HMS Carnation
Azalea-class sloop
HMS Carnation. 31/03/1917 (Damaged)
Displacement: 1,250 tons
Length: .77.80 m Beam: 10.21 m Draught: 3.58 m.
Propulsion: 1 × 4-cylinder triple expansion engine2 × cylindrical boilers single shaft, single screw.
Complement: 79 ? Officers and men.
Crew Lost: 5 killed, 8 wounded.
Armament: 2 × 1 – QF 4 inch Mk IV guns, BL 4 inch Mk IX guns or QF 4.7 inch Mk IV guns and 2 × 1 – 3-pounders (47 mm) AA.
Displacement: 1,250 tons
Length: .77.80 m Beam: 10.21 m Draught: 3.58 m.
Propulsion: 1 × 4-cylinder triple expansion engine2 × cylindrical boilers single shaft, single screw.
Complement: 79 ? Officers and men.
Crew Lost: 5 killed, 8 wounded.
Armament: 2 × 1 – QF 4 inch Mk IV guns, BL 4 inch Mk IX guns or QF 4.7 inch Mk IV guns and 2 × 1 – 3-pounders (47 mm) AA.
HMS Carnation, Azalea-class sloop, built by Greenock & Grangemouth Dockyard Company, Greenock, launched 6 September 1915. HMS Carnation was part of First Minesweeper Flotilla.
UC-42
On the night of 28th March 1917 UC-42, Kptlt. Otto Heinrich Tornow, laid two mine lines south of Auskerry, minensperre 49 with six mines & 49a with four mines.
The KTB for UC-42 shows that the mine line 49a was from 59 01 2'N 02 31 5'W to 59 01 25'N 02 39 9'W.
The KTB for UC-42 shows that the mine line 49a was from 59 01 2'N 02 31 5'W to 59 01 25'N 02 39 9'W.
UC-42s mine-map with line 49a highlighted in red square.
Minesweeping
On the morning of 31st March 1917 HMS Carnation left Scapa Flow, with ships of First & Second Minesweeper Flotilla's, to conduct mine sweeping off Kirkwall.
The sweep had been ordered following the loss by mines of the S.S Ruby, on the 29th of March, and the Norwegian Barque ''Urania'' sunk on the 28th March, (Urania had in fact been torpedoed by UC-42 ).
At 07.55 a sweep was passed to HMS Lupin and the flotilla swept up passed Auskerry and the east side of Stronsay close to Brough Head. The wind was NNW 5 and the log from HMS Carnation reports heavy snow squalls.
At 09.55 the sweep was dropped and the ships proceeded south single line ahead. HMS Gentian was leading with HMS Carnation six or seven in line.
At 10.45am HMS Carnation struck a mine. The position in the logbook is given 59 01N 02 31W.
Mine line 49a matches the approximate position in HMS Carnation's logbook and it was most likely one of these mines the sloop struck.
Reports say the bow was badly damaged with five crew being killed and eight wounded.
HMS Lupin, HMS Sunflower and HMS Godetia stood by.
At midday HMS Godetia went alongside and made fast then proceeded to Kirkwall, passing through the gate at 18.30 and tied to pier at 19.00.
The sweep had been ordered following the loss by mines of the S.S Ruby, on the 29th of March, and the Norwegian Barque ''Urania'' sunk on the 28th March, (Urania had in fact been torpedoed by UC-42 ).
At 07.55 a sweep was passed to HMS Lupin and the flotilla swept up passed Auskerry and the east side of Stronsay close to Brough Head. The wind was NNW 5 and the log from HMS Carnation reports heavy snow squalls.
At 09.55 the sweep was dropped and the ships proceeded south single line ahead. HMS Gentian was leading with HMS Carnation six or seven in line.
At 10.45am HMS Carnation struck a mine. The position in the logbook is given 59 01N 02 31W.
Mine line 49a matches the approximate position in HMS Carnation's logbook and it was most likely one of these mines the sloop struck.
Reports say the bow was badly damaged with five crew being killed and eight wounded.
HMS Lupin, HMS Sunflower and HMS Godetia stood by.
At midday HMS Godetia went alongside and made fast then proceeded to Kirkwall, passing through the gate at 18.30 and tied to pier at 19.00.
Extract from the tug logs of Lt Thomas W Boulter RNVR
"HMS Carnation Bows blown away assisted HMS Lupin to tow same to Kirkwall. 5 killed by explosion".
www.thamestugs.co.uk
www.thamestugs.co.uk
Transcription of correspondence regarding CARNATION from the Admiralty
From Lt-in-Command Stafford H Dillon, of HMS GODETIA-
*At 6am on that day in accordance with instructions I proceeded to search an area bounded by the following positions:-
Western limit line joining Copinsay, Auskerry, Burgh Head and Stromsay
Northern limit 90 degrees from Burgh Head
Eastern limit Western limit of Northern Channel
Southern limit 90 degrees from Copinsay - mines having been reported in the area
*Before reaching Auskerry, heavy snow squalls of long duration began which made efficiency of the search very doubtful. At approx 10;35am the look-out man reported that we passed close to a mine. At 10;45am I received a wireless signal from CARNATION that she had struck a mine, absolutely stem on allowing the ship to be saved with the smallest loss of life. Perfect order was maintained aboard the ship - Surgeon Fairchild had the dangerous task in transferring from GODETIA to CARNATION by drifter in view of the sea running and the fact that he is short sighted and his glasses were blurred by the by the heavy snow.
*After getting the ship in tow at 11:15am it took seven and a half hours until she was slipped off Kirkwall pier. Imagining that the ship would sink more and more as time went on I made arrangements for beaching her. Finding that bulkheads were holding, the ship flooded up to the foremost bulkhead of the Petty Officers' mess deck and on the deck below up to the bulkhead at the fore end of the Store Rooms underneath the Petty Officer's mess deck - these two bulkheads held perfectly.
*The Upper Deck abreast No1 Stokehold was slightly blown up and the ships side abreast of this considerably dented - rivets apparently were not sheared by this dent.
HMS CARNATION was paid off on 27th April 1916 for repairs and refit at Leith. Her ammunition returned to Crombie and stores retained onboard under lock and key.
Source: HSA 90, Secret Packs of the Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet Volume VIII Pack 005, section L and M, National Archives
From Lt-in-Command Stafford H Dillon, of HMS GODETIA-
*At 6am on that day in accordance with instructions I proceeded to search an area bounded by the following positions:-
Western limit line joining Copinsay, Auskerry, Burgh Head and Stromsay
Northern limit 90 degrees from Burgh Head
Eastern limit Western limit of Northern Channel
Southern limit 90 degrees from Copinsay - mines having been reported in the area
*Before reaching Auskerry, heavy snow squalls of long duration began which made efficiency of the search very doubtful. At approx 10;35am the look-out man reported that we passed close to a mine. At 10;45am I received a wireless signal from CARNATION that she had struck a mine, absolutely stem on allowing the ship to be saved with the smallest loss of life. Perfect order was maintained aboard the ship - Surgeon Fairchild had the dangerous task in transferring from GODETIA to CARNATION by drifter in view of the sea running and the fact that he is short sighted and his glasses were blurred by the by the heavy snow.
*After getting the ship in tow at 11:15am it took seven and a half hours until she was slipped off Kirkwall pier. Imagining that the ship would sink more and more as time went on I made arrangements for beaching her. Finding that bulkheads were holding, the ship flooded up to the foremost bulkhead of the Petty Officers' mess deck and on the deck below up to the bulkhead at the fore end of the Store Rooms underneath the Petty Officer's mess deck - these two bulkheads held perfectly.
*The Upper Deck abreast No1 Stokehold was slightly blown up and the ships side abreast of this considerably dented - rivets apparently were not sheared by this dent.
HMS CARNATION was paid off on 27th April 1916 for repairs and refit at Leith. Her ammunition returned to Crombie and stores retained onboard under lock and key.
Source: HSA 90, Secret Packs of the Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet Volume VIII Pack 005, section L and M, National Archives
CREW LOST
The Scotsman - Thursday 19 April 1917
Kent & Sussex Courier - Friday 13 April 1917
Name - Walter Edwin Robert Errett
DOB - 18th July 1892
Place of Birth - Hastings, Sussex
Rank - Able Seaman (Ch) J 5820
Service History - Walter joined the Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 6th October 1909, after leaving his job as a shop assistant. He trained at HMS GANGES until 10th January 1910 where he joined the Monmouth class cruiser HMS ESSEX the following day. He rose to Boy 1st Class the same month and left 27th April 1910, heading to HMS PEMBROKE I for his next posting. He spent the next three and a half years aboard (illegible ship name on his record), rising to Ordinary Seaman on 18th July 1910 (his 18th Birthday) and Able Seaman on 16th September 1911 and disembarked on 4th November 1913. He spent a further three months back at Chatham before being posted to HMS ROYAL ARTHUR on 4th February 1913 until 31st March 1913.
He spent 15 months aboard HMS ROBIN, two years aboard HMS TAMAR (VIRAGO) and a further 6 months at shore base HMS PEMBROKE I before being posted to his final ship, HMS CARNATION on 26th February 1917. He spent just 33 days aboard the sloop before he was killed in the mine strike.
Walter’s body was not recovered so he is remembered in perpetuity on the Chatham Naval Memorial in Kent as well as locally at Rushall. His Star, Victory and British war medals were forwarded to his mother following his death as was his pension.
DOB - 18th July 1892
Place of Birth - Hastings, Sussex
Rank - Able Seaman (Ch) J 5820
Service History - Walter joined the Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 6th October 1909, after leaving his job as a shop assistant. He trained at HMS GANGES until 10th January 1910 where he joined the Monmouth class cruiser HMS ESSEX the following day. He rose to Boy 1st Class the same month and left 27th April 1910, heading to HMS PEMBROKE I for his next posting. He spent the next three and a half years aboard (illegible ship name on his record), rising to Ordinary Seaman on 18th July 1910 (his 18th Birthday) and Able Seaman on 16th September 1911 and disembarked on 4th November 1913. He spent a further three months back at Chatham before being posted to HMS ROYAL ARTHUR on 4th February 1913 until 31st March 1913.
He spent 15 months aboard HMS ROBIN, two years aboard HMS TAMAR (VIRAGO) and a further 6 months at shore base HMS PEMBROKE I before being posted to his final ship, HMS CARNATION on 26th February 1917. He spent just 33 days aboard the sloop before he was killed in the mine strike.
Walter’s body was not recovered so he is remembered in perpetuity on the Chatham Naval Memorial in Kent as well as locally at Rushall. His Star, Victory and British war medals were forwarded to his mother following his death as was his pension.
Kent & Sussex Courier - Friday 13 April 1917
Rushall War Memorial, Kent. Photos: Susan Featherstone
Sources:
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 Free BMD
Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services, 1848-1939 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 658
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; Piece: e 008 (1914 - 1919)
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty and predecessors: Office of the Director General of the Medical Department of the Navy and predecessors: Service Registers and Registers of Deaths and Injuries. Registers of Reports of Deaths
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty and predecessors: Office of the Director General of the Medical Department of the Navy and predecessors: Service Registers and Registers of Deaths and Injuries. REGISTERS OF KILLED AND WOUNDED
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 0292
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 101
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 067/0302/ENG-EST
Researched by Wendy Sadler
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 Free BMD
Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services, 1848-1939 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 658
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; Piece: e 008 (1914 - 1919)
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty and predecessors: Office of the Director General of the Medical Department of the Navy and predecessors: Service Registers and Registers of Deaths and Injuries. Registers of Reports of Deaths
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty and predecessors: Office of the Director General of the Medical Department of the Navy and predecessors: Service Registers and Registers of Deaths and Injuries. REGISTERS OF KILLED AND WOUNDED
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 0292
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 101
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 067/0302/ENG-EST
Researched by Wendy Sadler
Name - William David Evans
DOB - March 1889, although records state 18th October 1888
Place of Birth - West Ham, London
Rank - Stoker 1st Class, (Ch) K 26248, formerly SS 105947
Service History - William first joined the Navy on 24th October 1907 on a Short Service of 5 years plus 7 in retention. He had left a job as a caretaker’s assistant and began training as a Stoker 2nd Class attached to HMS ACTAEON until 29th April 1908. He was 5’6” tall with dark brown hair and brown eyes with a sallow complexion and tattoos on both forearms. His service follows:
HMS PEMBROKE II - 30/04/1908 - 03/05/1908
HMS MINOTAUR - 04/05/1908 - 14/04/1909
HMS PEMBROKE II - 15/04/1909 - 28/04/1909
HMS ACHILLES - 29/04/1909 - 10/05/1909
HMS PEMBROKE II - 11/05/1909 - 09/06/1909
HMS BOADICEA - 10/06/1909 - 01/05/1911, rising to Stoker 1st Class on 08/09/1909
HMS FORESIGHT - 02/05/1911 - 08/12/1911 - William did not finish his five years of service, but instead purchased his leave which cost him £18. It is unknown what he did for work during his civilian spell, (although he did get another tattoo of a dragon on his chest!) but he joined the Navy again, for hostilities, after war had broken out. He also married Lillian May Crier in the Autumn of 1913.
He trained at HMS PEMBROKE II from 26th May 1915 until 28th October 1915 as a Stoker 1st Class, before being posted to HMS CARNATION on 29th October. He remained with the ship although his service record states he was attached to HMS CARNATION which was then tendered with HMS VICTORIOUS II. He was one of five crew that was sadly killed when the ship struck a mine. His body was never found.
His Star, Victory and British war medals were claimed by his widow following his death, along with his pension to support their daughter, Olive.
He is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial.
Sources:
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 Free BMD
England & Wales, Civil Registration Marriage Index, 1837-1915 Free BMD
UK, Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services, 1848-1939 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 1111
Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services, 1848-1939 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 919
CWGC Register
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 101
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 069/0306/EVA-EVA
Researched by Wendy Sadler
DOB - March 1889, although records state 18th October 1888
Place of Birth - West Ham, London
Rank - Stoker 1st Class, (Ch) K 26248, formerly SS 105947
Service History - William first joined the Navy on 24th October 1907 on a Short Service of 5 years plus 7 in retention. He had left a job as a caretaker’s assistant and began training as a Stoker 2nd Class attached to HMS ACTAEON until 29th April 1908. He was 5’6” tall with dark brown hair and brown eyes with a sallow complexion and tattoos on both forearms. His service follows:
HMS PEMBROKE II - 30/04/1908 - 03/05/1908
HMS MINOTAUR - 04/05/1908 - 14/04/1909
HMS PEMBROKE II - 15/04/1909 - 28/04/1909
HMS ACHILLES - 29/04/1909 - 10/05/1909
HMS PEMBROKE II - 11/05/1909 - 09/06/1909
HMS BOADICEA - 10/06/1909 - 01/05/1911, rising to Stoker 1st Class on 08/09/1909
HMS FORESIGHT - 02/05/1911 - 08/12/1911 - William did not finish his five years of service, but instead purchased his leave which cost him £18. It is unknown what he did for work during his civilian spell, (although he did get another tattoo of a dragon on his chest!) but he joined the Navy again, for hostilities, after war had broken out. He also married Lillian May Crier in the Autumn of 1913.
He trained at HMS PEMBROKE II from 26th May 1915 until 28th October 1915 as a Stoker 1st Class, before being posted to HMS CARNATION on 29th October. He remained with the ship although his service record states he was attached to HMS CARNATION which was then tendered with HMS VICTORIOUS II. He was one of five crew that was sadly killed when the ship struck a mine. His body was never found.
His Star, Victory and British war medals were claimed by his widow following his death, along with his pension to support their daughter, Olive.
He is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial.
Sources:
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 Free BMD
England & Wales, Civil Registration Marriage Index, 1837-1915 Free BMD
UK, Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services, 1848-1939 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 1111
Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services, 1848-1939 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 919
CWGC Register
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 101
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 069/0306/EVA-EVA
Researched by Wendy Sadler
Name - George Mason
DOB - 23rd March 1894
Place of Birth - Islington, London
Rank - Stoker 1st Class, (Ch) K 28325
Service History - George worked as a cycle repairer before joining the Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class on 14th October 1915 while hostilities remained. His initial training began at HMS PEMBROKE II until 4th February 1916 when he was posted to his first and only vessel, HMS CARNATION the following day. He rose in rating to Stoker 1st Class on 1st August 1916 but lost his life when the sloop struck a mine.
George was 5’5” tall with dark brown hair and hazel eyes. His Victory and British war medals were claimed by his father following his death.
He is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial.
DOB - 23rd March 1894
Place of Birth - Islington, London
Rank - Stoker 1st Class, (Ch) K 28325
Service History - George worked as a cycle repairer before joining the Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class on 14th October 1915 while hostilities remained. His initial training began at HMS PEMBROKE II until 4th February 1916 when he was posted to his first and only vessel, HMS CARNATION the following day. He rose in rating to Stoker 1st Class on 1st August 1916 but lost his life when the sloop struck a mine.
George was 5’5” tall with dark brown hair and hazel eyes. His Victory and British war medals were claimed by his father following his death.
He is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial.
Sources:
UK, Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services, 1848-1939 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 923
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 109
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; Piece: 009 (1914 - 1919)
CWGC Register
UK, World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 133/0631/MAS-MAS
Researched by Wendy Sadler
UK, Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services, 1848-1939 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 923
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 109
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; Piece: 009 (1914 - 1919)
CWGC Register
UK, World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 133/0631/MAS-MAS
Researched by Wendy Sadler
Name - John Ross
DOB - 24th February 1894
Place of Birth - Deptford, London
Parents - William and Charlotte
Early History - On the 1901 census John, aged seven, was the middle of five children, who lived with their parents at 2 Bronze Street in Deptford. Ten years later on the 1911 census John was aged 17 and worked as a baker’s assistant, helping to provide an essential income to his parents and their large ten children family that lived in four rooms at 25 Frankham Street, Deptford. Before he joined the Navy he also worked as a fish fryer.
Rank - Stoker 1st Class (Ch) K 19340
Service History - For reasons unknown, perhaps more money or a chance of adventure, John joined the Navy on 27th May 1913 as a Stoker 2nd Class, training at HMS PEMBROKE II until 1st October 1913. He was recorded as being 5’7” tall with dark brown hair, brown eyes and “extensive tattoos down both arms”.
He was posted to HMS INTREPID on 2nd October 1913 where he remained for almost 18 months. He rose to Stoker 1st Class on 27th June 1914 and left the cruiser on 7th March 1915. After another seven months back at the Chatham shore base HMS PEMBROKE II he was posted to HMS CARNATION on 29th October 1915 and remained with the sloop until he was killed. He had passed his educational test for a Petty Officer rating just two weeks previously.
His Star, Victory and British war medals were claimed by his father after his death, his pension claimed by his mother. He is remembered in perpetuity on the Chatham Naval Memorial.
Sources:
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 Free BMD
1901 & 1911 England Census
Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services, 1848-1939 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 905
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; Piece: Piece 010; Piece Description: Piece 010 (1914 - 1919)
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/10; Scan Number: 0189
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 114
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 722/11PP
Researched by Wendy Sadler
DOB - 24th February 1894
Place of Birth - Deptford, London
Parents - William and Charlotte
Early History - On the 1901 census John, aged seven, was the middle of five children, who lived with their parents at 2 Bronze Street in Deptford. Ten years later on the 1911 census John was aged 17 and worked as a baker’s assistant, helping to provide an essential income to his parents and their large ten children family that lived in four rooms at 25 Frankham Street, Deptford. Before he joined the Navy he also worked as a fish fryer.
Rank - Stoker 1st Class (Ch) K 19340
Service History - For reasons unknown, perhaps more money or a chance of adventure, John joined the Navy on 27th May 1913 as a Stoker 2nd Class, training at HMS PEMBROKE II until 1st October 1913. He was recorded as being 5’7” tall with dark brown hair, brown eyes and “extensive tattoos down both arms”.
He was posted to HMS INTREPID on 2nd October 1913 where he remained for almost 18 months. He rose to Stoker 1st Class on 27th June 1914 and left the cruiser on 7th March 1915. After another seven months back at the Chatham shore base HMS PEMBROKE II he was posted to HMS CARNATION on 29th October 1915 and remained with the sloop until he was killed. He had passed his educational test for a Petty Officer rating just two weeks previously.
His Star, Victory and British war medals were claimed by his father after his death, his pension claimed by his mother. He is remembered in perpetuity on the Chatham Naval Memorial.
Sources:
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 Free BMD
1901 & 1911 England Census
Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services, 1848-1939 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 905
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; Piece: Piece 010; Piece Description: Piece 010 (1914 - 1919)
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/10; Scan Number: 0189
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 114
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 722/11PP
Researched by Wendy Sadler
Name - George Skinner
DOB - 11th April 1895
Place of Birth - St Pancras, London
Parents - James and Lettitia
Early History - George was aged 6 on the 1901 census and lived at 126 Holbrook Road, West Ham along with his younger sister Caroline, his parents, Grandparents and Aunt. Ten years later, on the 1911 census, George had 4 more siblings but no longer lived with his Grandparents and Aunt, the address recorded as 143 Corporation Street, in West Ham. He was fifteen years old and worked as a baker's assistant.
Rank - Stoker 1st Class, (Dev) SS115671, previous Royal Garrison Artillery
Service History -
George decided to join the Navy on 27th April 1914 just two days after attesting with the RGA where he was allowed to remain instead of the War Office claiming him to return. He decided on a short service of five years plus seven in retention and began his training as a Stoker 2nd Class at HMS PEMBROKE II until 17th August 1914. With the outbreak of war he was quickly sent to his first ship, HMS VULTURE (attached to HMS ACTAEON) where he rose to Stoker 1st Class on 6th May 1915 and remained with the vessel until 3rd June 1915 before he deserted the Navy. He decided to join the Army again, this time with the Essex Regiment, but was found and detained by the Royal Navy on 27th June 1915, the Army choosing not to keep him for further service. He was instead sentenced to 42 days detention and re-joined the Navy for service again on 10th August 1915, stationed at the shore base HMS PEMBROKE II until 28th October 1915.
George joined HMS CARNATION on 29th October 1915 and remained with the ship until the vessel struck a mine on 31st March 1917. His body was the only one recovered out of the loss of five sailors; he was buried in St Olaf Cemetery on the outskirts of Kirkwall, on Mainland, Orkney, his private headstone provided by his shipmates. The pain of his loss within his extended family was amplified less than 4 months later when his cousin, also named George Skinner, was killed in the devastating explosion that sank HMS VANGUARD and killed over 800 crew, also in Orkney waters.
He was awarded the Star, Victory and British war medals following his death, which were claimed by his parents, along with his pension. He is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
DOB - 11th April 1895
Place of Birth - St Pancras, London
Parents - James and Lettitia
Early History - George was aged 6 on the 1901 census and lived at 126 Holbrook Road, West Ham along with his younger sister Caroline, his parents, Grandparents and Aunt. Ten years later, on the 1911 census, George had 4 more siblings but no longer lived with his Grandparents and Aunt, the address recorded as 143 Corporation Street, in West Ham. He was fifteen years old and worked as a baker's assistant.
Rank - Stoker 1st Class, (Dev) SS115671, previous Royal Garrison Artillery
Service History -
George decided to join the Navy on 27th April 1914 just two days after attesting with the RGA where he was allowed to remain instead of the War Office claiming him to return. He decided on a short service of five years plus seven in retention and began his training as a Stoker 2nd Class at HMS PEMBROKE II until 17th August 1914. With the outbreak of war he was quickly sent to his first ship, HMS VULTURE (attached to HMS ACTAEON) where he rose to Stoker 1st Class on 6th May 1915 and remained with the vessel until 3rd June 1915 before he deserted the Navy. He decided to join the Army again, this time with the Essex Regiment, but was found and detained by the Royal Navy on 27th June 1915, the Army choosing not to keep him for further service. He was instead sentenced to 42 days detention and re-joined the Navy for service again on 10th August 1915, stationed at the shore base HMS PEMBROKE II until 28th October 1915.
George joined HMS CARNATION on 29th October 1915 and remained with the ship until the vessel struck a mine on 31st March 1917. His body was the only one recovered out of the loss of five sailors; he was buried in St Olaf Cemetery on the outskirts of Kirkwall, on Mainland, Orkney, his private headstone provided by his shipmates. The pain of his loss within his extended family was amplified less than 4 months later when his cousin, also named George Skinner, was killed in the devastating explosion that sank HMS VANGUARD and killed over 800 crew, also in Orkney waters.
He was awarded the Star, Victory and British war medals following his death, which were claimed by his parents, along with his pension. He is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
St Olaf's Churchyard, Kirkwall, Orkney. Photos: W Sadler.
Sources:
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 Free BMD
1901 & 1911 England Census
UK, Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services, 1848-1939 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 1121
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; Piece: 010 (1914 - 1919)
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/10; Scan Number: 0388
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 115
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 168/0847/SKE-SKI
Researched by Wendy Sadler
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 Free BMD
1901 & 1911 England Census
UK, Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services, 1848-1939 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 1121
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; Piece: 010 (1914 - 1919)
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/10; Scan Number: 0388
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 115
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 168/0847/SKE-SKI
Researched by Wendy Sadler
Rescue
THE LONDON GAZETTE, 12th MAY, 1917
To receive the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.
Sto., 1st Cl., James Davies, O.N. 301312 (Ch.).
For very gallant rescue work performed when the ship in which he was serving struck a mine.
**Extract from HSA 90, Secret Packs of the Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet Volume VIII Pack 005, section L and M, National Archives - Stoker James Davies brought Stoker Samuels from a position right forward in the eyes of the ship...for doing very good rescue work when a very badly injured man who had apparently been blown through the bottom of the ship was lifted out of the wreckage at the bow. Leading Seaman Benjamin Colmore also did plucky work as Coxwain of the port whaler in trying to get to get to the same man, but his boat was unfortunately capsized.**
To receive the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.
Sto., 1st Cl., James Davies, O.N. 301312 (Ch.).
For very gallant rescue work performed when the ship in which he was serving struck a mine.
**Extract from HSA 90, Secret Packs of the Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet Volume VIII Pack 005, section L and M, National Archives - Stoker James Davies brought Stoker Samuels from a position right forward in the eyes of the ship...for doing very good rescue work when a very badly injured man who had apparently been blown through the bottom of the ship was lifted out of the wreckage at the bow. Leading Seaman Benjamin Colmore also did plucky work as Coxwain of the port whaler in trying to get to get to the same man, but his boat was unfortunately capsized.**
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal
'Gallant Deeds' by WHD Boyle.
March 31st 1915
The Mining of the "Carnation"
At about 12.42 a.m. on March 31st, 1915, the Minelayer Carnation struck a mine with her stern. The fore part of the ship was immediately flooded, the upper deck slightly blown up abreast No 1 stokehold. Five ratings lost their lives and eight were injured as a result of the explosion. The Commanding Officer in reporting this mishap to his ship drew special attention to the behaviour of Stoker James Davies who, as he expressed it, "brought Stoker Samuels from a position right forward in the eyes of the ship, the forecastle being liable to drop off any minute". Stoker Davies again did good rescue work in extricating a badly injured man from the wreckage of the bow. For his gallant conduct and bearing, Stoker Davies was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.
(Note: Above should read 1917 not 1915)
March 31st 1915
The Mining of the "Carnation"
At about 12.42 a.m. on March 31st, 1915, the Minelayer Carnation struck a mine with her stern. The fore part of the ship was immediately flooded, the upper deck slightly blown up abreast No 1 stokehold. Five ratings lost their lives and eight were injured as a result of the explosion. The Commanding Officer in reporting this mishap to his ship drew special attention to the behaviour of Stoker James Davies who, as he expressed it, "brought Stoker Samuels from a position right forward in the eyes of the ship, the forecastle being liable to drop off any minute". Stoker Davies again did good rescue work in extricating a badly injured man from the wreckage of the bow. For his gallant conduct and bearing, Stoker Davies was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.
(Note: Above should read 1917 not 1915)
Wounded
Henry Donoghue - Able Seaman (Ch) J3467. Invalided out of Navy in March 1919 due to compound fracture of femur (possibly arising from injuries sustained in mine strike).
Alfred Ingham - Leading Stoker RFR B7974. Wounds not listed.
D Jones - Stoker RFR S544. Wounds not listed but sent to Kirkwall Hospital for recovery.
Joseph Marshall - Able Seaman (Po) J59938. Wounds not listed.
Jeremiah Rodgers - Stoker 1st Class RFR B9505.
Born 26th February 1890 in County Clare Ireland .
Occupation prior to joining the Navy was a train man in a coal pit .
Joined the Royal Navy in 1908. Invalided out of Navy in August 1917 due to neurasthenia.
(Neurasthenia- ''an ill-defined medical condition characterized by lassitude, fatigue, headache, and irritability, associated chiefly with emotional disturbance.'')
Born 26th February 1890 in County Clare Ireland .
Occupation prior to joining the Navy was a train man in a coal pit .
Joined the Royal Navy in 1908. Invalided out of Navy in August 1917 due to neurasthenia.
(Neurasthenia- ''an ill-defined medical condition characterized by lassitude, fatigue, headache, and irritability, associated chiefly with emotional disturbance.'')
Arthur Sammels - Stoker 1st Class (Dev) K19727. Received wounds to his right ear and right foot, Sammels was one of the injured mentioned in the rescue account by Stoker James Davies, above.
P Urquhart - Stoker RNR S2676. (200557) Sustained injuries of a fractured base of skull and fractured jaw which also became unaligned and had to be adjusted under anaesthetic. It is believed that Stoker James Davies received his Conspicuous Gallantry Medal for rescuing P Urquhart after rescuing Stoker Arthur Sammels.
Urquhart was sent to Granton Naval Hospital. He was eventually granted discharge and pensioned on disability for life due to problems with his jaw.
Urquhart was sent to Granton Naval Hospital. He was eventually granted discharge and pensioned on disability for life due to problems with his jaw.
William Williams - Stoker 1st Class (Ch) K12990. Wounds not listed but rating was invalided out of Navy on 4th July 1917 to RN Hospital, Chatham suffering from fibroid phthisis.
ADM 104 Service Registers and Registers of Deaths and Injuries - piece 148 (1917 March to 1918 June)
Researched by Wendy Sadler
Researched by Wendy Sadler
