple, the family residing at 78 Salisbury Avenue, Westcliff.  John James worked in a pub and his younger brother worked as a beer bottler in a brewery.

John joined the Navy on 22nd August 1913 for a full 12 years.  He began his training as a Stoker 2nd Class at HMS PEMBROKE I until 2nd January 1914, his statistics being 5’4” tall with light brown hair and blue eyes and no distinguishing marks.
He had further training on HMS ST GEORGE from 3rd January to 31st March 1914 before being posted to HMS ERNE (attached to depot ship HMS KING GEORGE V) from 1st April 1914 until 3rd November of the same year, rising to Stoker 1st Class on 11th June.
Following the outbreak of war John was posted to HMS ALBACORE (attached to HMS LEANDER) on 4th November 1914 until 5th February 1915; leaving for HMS PEMBROKE I on 6th February and returning to ALBACORE on 9th April 1915.  He stayed on the ship until her explosion on the morning of 9th March 1917.

Tragedy decided to strike the family one last time after John’s death when exactly 4 months later his younger brother Alfred was also killed in Orkney, this time aboard the mighty dreadnought HMS VANGUARD.  The ship was ripped apart in a huge explosion, killing 843 men and boys on board at the time on the evening of 9th July 1917.




















​Sources:
1891, 1901 & 1911 England & Wales Census
London Metropolitan Archives; London, England; Reference Number: p70/phi/005
The National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; Piece 010
CWGC Register
TNA Series: ADM 242/10; Scan Number: 0295
The National Archives Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; ADM 188; Piece: 907
HMS Vanguard Photo Project
Researched by Wendy Sadler
Joseph Patrick Dowdall
Able Seaman - (CH) 181145

Joseph was born on 29th December 1878 in the St Luke’s area of London to parents Joseph and Kate.  His early life, or the records recording it, are sparse - it is possible that Joseph was sent to Westminster Union Workhouse in 1889 for reasons unknown and recorded on the 1891 census as being an inmate at the Industrial School of Manor Park, Essex (see link).

http://www.childrenshomes.org.uk/IlfordStNicholas/

He joined the Navy for an initial 12 years service, growing to 5’7” tall, with brown hair, blue eyes and no visible marks or scars, as a Boy 2nd Class.  His service record follows:-

IMPREGNABLE - 02/08/1894 -08/08/1894
LION - 09/08/1894 - 12/12/1895, rising to Boy 1st Class on 20/06/1895
MERSEY - 13/12/1895 - 03/06/1896
CHAMPION - 04/06/1896 - 12/10/1896
PEMBROKE I - 13/10/1896 - 13/01/1897, rising to Ordinary Seaman on 29/12/1896
REPULSE - 14/01/1897 - 11/01/1898, rising to Able Seaman on 02/12/1897
WILDFIRE I - 12/01/1898 - 09/05/1898
ILLUSTRIOUS - 10/05/1898 - 02/03/1899.  Joseph was discharged by “civil power” for 5 days, returning on 07/03/1899 until 03/04/1899 where he was then sentenced to 90 days Hard Labour for breaking out of the ship.  Returning to service on 02/07/1899 he was then sentenced to the cells for a further 14 days on 9th October (offence unknown).
PEMBROKE I - 10/10/1901 - 15/12/1901 upon serving his sentence Joseph returned to PEMBROKE for 2 months only to be sentenced again for 7 days in cells (again for an unknown offence).  His return to barracks on 23/12/1901 saw Joseph spend 2 more months here before embarking on another ship.
IRRESISTIBLE - 08/02/1902 - 30/11/1904, rising to Leading Seaman 
PEMBROKE I - 01/12/1904 - 13/01/1905
VERNON - 14/01/1905 - 10/06/1905
PEMBROKE I  - 11/06/1905 - 15/08/1905, discharged for 21 days Hard Labour due to breaking out of barracks.  Because of this latest episode Joseph was disrated to Able Seaman on 16/08/1905
ROXBURGH - 07/09/1905 - 02/09/1907
PEMBROKE - 03/09/1907 - 13/09/1907, rising to Leading Seaman on 03/09/1907
ACTAEON - 14/09/07 - 31/01/1908
PEMBROKE - 01/02/1908 - 05/03/1908
CHARYBDIS - 06/03/1908 - 06/04/1908
PEMBROKE I - 07/04/1908 - 07/04/1908
NATAL - 08/04/1908 - 16/09/1912, extending his service again in 1908, he was derated by warrant to Able Seaman on 28/12/1909, rated Leading Seaman on 05/10/1910 and disrated again by warrant to Able Seaman on 21/04/1911
PEMBROKE - 17/09/1912 - 27/09/1912
ACTAEON - 28/09/1912 - 18/02/1913
PEMBROKE I - 19/02/1913 - 25/03/1913
SWIFTSURE - 26/03/1913 - 10/05/1916
PEMBROKE I  - 11/05/1916 - 08/06/1916
LEANDER (Albacore) - 09/06/1916 - 09/03/1917

His Star, Victory and British medals were issued to the Universal Legatee, then returned in 1924.  They were re-issued in 1931 again to the Universal Legatee (unknown person).

Sources:
1891 England & Wales Census
Workhouse Admission & Discharge Records - Ancestry
TNA Admiralty Naval Casualties, ADM 242, piece 008
CWGC Registers
Naval Medal & Award Rolls, ADM 171, piece 100
Royal Navy Registers of Seamen’s Services, ADM 188, piece 30

Lawrence Jeffery Elsey
ABLE SEAMAN - (CH) J/5350

Lawrence’s early life is a bit of a mystery up until 1909 as he cannot be found either on the 1901 census and his birth is not listed with the General Register Office.
Listed as being born on 22nd August 1892 Lawrence began his navy career aboard the training ship HMS WARSPITE (dates unknown).  Whatever his childhood was like his family or guardians wanted him to have a good start in life and to do well in the Admiralty.

He was 5’5” tall with dark brown hair and hazel eyes and noted as having a ring on his 4th finger of his right hand.  He left WARSPITE and began training as a Boy 1st Class at HMS GANGES II, arriving on 1st September 1909.  He stayed until 14th January 1910, leaving as a Boy 1st Class.

His further service details follow:-

ESSEX - 15/01/1910 - 27/04/1910
PEMBROKE I - 28/04/1910 - 12/06/1910
INFLEXIBLE - 13/06/1910 - 01/11/1912 - rising to Ordinary Seaman on his 18th Birthday and again to Able Seaman on 19/12/1911.  He was additionally recorded on the 1911 census, the cruiser anchored off Houth Head, Dublin.  It is also interesting to note that his shipmate listed above him was Alick Gray; Alick lost his life aboard HMS VANGUARD when the battleship exploded, also in Scapa, just a few months after the ALBACORE tragedy.

PEMBROKE I - 02/11/1912 - 16/12/1912
BLENHEIM - 17/12/1912 - 30/09/1913
EGMONT - 01/10/1913 - 31/03/1914
BLENHEIM - 01/04/1914 - 21/06/1914
SUTLEJ - 22/06/1914 - 12/07/1914
PEMBROKE I - 13/07/1914 - 07/08/1914
ACTAEON - 08/08/1914 - 11/01/1915
PEMBROKE (Coquette) - 12/01/1915 - 01/04/1915
LEANDER (Albacore) - 02/04/1915 - 09/03/1917

His life in the Navy was sadly cut short - he had passed exams for Leading Seaman on 1st September 1916.
His medals - the Victory and British awards were passed to his Uncle after his death.  Lawrence is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial as his body was never found.

Sources:
General Register Office
1901 & 1911 England & Wales Census
The National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, ADM 242; Piece 008;
CWGC Register
TNA Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 ADM 171; Piece: 101
TNA Series: ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 0281
The National Archives Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 657
Western Front Association; London, England; Pension Record Cards; Reference: 067/0299/ELL-ELS
Researched by Wendy Sadler

NORMAN JAMES DAVIES
SIGNALMAN - RNVR Z/1194

Norman was born on 21st February 1897 in Chester, Cheshire to parents George and Emma, the fourth of five children.  He was baptised in the local parish church a month later at St John the Baptist.

Recorded on the 1901 census, the family were living at 13 Abbey Square in the parish of Chester Cathedral, Norman now aged 4.  10 years later the Davies family were then recorded living at 8 Dee Hill Park in Chester, all children were still residing with their parents and Norman was now at school, aged 14.

2 years after the outbreak of war Norman was called up and joined the Royal Navy Division, the RNVR for the duration of hostilities.  He was 5’10” tall with brown hair, grey eyes and a fair complexion.  He was noted as being an articled pupil, but his records do not state in which profession he was working.  It may be reasonable to assume he was gaining training in the printing field especially as his father was an overseer in this particular trade.

He trained at HMS VICTORY VI as an Ordinary Seaman until 25th June 1916, moving to HMS VIVID I on 26th June 1916.  He rose to Able Seaman rate on 3rd July 1916 and rated to Signalman on 27th July 1916 before he was posted to HMS LEANDER (Albacore) on 5th August 1916.

Of the crew that were killed on HMS ALBACORE on 9th March 1917 Norman was the youngest, having turned 20 years old just two weeks previously.

He is remembered on the Chester Town Hall War Memorial.

Sources:
1901 & 1911 England & Wales Census
Cheshire, England, Parish Registers, 1538-1909
The National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, Class: ADM 242; Piece 008; 
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 0057
Western Front Association; London, England; PRC Ledgers; Reference: 666/03D
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Service Records Index, 1903-1922 - Ancestry.com
https://wargravesandmemorials.blogspot.com/search/label/Chester
Researched by Wendy Sadler

​
Robert Pannett Thompson
Leading Seaman - (Ch) 239905

Robert was born on 12th September 1891 in Barnsley, Yorkshire to parents William and Ann, one of 8 children.
He is mentioned on the 1901 census, aged 9 years old, living at 60 Ascot Street, Leeds, with his parents and 4 siblings.  An older sister was also recorded as visiting, along with her 1 year old child - Robert was an Uncle at 8 years old!

He joined the Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 31st October 1907.  He had dark brown hair, brown eyes and a fresh complexion.  Distinguishing marks were noted as a tattoo bearing the word LOVE on his left forearm.  Once fully grown, he stood 5’6” tall.

He travelled to Shotley, Suffolk to train at HMS GANGES, leaving as a Boy 1st Class on 15th October 1908 -  the rest of his service follows:-

COCHRANE - 16/10/1908 - 09/11/1908
CRESSY - 10/10/1908 - 28/01/1909
DIDO - 29/01/1909 - 12/02/1909
ROYAL ARTHUR - 13/02/1909 - 26/03/1909
HYACINTH - 27/03/1909 - 14/03/1910, rising to Ordinary Seaman on his 18th Birthday, 12th September 1909.
PHILOMEL - 15/03/1910 - 15/05/1910
FOX - 16/05/1910 - 25/07/1910
ALERT - 26/07/1910 - 31/08/1910
FOX - 01/09/1910 - 30/01/1911
HYACINTH - 31/01/1911 - 02/06/1911, rising to Able Seaman on 01/04/1911
PEMBROKE I - 03/06/1911 - 03/08/1911
TRITON - 04/08/1911 - 31/10/1911
PEMBROKE I - 01/11/1911 - 10/11/1911
ACTAEON - 11/11/1911 - 02/04/1912
COMMONWEALTH - 03/04/1912 - 02/01/1914
PEMBROKE I - 03/01/1914 - 06/02/1914
VERNON - 07/02/1914 - 01/05/1914
PEMBROKE I - 02/05/1914 - 03/06/1914
TYNE (ALBACORE) - 04/06/1914 - 31/03/1915, spending 3 days in cells on 14th November 1914
LEANDER (ALBACORE) - 01/04/1915 - 09/03/1917.

Whilst on leave in 1916 Robert married Lily Sutcliffe on 27th May in Burmantofts Parish Church.  After his death, his Star, Victory and British war medals were awarded to his widow.

Below shows Robert’s signature, as found on his marriage entry.
PictureSignature - West Yorkshire, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1813-1935








​Sources:
1891 & 1901 England & Wales Census
England & Wales, Civil Registration Marriage Index, 1916-2005 General Register Office; United Kingdom; Volume: 9b; Page: 690
The National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Class: ADM 242; Piece 010;
CWGC Register
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972  ADM 171; Piece: 117
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/10; Scan Number: 0703
The National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 426
West Yorkshire, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1813-1935 1813-1935 - West Yorkshire Archive Service; Leeds, Yorkshire, England; Yorkshire Parish Records; Reference Number: RDP16/30/15
Researched by Wendy Sadler


William Campbell Patton
Able Seaman - (Ch) 200320 (RFR B/9746)

William was born in Fulwood, Lancashire to parents William Campbell Patton and Joanna (Belvins), also known as Annie, on 18th May 1883.

In the 1891 census, aged 6, William was living in Fulwood with his parents and older sisters.
On leaving school he worked briefly as a clerk but joined the Navy on 30th June 1898, aged 15, as a Boy 2nd Class.  He was 5’2” tall with brown hair and blue eyes, had several moles dotted on his face and carried an anchor tattoo on his right forearm.

His service record follows:-

CALEDONIA - 30/06/1898 - 15/06/1899, rising to Boy 1st Class on 15/06/1899
MINOTAUR - 16/06/1899 - 04/08/1899
CALEDONIA - 05/08/1899 - 06/09/1899
AGINCOURT - 07/09/1899 - 16/01/1900
ROYAL SOVEREIGN - 17/01/1900 - 27/11/1901, rising to Ordinary Seaman on 18/05/1901, the ship was recorded during the 1901 census stationed at the Grand Harbour in Malta.
CRUIZER - 28/11/1901 - 03/02/1902
ROYAL SOVEREIGN - 04/02/1902 - 29/08/1902, rising to Able Seaman on 01/06/1902
PEMBROKE (possibly, as entry is fairly illegible on records, but due to the short duration of posting, likely) - 30/08/1902 - 14/10/1902
WILDFIRE - 15/10/1902 - 20/05/1903
PEMBROKE - 21/05/1903 - 08/06/1903
DIDO - 09/06/1903 - 27/02/1905, for reasons unknown William spent 5 days in cells on 01/11/1903
PEMBROKE - 28/02/1905 - 31/03/1905
BEDFORD - 01/04/1905 - 26/03/1906
BLACK PRINCE - 27/03/1906 - 30/03/1908, spending another 5 days in cells on 16/04/1906
PEMBROKE - 31/03/1908 - 14/04/1908
WILDFIRE - 15/04/1908 0 22/06/1908
PEMBROKE - 23/06/1908 - 21/09/1908
? (Illegible) - 22/09/1908 - 12/02/1909
ROYAL ARTHUR - 13/02/1908 - 26/03/1909
HYACINTH - 27/03/1909 - 02/06/1911, serving aboard this vessel earned William the African General Service Medal with Somaliland clasp, medal # 5329.
PEMBROKE I - 03/06/1911 - 30/04/1912 
COMMONWEALTH - 01/05/1912 - 15/05/1913
PEMBROKE I - 16/05/1913 - 06/06/1913, William was discharged on this date after 12 years of service and retained to the RFR, Chatham on 07/06/1913.

It is not known what William did in the short duration after he left the Navy but on the outbreak of war was recalled to HMS PEMBROKE I on 05/08/1914 before being posted to HMS TYNE (Albacore) as an Able Seaman on 12/08/1914 until 31/03/1915.
He was transferred to HMS LEANDER (Albacore) on 01/04/1915 and stayed stationed aboard her until her accident.

As William never married his pension was awarded to his mother - she also received his Star, Victory and British medals, as well as his African GSM.

Sources:
1891 & 1901 England and Wales Census
Naval Medal & Award Rolls ADM 171, piece 111 & piece 56
The National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; Piece 009;
TNA, Register of Seamen's Services ADM 188, piece 347
CWGC Register
Western Front Association; London, England; Pension Record Cards; Reference: 149/0722/PAT-PAW
Researched by Wendy Sadler 

William McCulloch
Chief Stoker - (CH) 284877

Born on the 7th September 1873 William was the second child to Mary (Heron) and James McCulloch in Stoneykirk, Wigtownshire, Scotland.
At the time of the 1881 Scotland census William was 6 years old, living at Nockencule C. House with his parents and 5 siblings.

Already experienced as a stoker (possibly working at a power station) William left civilian life and joined the Navy on 2nd March 1897 as a Stoker 2nd Class.  He was recorded as being 5’7” tall with brown hair, grey eyes and bore the scars of previously working as a stoker, with a burn mark on the right side of his head and lower jaw.

His service record follows:-

PEMBROKE II - 02/03/1897 - 04/03/1897
WILDFIRE - 05/03/1897 - 08/04/1897
PEMBROKE II - 09/04/1897 - 04/12/1899, rising to Stoker 1st Class on 28/02/1898
POLYPHEMUS - 05/12/1899 - 31/05/1900
PYRAMUS - 01/06/1900 - 04/02/1903, William spent 14 days in cells from 07/01/1901.  He was also aboard during the 1901 England Census, the ship anchored at Valletta Harbour, Malta.
PEMBROKE II - 05/02/1903 - 04/11/1903
BEDFORD - 05/11/1903 - 23/06/1904
PEMBROKE II - 24/06/1904 - 18/10/1904
MEDEA - 19/10/1904 - 09/12/1904
PEMBROKE II - 10/12/1904 - 09/03/1905
LEANDER - 10/03/1905 - 31/03/1905
TYNE - 01/04/1905 - 13/09/1907, rising to Leading Stoker 2nd Class on 13/03/1906, Stoker Petty Officer 2nd Class on 01/07/1906 and Stoker Petty Officer on 06/09/1907
PEMBROKE II - 14/09/1907 - 10/10/1907
VICTORIOUS - 11/10/1907 - 12/01/1908
PEMBROKE II - 13/01/1908 - 15/01/1908
VIVID II - 16/01/1908 - 31/03/1908
MINOTAUR - 01/04/1908 - 03/01/1910, his 12 years service completed, William signed on again on 2nd March 1909.
PEMBROKE II - 04/01/1910 - 18/02/1910
TYNE - 19/02/1910 - 14/03/1910
ST GEORGE - 15/03/1910 - 26/04/1910
PEMBROKE II - 27/04/1910 - 11/09/1911
BLENHEIM - 12/09/1911 - 06/06/1913
PEMBROKE II - 07/06/1913 - 16/06/1913
ROYAL ARTHUR - 17/06/1913 - 06/05/1914, rising to Acting Chief Stoker on 14/11/1913
PEMBROKE - 07/05/1914 - 29/07/1914
TYNE (Albacore) - 30/07/1914 - 31/03/1915, rising to Chief Stoker on 14/11/1914
LEANDER (Albacore) - 01/04/1915 - 09/03/1917

His Star, Victory and British medals were awarded to his wife Annie after his death.

Sources:
Scotland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950
Naval Medals & Award Roll ADM 171 piece 109
Register of Seamen's Services ADM 188 piece 456
Naval Casualties ADM 242 piece 009
CWGC Register 
1881 Scotland Census
1901 England & Wales Census
Researched by Wendy Sadler

​
​
William Henry Stevens
Able Seaman - (Dev) J8831

William was born in Cocking, Midhurst, Sussex on 31st August 1892 to parents Charles and Harriett (Daniels).

He joined the Navy on 30th August 1910 as a Boy 2nd Class, signing up for 12 years service.  He was 5’7” tall with light brown hair and blue eyes, a fair complexion and a mole on the left side of his neck.
His training began at HMS GANGES, the Shotley establishment situated on the Suffolk coast, and William rose to Boy 1st Class on 20th October 1910 before leaving on 11th November 1910.

His service progression follows:-

ANTRIM - 12/11/1910 - 03/03/1911, rising to Ordinary Seaman on 29th December 1910
HANNIBAL - 04/03/1911 - 04/06/1911, aboard the ship during the 1911 census
VIVID I - 05/06/1911 - 07/08/1911
COLOSSUS - 08/08/1911 - 21/11/1913, rising to Able Seaman on 08/08/1912
VIVID I - 22/11/1913 - 10/01/1914
DEFIANCE - 11/01/1914 - 01/05/1914
BLAKE (SHELDRAKE) - 02/05/1914 - 12/07/1915
VIVID I - 13/07/1915 - 10/09/1915, he was discharged from service for 14 days, spending time in cells, for an unknown offence.  He rejoined on 25/09/1915 and left two months later.
LEANDER - 24/11/1915 - 30/04/1916
LEANDER (ALBACORE) - 01/05/1916 - 09/03/1917

William was buried in Lyness Naval Cemetery on the island of Hoy on 13th March 1917, aged 24

​​
Sources:
1901 England & Wales Census
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 - FreeBMD
The National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Class: ADM 242; Piece 010
TNA Series: ADM 242/10; Scan Number: 0545
The National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 664
Lyness Naval Cemetery Burial Records 1917
Photo - Lyness-cemetery. Guido Blokland
Researched by Wendy Sadler
Picture
Photo courtesy of Guido Blokland
PictureLondon Metropolitan Archives Ref # P77/JN/026 - Signature of William Turner
William Turner
Able Seaman - 224022 (Ch)

William was born to Robert and Mary Ann on 14th April 1886 in Battersea, London.
He is recorded in the 1891 census living at 11 Benfield Street, Battersea with his parents and siblings Thomas, Harriett and George.  He is next mentioned on his service record when he joined the Navy in 1903.

He was 5’2” tall with black hair, hazel eyes, a dark complexion and several tattoos - “I.L.F.E” on his left forearm, a heart on his left wrist and 2 flags on his left hand.  William joined as a Boy 2nd Class and his service history follows:-

IMPREGNABLE - 01/01/1903 - 26/04/1904, rising to Boy 1st Class on 24/09/1903
PEMBROKE I - 27/04/1904 - 20/06/1904
ALBION - 21/06/1904 - 09/08/1906, rising to Able Seaman on 28/11/1905
PEMBROKE - 10/08/1906 - 02/10/1906
WILDFIRE - 03/10/1906 - 13/02/1907
PEMBROKE I - 14/02/1907 - 06/03/1907
COCHRANE - 07/03/1907 - 12/02/1908
BACCHANTE - 18/02/1908 - 02/05/1910
PEMBROKE I - 03/05/1910 - 26/01/1911, while stationed here William married Florence Beal on 08/05/1910
ACTAEON - 27/01/1911 - 22/01/1912
BLENHEIM - 23/01/1912 - 30/09/1913
EGMONT - 01/10/1913 - 03/11/1913
PEMBROKE I - 04/11/1913 - 02/10/1914
TYNE (Albacore) - 03/10/1914 - 31/03/1915
LEANDER (Albacore) - 01/04/1915 - 09/03/1917

Sources:
CWGC Register
The National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 395
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/10; Scan Number: 0817
The National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties,Class: ADM 242; Piece 010;
ADM 104
Census of England and Wales 1891
London Metropolitan Archives Ref # P77/JN/026 - Signature of William Turner
Researched by Wendy Sadler
William Valentine Murphy
Signalman - RNVR L4/2567

William was born in March 1891 to parents John Michael and Elizabeth (Brown).  Just one month later he was recorded on the census where he, his parents and siblings lived at 61 Darenth Road, Hackney.

The family lived in the same house for 20 years, recorded on the 1901 and 1911 census’ - William was working as a warehouseman in a wholesale drapery once he had finished school.

He joined the RNVR on 7th December 1911, noted as being 5’7” tall with fair hair and fair eyes.  His first ship was HMS NATAL, serving from 14th December 1913 to 28th December 1916 and transferring to the armed merchant cruiser HMS OTRANTO as a signalman on 6th August 1914 from RNVR London, following the declaration of war.
Following almost 18 months aboard OTRANTO William was sent to HMS PEMBROKE I from 29th December 1916 to 24th February 1917.  Leaving Chatham, he was posted to HMS LEANDER (Albacore) on 25th February 1917, assigned to the ship for just 12 days before he was caught in the explosion.

Sources:
1891, 1901 & 1911 England & Wales Census
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 - Free BMD GRO ref 1B 484
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/9; Scan Number: 0633
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Service Records Index, 1903-1922
ADM 104
ADM 337/33/174
Researched by Wendy Sadler

                                                                                                                                    Survivor's
PictureSilver War Badge
Ormund Frederick Arthur Coveney
Officer’s Steward 2nd Class - (Ch) L5224
Explosion Survivor

Frederick was born Ormund Frederick Arthur on 1st August 1894 to Emily May (Shipp) and Frederick Coveney in West Hampstead, London.
Aged 14 in the 1911 census, he, his parents and sisters all lived at 159 Sutherland Avenue, Paddington; Frederick Junior at school, his father working as a plumber.

He joined the Navy on 9th March 1914, leaving his job as a plumbers mate (possibly previously working with his father) to train as an Officer’s Steward 3rd Class, at HMS PEMBROKE I.  He was recorded as being 5’7” tall with brown hair, grey eyes and had a scar on his left thumb.  On his service record he had dropped using his first name of Ormund and in later documents had included it as a secondary, or middle name, always preferring Frederick.

Leaving HMS PEMBROKE I on 29th July 1914 he embarked to HMS TYNE (Albacore) on 30th July 1914, also rising to Officer’s Steward 2nd Class.  He stayed until 31/03/1915, transferring to HMS LEANDER (still serving aboard HMS Albacore) from 1st April 1917 to 16th March 1917.

Frederick was caught up in the explosion when the Albacore struck a mine on 9th March 1917.  Wounded, but his injuries unknown, he was transferred from the ship to HMS PEMBROKE I on 17th March 1917.  After recovery he was classed unfit for further service and invalided due to a possible heart condition, being discharged fully on 12th September 1917.  


He was issued with a Silver War Badge, number 16540, given to him on his discharged date from Chatham as well as awarded the Star, Victory and British medals.

Following the end of the Great War life settled down for Frederick and he married Sarah Jane Brassington on 17th March 1921 at St Saviour’s Parish Church, Paddington.  ​​​
The couple moved to 131 Dollis Hill Avenue, Willesden where they were recorded on the 1939 register and remained for the next 20 years.  They never had any children and in 1960 Frederick and Sarah moved to Petersfield, Hampshire where Sarah died 5 years later, in 1964, aged 78.

Sometime after her death Frederick moved again, to Exeter where he passed away, fifteen years later, on 5th December 1979.

​

​Sources:
England & Wales Birth Index
England & Wales Death Index
1911 England & Wales Census
1939 England & Wales Register
Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1754-1932 London Metropolitan Archives; London, England; Reference Number: p87/sav/016
England & Wales National Probate Calendar
London Metropolitan Archives ref # p87/sav/016
London Metropolitan Archives Electoral Registers
Naval Medal & Award Rolls ADM 171 piece 99  - ADM 171; Piece: 184
Naval Medal & Award Rolls ADM 171 piece 175
Royal Navy Registers of Seamen’s Services - TNA ADM 188 piece 998
Researched by Wendy Sadler

​​
Harold Perkins    
Leading Seaman - (Ch) J 3887
Explosion Survivor

The family were first recorded in the 1901 census, Harold aged 8 living with his parents and 2 older brothers, John and Edward at 8 Templar Road, Hackney.
Harold attended Maidstone Street School in Hackney, admitted on 23rd April 1900, changing to Homerton Row School on 11th December 1900 and ending his education in Gayhurst Road School from 29th September 1902.
On leaving school and his shop boy job, Harold joined the Navy on 17th March 1909 beginning his training at HMS GANGES as a Boy 2nd Class until 30th July 1909.  Harold was 5’4” tall with brown hair and eyes - his service record follows:-

IMPREGNABLE - 31/07/1909 - 15/01/1910, rising to Boy 1st Class on 07/12/1909
LEVIATHAN - 16/01/1910 - 25/04/1910
FORMIDABLE - 17/05/1910 - 15/11/1912, rated to Ordinary Seaman on 29/06/1910.  He was also listed aboard the ship during the 1911 census which was anchored at Chatham Dockyard at the time.
PEMBROKE I - 16/11/1912 - 25/11/1912
HECLA - 26/11/1912 - 20/12/1912
PEMBROKE I - 21/121/1912 - 18/08/1913
ROYAL ARTHUR - 19/08/1913 - 26/11/1914
PEMBROKE I - 27/11/1914 - 31/01/1915
TYNE (Albacore) - 01/07/1915 - 31/03/1915
LEANDER (Albacore) - 01/04/1915 - 16/03/1917, rising to Leading Seaman on 01/09/1916
PEMBROKE I - 17/03/1917 - 09/01/1918, marrying Kathleen O’Sullivan in the last quarter of 1917 in Hackney, London.

After the explosion aboard HMS ALBACORE on 9th March 1917 Harold was severely injured, discovered on the fore bridge by Gunner John Baker.  His injuries are not fully known but he was discharged and invalided on 9th January 1918 from Milbrook House in Bantry, County Cork and the Navy for a fracture of the left side of his jaw.  
It is reasonable to assume also that he was sent here, or requested to be moved here to rehabilitate as his wife was born and baptised in Bantry, her family still living in the town.  She also could have moved back temporarily to be near her husband.

The couple eventually settled back in London and were next recorded in the 1939 Register living in Hendon, Harold working as a wire splicer for aircraft.

He passed away on 30th September 1951 at Edgeware Central Hospital, Hendon aged 59.

Sources:
1901 & 1911 England & Wales Census
The National Archives England; 1939 Register; Ref RG 101/828D
General Register Office; United Kingdom; Volume: 1b; Page: 1062
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995
London Metropolitan Archives; School Admission and Discharge Registers; Reference: LCC/EO/DIV04/MAI/AD/003
London Metropolitan Archives; School Admission and Discharge Registers; Reference: LCC/EO/DIV04/GAY/AD/001
London Metropolitan Archives; School Admission and Discharge Registers; Reference: LCC/EO/DIV04/HOM2/AD/002
The National Archives  Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 654
Western Front Association; PRC Ledgers; Reference: 7 N 1_49893
​Researched by Wendy Sadler
​
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