HMS Blackmorevale
Hunt Class Minesweeper
HMS Blackmorevale. 01/05/1918
Displacement: 710 tons
Length: .71.30 m Beam: 8.70 m Draught: 2.20 m.
Propulsion: 2 x 3 cyl Vertical Triple expansion steam engines, 2 Yarrow boilers, dual shaft, 2 screws.
Complement: 72 Officers and men.
Crew Lost: 26 killed,
Armament: 1 × QF 4 in gun forward, 1 × QF 12 pounder aft, 2 × .303 inch machine guns
Displacement: 710 tons
Length: .71.30 m Beam: 8.70 m Draught: 2.20 m.
Propulsion: 2 x 3 cyl Vertical Triple expansion steam engines, 2 Yarrow boilers, dual shaft, 2 screws.
Complement: 72 Officers and men.
Crew Lost: 26 killed,
Armament: 1 × QF 4 in gun forward, 1 × QF 12 pounder aft, 2 × .303 inch machine guns
Built by Ardrossan Dockyard & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., Ardrossan.
The Loss
The purpose-built minelaying U boats U 71 and U 80 laid laid two minefields to the east of Montrose between April 20 and April 27, 1918 .
On the morning of 20th April 1918 U80 mine line was laid between 56 36N - 01 19, 1' W to 56 42, 1'N - 01 20, 6'W.
The minefields were close enough together that the Royal Navy regarded the two fields as one larger minefield and named ''Minefield 40' ''
On the morning of 20th April 1918 U80 mine line was laid between 56 36N - 01 19, 1' W to 56 42, 1'N - 01 20, 6'W.
The minefields were close enough together that the Royal Navy regarded the two fields as one larger minefield and named ''Minefield 40' ''
Minefield description and mine map from U80 KTB (logbook)
HMS Blackmorevale struck a mine and sank in one of the fields off Montrose on May 1st, 1918.
Originally the loss of HMS Blackmorevale was attributed to the U71 minefield laid on 27th April 1918, but research by this project, together with Michael Lowrey established, that by position, it was a mine from the U80 field that accounted for the loss.
The two minefields laid by U 71 & U80 and the position from the Admiralty for the position of HMS Blackmorevale with KTB mine map overlaid. UKHO
HMS Blackmorevale sinking after strikingmine. Photo: B Forbes collection
Page from document ADM 137/3743 HMS Blackmorevale, sinking by mine. Report of 1918. Photo: K Heath
Framlingham Weekly News - Saturday 18 May 1918
MINESWEEPER SUNK. Admiralty. One of H.M. minesweepers struck a mine and sunk on May 1. Three officers and twenty-three men. Including mercantile crew, were killed.
MINESWEEPER SUNK. Admiralty. One of H.M. minesweepers struck a mine and sunk on May 1. Three officers and twenty-three men. Including mercantile crew, were killed.
The Wreck
UKHO Wreck Card 3162 The wreck is marked as a PA position (Position Approximate)
SANK NEAR POSN 563800N, 011000W. (ADMIRALTY).
To date the wrecksite of HMS Blackmorevale has not been formally identified but is probably one of the charted wrecks east of the mine line.
SANK NEAR POSN 563800N, 011000W. (ADMIRALTY).
To date the wrecksite of HMS Blackmorevale has not been formally identified but is probably one of the charted wrecks east of the mine line.
Crew Lost 01/05/1918 (Research ongoing)
BLANCH, William G, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 16000 Mutford, Suffolk. Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial
Mutford War Memorial Photo: Helen Steed
BODINAR, William, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 11434. aged 20. Youngest son of John
and Elizabeth Bodinar, Gurnick Street, Mousehole. Remembered on Plymouth Naval Memorial
Cornishman - Wednesday 30 April 1919
In loving memory of BILLY, son of John Bodinar, of Mousehole, who lost his life on a minesweeper May 1st 1918.
Although unseen by mortal eyes,
He never is forgot,
Our Father knoweth where lies,
And angels guard the spot.
Inserted by his cousins Mary, Elizabeth, and Agnes, Church Street, Newlyn.
5747
and Elizabeth Bodinar, Gurnick Street, Mousehole. Remembered on Plymouth Naval Memorial
Cornishman - Wednesday 30 April 1919
In loving memory of BILLY, son of John Bodinar, of Mousehole, who lost his life on a minesweeper May 1st 1918.
Although unseen by mortal eyes,
He never is forgot,
Our Father knoweth where lies,
And angels guard the spot.
Inserted by his cousins Mary, Elizabeth, and Agnes, Church Street, Newlyn.
5747
Memorial Board in the Mousehole British Legion Photo: www.cornwallfhs.com Paul Church Memorial.
BRIDGWATER, Arthur Clifford, Ordinary Telegraphist, RNVR, Bristol Z 10019. Remembered on Plymouth Naval Memorial
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Saturday 11 May 1918
NEWS IN BRIEF
Mr. Bridgwater, tailor. High-street, Brierley Hill has received intimation that his elder son. Arthur Clifford, was drowned whilst serving as wireless operator on one of H.M. minesweepers, which struck mine and sank.
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Saturday 11 May 1918
NEWS IN BRIEF
Mr. Bridgwater, tailor. High-street, Brierley Hill has received intimation that his elder son. Arthur Clifford, was drowned whilst serving as wireless operator on one of H.M. minesweepers, which struck mine and sank.
Brierley Hill War memorial Photo: David Powis
BROWN, Alexander S, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 6851.Born Cellardyke, Fifeshire in 1890. Son of Alexander & Elizabeth Brown and husband of Ethel Amanda Brown. Remembered on the Little Coates War Memorial and the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
BUTLER, James, Leading Fireman, MMR, 901560.
CANTON, Reginald T, Fireman, MMR, 931532.
CHALK, Wilfred G, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 15436. Remembered on Plymouth Naval Memorial
DONNELLY, John J, Fireman, MMR, 914303.
EVANS, Lewis M, Greaser, MMR, 923628.
HALL, George, Ty/Lieutenant, RNR. Remembered on Plymouth Naval Memorial
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Tuesday 07 May 1918
LIEUT. GEORGE HALL, R.N.R., who was killed at sea on the 1st inst, was 29 years ago, and was the second son of Capt. Hall, of Hull. He had been R.M.S.O. Kirkwall for the past eight months, and on applying to be again sent to sea was appointed only about a fortnight ago to the ship in which he met his death. His youngest brother was killed whilst serving with the Canadian Army in 1916, and a brother of his wife (who is a West Hartlepool lady) was killed last April.
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Tuesday 07 May 1918
LIEUT. GEORGE HALL, R.N.R., who was killed at sea on the 1st inst, was 29 years ago, and was the second son of Capt. Hall, of Hull. He had been R.M.S.O. Kirkwall for the past eight months, and on applying to be again sent to sea was appointed only about a fortnight ago to the ship in which he met his death. His youngest brother was killed whilst serving with the Canadian Army in 1916, and a brother of his wife (who is a West Hartlepool lady) was killed last April.
HENDERSON, John, Trimmer, MMR, 951593.
Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 21 June 1920
Mercantile Marine Roll of Honour
Henderson J , Fireman & Trimmer, Leith.
Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 21 June 1920
Mercantile Marine Roll of Honour
Henderson J , Fireman & Trimmer, Leith.
HUGHES, Edward, Leading Fireman, MMR, 771259.
JONES, John, Fireman, MMR, (no service number listed).
JONES, Robert E, Greaser, MMR, 894554.
LEWIS, David M, Greaser, MMR, 912866.
LUSCOMBE, Geoffrey A, Lieutenant Commander. Remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial
Truth - Wednesday 15 May 1918
Lieut.-Commander A. Luscombe, who is reported as killed at sea, passed out as a midshipman in 1901, and, like Commander Godsal, spent some of the early years of his service in the Mediterranean and the West Indies, the two being together for some time in the gunroom of the Irresistible. Lieut.-. Commander Luscombe was also for a short time a watchkeeper in the King Alfred, Sir A. W. Moore's flagship on the China Station, but from 1908 onwards he served continuously in Home Fleet ships, and had been nearly two years in the Dominion at the outbreak of war. He took command of a vessel of the " Flower " class two years ago.
Truth - Wednesday 15 May 1918
Lieut.-Commander A. Luscombe, who is reported as killed at sea, passed out as a midshipman in 1901, and, like Commander Godsal, spent some of the early years of his service in the Mediterranean and the West Indies, the two being together for some time in the gunroom of the Irresistible. Lieut.-. Commander Luscombe was also for a short time a watchkeeper in the King Alfred, Sir A. W. Moore's flagship on the China Station, but from 1908 onwards he served continuously in Home Fleet ships, and had been nearly two years in the Dominion at the outbreak of war. He took command of a vessel of the " Flower " class two years ago.
MARTIN, James, Trimmer, MMR, 924750.
MENELAWS, Robert C, Fireman, MMR, 906680.
The Scotsman - Wednesday 08 May 1918
DEATHS
MENELAWS - Drowned at sea (by mine) on the 1st of May, Robert Menelaws, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Melelaws, 31 Spring Gardens, Edinburgh; also his brother George, killed in action in Mesopotamia in January 1916. Deeply mourned.
The Scotsman - Saturday 18 May 1918
DEATHS
Mr. and Mrs. Menelaws and family return thanks to the many friends for kind expressions of sympathy in their recent sad bereavement - 31 Spring Gardens. Edinburgh.
The Scotsman - Wednesday 08 May 1918
DEATHS
MENELAWS - Drowned at sea (by mine) on the 1st of May, Robert Menelaws, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Melelaws, 31 Spring Gardens, Edinburgh; also his brother George, killed in action in Mesopotamia in January 1916. Deeply mourned.
The Scotsman - Saturday 18 May 1918
DEATHS
Mr. and Mrs. Menelaws and family return thanks to the many friends for kind expressions of sympathy in their recent sad bereavement - 31 Spring Gardens. Edinburgh.
NEVILLE, Joseph G, Signalman, J 23561 (Po). Aged 20. Son of William & Jane Neville, 28 Landsdown Place, Lewes. Remembered on Portsmouth Naval Memorial
Sussex Agricultural Express - Friday 10 May 1918
FAMILIES DOUBLE LOSS
Signalman J.G. Neville.
Mr. and Mrs. H.W. Neville recieved an official intimation hat the vessel on which their younger son, Signalman Joseph George Neville, R.N. was engaged had been lost and that the young man was not among the survivors who were landed.
Deceased was 20 years old and had been in the Navy about five years. He joined at the age of fifteen years when he left the Station master's office at Woking. For two years and eight months he was on active service at the Dardanelles.
The elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Neville - Lance Corporal Henry Frank Neville, Royal Sussex Regiment - was killed in action in September 1916. He was 21 years old.
Sussex Agricultural Express - Friday 10 May 1918
FAMILIES DOUBLE LOSS
Signalman J.G. Neville.
Mr. and Mrs. H.W. Neville recieved an official intimation hat the vessel on which their younger son, Signalman Joseph George Neville, R.N. was engaged had been lost and that the young man was not among the survivors who were landed.
Deceased was 20 years old and had been in the Navy about five years. He joined at the age of fifteen years when he left the Station master's office at Woking. For two years and eight months he was on active service at the Dardanelles.
The elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Neville - Lance Corporal Henry Frank Neville, Royal Sussex Regiment - was killed in action in September 1916. He was 21 years old.
PEARSON, James, Leading Fireman, MMR, 908199
PHILLIPS, Arthur, Greaser, MMR, 912860
PHILLIPS, Edward, Leading Fireman, MMR, 844051
Signalman REDMAN
REDMAN, Edgar, Signalman, RNVR, Mersey Z 4103. Remembered on Plymouth Naval Memorial
Burnley Express - Wednesday 30 April 1919
A SAILOR S PORTRAIT.
SIGNALMAN WHO WAS LOST AT SEA.
At the close of the evening service at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Sunday, a framed enlarged portrait was presented to the church and choir his parents of Signaller Edgar Redrnan, R.N.V.R., of 53, Bedvers-street, Burnley. Whilst serving on board mine-sweeper a year ago the ship was mined, and Signaller Redman went down with the rest of the crew. At, Sunday's ceremony the pastor, the Rev. Holmes Bedford, and Mr. Jas. Hartley, choirmaster, made appropriate reference to the sailor's connection with Ebenezer. Previous yo engaging upon Navy service Signaller Redman was employed Meesrs. Watson, accountants.
Burnley Express - Saturday 03 May 1919
REDMAN. —In loving memory Signalman Edgar Redman (late Redvers-street, Burnley), who lost his life on H.M. Minesweeper '* Blackmorevale" May 1st 1918
Burnley News - Wednesday 07 May 1919
LATE BURNLEY SIGNALLER (photo)
The parents of late signaller Edger Redman R.N.V.R. of 55 Redvers Street, Burnley have presented a framed photograph of their son to Ebenezer Baptist Church Colne-road, where Signaller Redman was member the choir, Whilst serving on board minesweeper a year ago, the ship was mined, and Signaller Redman lost his life. Appropriate reference to Redman's exemplary character and his services yo the church was made on the occasion of the presentation by the pastor, Rev. F. Holmes Bedford, and the choirmaster, Mr. James Hartley.
Burnley Express - Saturday 17 May 1919
LOST AT SEA BY ENEMY ACTION.
LOCAL VICTIMS OF SUBMARINE CRIMES.
Roll of Honour.
REDMAN. E. Signalman. R.N.Y.R., drowned. May 1, 1918, mine sweeper mined. 53, Redvers-street.
Burnley Express - Wednesday 30 April 1919
A SAILOR S PORTRAIT.
SIGNALMAN WHO WAS LOST AT SEA.
At the close of the evening service at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Sunday, a framed enlarged portrait was presented to the church and choir his parents of Signaller Edgar Redrnan, R.N.V.R., of 53, Bedvers-street, Burnley. Whilst serving on board mine-sweeper a year ago the ship was mined, and Signaller Redman went down with the rest of the crew. At, Sunday's ceremony the pastor, the Rev. Holmes Bedford, and Mr. Jas. Hartley, choirmaster, made appropriate reference to the sailor's connection with Ebenezer. Previous yo engaging upon Navy service Signaller Redman was employed Meesrs. Watson, accountants.
Burnley Express - Saturday 03 May 1919
REDMAN. —In loving memory Signalman Edgar Redman (late Redvers-street, Burnley), who lost his life on H.M. Minesweeper '* Blackmorevale" May 1st 1918
Burnley News - Wednesday 07 May 1919
LATE BURNLEY SIGNALLER (photo)
The parents of late signaller Edger Redman R.N.V.R. of 55 Redvers Street, Burnley have presented a framed photograph of their son to Ebenezer Baptist Church Colne-road, where Signaller Redman was member the choir, Whilst serving on board minesweeper a year ago, the ship was mined, and Signaller Redman lost his life. Appropriate reference to Redman's exemplary character and his services yo the church was made on the occasion of the presentation by the pastor, Rev. F. Holmes Bedford, and the choirmaster, Mr. James Hartley.
Burnley Express - Saturday 17 May 1919
LOST AT SEA BY ENEMY ACTION.
LOCAL VICTIMS OF SUBMARINE CRIMES.
Roll of Honour.
REDMAN. E. Signalman. R.N.Y.R., drowned. May 1, 1918, mine sweeper mined. 53, Redvers-street.
TIMMINS, Edward, Fireman, MMR, 900918 From Birmingham
WILLIAMS, John R, Ty/Lieutenant, RNVR. Remembered on Plymouth Naval Memorial.
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 08 May 1918
WILLIAMS—May I, killed whilst mine-sweeping, aged 23 years, Lieutenant JOHN RICHARD WILLIAMS, R.N.V.R.. beloved eldest son of Griffith and late Catherine Williams, Brynteg, Oxford-road. Bootle, and Ynyefor, Benldech, Anglesey. (His duty nobly done.)
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 08 May 1918
WILLIAMS—May I, killed whilst mine-sweeping, aged 23 years, Lieutenant JOHN RICHARD WILLIAMS, R.N.V.R.. beloved eldest son of Griffith and late Catherine Williams, Brynteg, Oxford-road. Bootle, and Ynyefor, Benldech, Anglesey. (His duty nobly done.)
Benldech War Memorial Anglesey Photo: Nick_2 (war memorials online)
WINDRAM, James, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 5765 Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial
Berwickshire News and General Advertiser - Tuesday 28 May 1918
EYEMOUTH. We regret to record that another of Eyemouth’s gallant sons has paid supreme sacrifice in the person of Seaman Jas. Windram, R.N., who is drowned by sinking of a minesweeper off Scottish Coast. He joined shortly after hostilities commenced and has had varied experience in the Navy. He leaves a widow and 2 children. Seaman Windram was a fine steady lad and was well liked by all with whom he came in contact. To his aged mother, widow and family we extend our sincere sympathy in their sad „ bereavement.
Berwickshire News and General Advertiser - Tuesday 29 April 1919
In loving memory of my dear Husband, James Windram, killed on active service on H.M, Minesweeper, Blackmorevale, May 1st. 1918 aged 33 years.
His voyage of life is ended.
And with the waves has made his bed,
But we hope meet in glory
When the sea gives up the dead.
How hard it was to part with one
I loved on earth so dear;
The heart, greater trial’ knows,
No sorrow more severe.
(From his sorrowing Widow and Little Son- Agnes Windram, George St... Eyemouth)
In loving memory of my dear brother. James Windram, 33, lost at sea May 1st, may 1918 from the H.M.S. Blackmorevale. Our home is now so lonely
Without that pleasant face,
The laugh that made us happy. Can never be replaced.
Twas hard to give him up so soon,
So full of promise bright.
But who gives and takes away,
Knows what is best and right.
By the fireside we are sitting.
We gaze at the vacant chair,
Of your dear brother we are thinking
Why you are not sitting there.
(From his Brother and Sister, John and Agnes Maltman, 26 High Street, Eyemouth.)
Berwickshire News and General Advertiser - Tuesday 03 May 1921
IN MEMORIAM.
In loving memory of my dear Brother, James Windram, who was lost. May 1, 1918, H.M.S. Blackmorevale, aged 34.
This day brings back sad thoughts to me.
Thoughts of one I loved so dear;
I often sit and think of him.
What would I gave to have him near.
Years may wipe out many things.
But this they’ll wipe, out never—-
The memories of those happy days
When were all together.
(From his sorrowing Sister and Brother, John and Maltman, 26 High Street Eyemouth.)
In loving memory of my dear Husband, James Windram, lost at sea, May 1, 1918, on H.M. Minesweeper Blackmorevale, aged 34.
As I look on your picture that hangs on the wall.
The smile on your face I can’t but recall,
I miss you—God knows—l mourn you unseen.
And sacred are the memories of days that have been.
(From his sorrowing widow and little Son— Agnes Windram, 17 George St., Eyemouth.)
In loving memory of my dear Son, James Windram, who was lost, May 1, 1918, on H.M.S. Blackmorevale, aged 34; also my dear Daughter, Janet, who died Nov. 4, 1918, aged 30.
I have loved ones in that City,
Those who left me years ago.
They with joy are waiting for me.
Where farewell tears e’er flow.
(From their sorrowing Mother and Brothers, and his Daughter, Ellen —8 Chapel Street, Eyemouth.)
WINDRAM, James, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 5765 Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial
Berwickshire News and General Advertiser - Tuesday 28 May 1918
EYEMOUTH. We regret to record that another of Eyemouth’s gallant sons has paid supreme sacrifice in the person of Seaman Jas. Windram, R.N., who is drowned by sinking of a minesweeper off Scottish Coast. He joined shortly after hostilities commenced and has had varied experience in the Navy. He leaves a widow and 2 children. Seaman Windram was a fine steady lad and was well liked by all with whom he came in contact. To his aged mother, widow and family we extend our sincere sympathy in their sad „ bereavement.
Berwickshire News and General Advertiser - Tuesday 29 April 1919
In loving memory of my dear Husband, James Windram, killed on active service on H.M, Minesweeper, Blackmorevale, May 1st. 1918 aged 33 years.
His voyage of life is ended.
And with the waves has made his bed,
But we hope meet in glory
When the sea gives up the dead.
How hard it was to part with one
I loved on earth so dear;
The heart, greater trial’ knows,
No sorrow more severe.
(From his sorrowing Widow and Little Son- Agnes Windram, George St... Eyemouth)
In loving memory of my dear brother. James Windram, 33, lost at sea May 1st, may 1918 from the H.M.S. Blackmorevale. Our home is now so lonely
Without that pleasant face,
The laugh that made us happy. Can never be replaced.
Twas hard to give him up so soon,
So full of promise bright.
But who gives and takes away,
Knows what is best and right.
By the fireside we are sitting.
We gaze at the vacant chair,
Of your dear brother we are thinking
Why you are not sitting there.
(From his Brother and Sister, John and Agnes Maltman, 26 High Street, Eyemouth.)
Berwickshire News and General Advertiser - Tuesday 03 May 1921
IN MEMORIAM.
In loving memory of my dear Brother, James Windram, who was lost. May 1, 1918, H.M.S. Blackmorevale, aged 34.
This day brings back sad thoughts to me.
Thoughts of one I loved so dear;
I often sit and think of him.
What would I gave to have him near.
Years may wipe out many things.
But this they’ll wipe, out never—-
The memories of those happy days
When were all together.
(From his sorrowing Sister and Brother, John and Maltman, 26 High Street Eyemouth.)
In loving memory of my dear Husband, James Windram, lost at sea, May 1, 1918, on H.M. Minesweeper Blackmorevale, aged 34.
As I look on your picture that hangs on the wall.
The smile on your face I can’t but recall,
I miss you—God knows—l mourn you unseen.
And sacred are the memories of days that have been.
(From his sorrowing widow and little Son— Agnes Windram, 17 George St., Eyemouth.)
In loving memory of my dear Son, James Windram, who was lost, May 1, 1918, on H.M.S. Blackmorevale, aged 34; also my dear Daughter, Janet, who died Nov. 4, 1918, aged 30.
I have loved ones in that City,
Those who left me years ago.
They with joy are waiting for me.
Where farewell tears e’er flow.
(From their sorrowing Mother and Brothers, and his Daughter, Ellen —8 Chapel Street, Eyemouth.)
Eyemouth War Memorial Photo Chaz 03
