H.M.S. Fiona
HMS Fiona. 06/09/1917
Displacement: 1611 grt.
Length: 85.3 m. Beam: 11 m. Draught: 5.5 m.
Propulsion: Screw, 3cyl Trip, Exp, 2 x Boilers.
Complement: officers and men.
Crew Lost: 3
Armament: Armed Boarding Vessel
Displacement: 1611 grt.
Length: 85.3 m. Beam: 11 m. Draught: 5.5 m.
Propulsion: Screw, 3cyl Trip, Exp, 2 x Boilers.
Complement: officers and men.
Crew Lost: 3
Armament: Armed Boarding Vessel
Built by Caledon Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. Ltd in 1905 for the London & Edinburgh Shipping Co Ltd., Leith.
The Scotsman - Tuesday 20 June 1905
NEW STEAMER FOR THE LEITH AND LONDON SERVICE-Yesterday afternoon a new steamer, built to the order of the Edinburgh and Loudon Shipping Company, was successfully launched from the yard of the Caledon Shipbuilding and Engineering Company (Limited). Dundee." The now steamer, which increases the company's fleet on the service between Leith and London to five, is of the following dimensions: -Length, overall, 230 foot 6 inches; breadth, moulded, 36 feet; and depth, moulded, to main deck, 19 feet 3 inches. She is built of steel to the highest class of the British Corporation and is designed to attain a high rate of speed. The first-class saloon is situated aft, under the poop, and is fitted up in oak. The staterooms are largo, and handsomely furnished, and are entered from the passages opening off the dining saloon, while the ladies' cabin is at the forward end of the staterooms. On the poop deck is a large deckhouse, containing a music room, smoke room, and saloon entrance. Accommodation is provided for the second-class passengers in three apartments, and under this, on the lower deck, is a supplementary cabin arranged to supply sleeping accommodation for more than fifty other second-class passengers. The vessel has a large cargo capacity, and it is fitted with five large cranes, while there is a compote installation of electric light. The launching ceremonial was carried out in brilliant weather, amongst those present. boing Mr. Harry George Younger, Edinburgh, vice-chairman of the company, and Mrs. Younger; Mr. Frederick C. Kennedy, C.I.E., and Mrs. Kennedy; Mr. Robert Smith, S.S.C., Edinburgh, Mrs. Smith, and Miss Smith; Mr. David Lyell, W.S., Edinburgh; Mr. Thomas Reekie, Edinburgh; Captain G. Thomson, Edinburgh; Mr. A. Clephane, Edinburgh; Mr. W. B. Thompson, Dundee; Mr. Grant Barclay, Dundee: Mr. J. W. Kidd, Dundee; Mr. G. T. Brown, Dundee, &c. The now steamer was christened the Fiona by Mrs. Younger, and the launching ceremony was performed by Mrs. Kennedy. After the launch the visitors were entertained to cake and wine, After the launch the Fiona was taken in tow to the harbour crane, in order to be engined. The engines are to be of the inverted triple expansion surface condensing type, with steam supplied from two large steel boilers, working at a pressure of 175 lb. to the square inch. The engines and boilers have been built at Lilybank Foundry, Dundee, the engine works of the Caledon Company.
Fairplay - Thursday 29 June 1905
IT is seldom nowadays that a Company orders a high-class steamer to be identical with a vessel built eleven years previously, but this has been done by the Edinburgh and London Shipping Company. In 1894 the Caledon Shipbuilding and Engineering Company built the s.s. Fingal for the Edinburgh and London Company, and they were so pleased with the performance of this vessel that they ordered a sister vessel from the Company, which was launched on the 19th inst. and named the Fiona. She is 2go}ft. by 36ft. by 193 ft., and has engines 32in. 49in. and 80in., by 48in. stroke. At the luncheon which followed, Mr. H. G. Younger, the vice-chairman of the Edinburgh Company, said that the Fiona looked a very worthy successor to the Fingal, and that if she did as well for the Company they would be satisfied.
The Scotsman - Tuesday 20 June 1905
NEW STEAMER FOR THE LEITH AND LONDON SERVICE-Yesterday afternoon a new steamer, built to the order of the Edinburgh and Loudon Shipping Company, was successfully launched from the yard of the Caledon Shipbuilding and Engineering Company (Limited). Dundee." The now steamer, which increases the company's fleet on the service between Leith and London to five, is of the following dimensions: -Length, overall, 230 foot 6 inches; breadth, moulded, 36 feet; and depth, moulded, to main deck, 19 feet 3 inches. She is built of steel to the highest class of the British Corporation and is designed to attain a high rate of speed. The first-class saloon is situated aft, under the poop, and is fitted up in oak. The staterooms are largo, and handsomely furnished, and are entered from the passages opening off the dining saloon, while the ladies' cabin is at the forward end of the staterooms. On the poop deck is a large deckhouse, containing a music room, smoke room, and saloon entrance. Accommodation is provided for the second-class passengers in three apartments, and under this, on the lower deck, is a supplementary cabin arranged to supply sleeping accommodation for more than fifty other second-class passengers. The vessel has a large cargo capacity, and it is fitted with five large cranes, while there is a compote installation of electric light. The launching ceremonial was carried out in brilliant weather, amongst those present. boing Mr. Harry George Younger, Edinburgh, vice-chairman of the company, and Mrs. Younger; Mr. Frederick C. Kennedy, C.I.E., and Mrs. Kennedy; Mr. Robert Smith, S.S.C., Edinburgh, Mrs. Smith, and Miss Smith; Mr. David Lyell, W.S., Edinburgh; Mr. Thomas Reekie, Edinburgh; Captain G. Thomson, Edinburgh; Mr. A. Clephane, Edinburgh; Mr. W. B. Thompson, Dundee; Mr. Grant Barclay, Dundee: Mr. J. W. Kidd, Dundee; Mr. G. T. Brown, Dundee, &c. The now steamer was christened the Fiona by Mrs. Younger, and the launching ceremony was performed by Mrs. Kennedy. After the launch the visitors were entertained to cake and wine, After the launch the Fiona was taken in tow to the harbour crane, in order to be engined. The engines are to be of the inverted triple expansion surface condensing type, with steam supplied from two large steel boilers, working at a pressure of 175 lb. to the square inch. The engines and boilers have been built at Lilybank Foundry, Dundee, the engine works of the Caledon Company.
Fairplay - Thursday 29 June 1905
IT is seldom nowadays that a Company orders a high-class steamer to be identical with a vessel built eleven years previously, but this has been done by the Edinburgh and London Shipping Company. In 1894 the Caledon Shipbuilding and Engineering Company built the s.s. Fingal for the Edinburgh and London Company, and they were so pleased with the performance of this vessel that they ordered a sister vessel from the Company, which was launched on the 19th inst. and named the Fiona. She is 2go}ft. by 36ft. by 193 ft., and has engines 32in. 49in. and 80in., by 48in. stroke. At the luncheon which followed, Mr. H. G. Younger, the vice-chairman of the Edinburgh Company, said that the Fiona looked a very worthy successor to the Fingal, and that if she did as well for the Company they would be satisfied.
Lloyd's List - Tuesday 24 August 1909
History
Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 06 November 1907
MAN DROWNED FROM A LEITH STEAMER.
The Fiona, s.s., which has arrived at Leith from London, reports the loss of one of her passengers during the voyage, a Mr Drummond, who had been on a visit to his friends in this country. It was stated that on Sunday he alone of all the saloon passengers was able to take dinner, the others being sick. In the evening he ordered tea,, but did not drink it, and between nine and ten o'clock at night he was seen smoking near the saloon door. When called for supper, shortly after, he was missed, and though a search was made, no trace of him could be found cn board, and his luggage had also disappeared. He had told the steward that he had been five years in Melbourne, and had recently returned to this country on a visit to his sister at Finchley, London. The vessel was detained for about 24 hours in a fog, and he appeared to be much annoyed at this, as he wished to be in Glasgow by Monday, but nothing peculiar was noticed in his manner.
Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper - Sunday 13 September 1908
KILLED BY SEASICKNESS.
Fatal seasickness led to yesterday's Stepney inquest on John Hartley, seventy-four, formerly a mail driver on the East India Railway, late of Hither Green-lane, Lewisham.
The widow stated that they had been enjoying a holiday together in Scotland. On Wednesday last they left Leith by the s Fiona On Thursday morning her husband complained of having had a very bad night, and said he had been seasick. There had been a very heavy sea. Later on she was called to him, and saw the steward rubbing his hands, but he died shortly afterwards.
Dr. Charles Grant, divisional surgeon, said death was due to cerebral hemorrhage, caused by vomiting and seasickness. The jury returned a verdict accordingly.
Hired in 1914 by the Royal Navy for use as an Armed Boarding Vessel.
North Wales Weekly News - Thursday 24 August 1916
A RELIC OF THE HAMPSHIRE.—Petty Office: J. Llevrelyn Jones son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Jones, Nant Fawr, who is serving on board H.M.S.. Fiona, engaged on patrol work in the North Sea, has been home for a short furlough. His ship was close to the Orkneys at the time of the disaster to H.M.S. Hampshire when Lord Kitchener lost his life. Mr. Jones treasures a piece of the Hampshire's lifeboat, which he found floating in the water.
MAN DROWNED FROM A LEITH STEAMER.
The Fiona, s.s., which has arrived at Leith from London, reports the loss of one of her passengers during the voyage, a Mr Drummond, who had been on a visit to his friends in this country. It was stated that on Sunday he alone of all the saloon passengers was able to take dinner, the others being sick. In the evening he ordered tea,, but did not drink it, and between nine and ten o'clock at night he was seen smoking near the saloon door. When called for supper, shortly after, he was missed, and though a search was made, no trace of him could be found cn board, and his luggage had also disappeared. He had told the steward that he had been five years in Melbourne, and had recently returned to this country on a visit to his sister at Finchley, London. The vessel was detained for about 24 hours in a fog, and he appeared to be much annoyed at this, as he wished to be in Glasgow by Monday, but nothing peculiar was noticed in his manner.
Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper - Sunday 13 September 1908
KILLED BY SEASICKNESS.
Fatal seasickness led to yesterday's Stepney inquest on John Hartley, seventy-four, formerly a mail driver on the East India Railway, late of Hither Green-lane, Lewisham.
The widow stated that they had been enjoying a holiday together in Scotland. On Wednesday last they left Leith by the s Fiona On Thursday morning her husband complained of having had a very bad night, and said he had been seasick. There had been a very heavy sea. Later on she was called to him, and saw the steward rubbing his hands, but he died shortly afterwards.
Dr. Charles Grant, divisional surgeon, said death was due to cerebral hemorrhage, caused by vomiting and seasickness. The jury returned a verdict accordingly.
Hired in 1914 by the Royal Navy for use as an Armed Boarding Vessel.
North Wales Weekly News - Thursday 24 August 1916
A RELIC OF THE HAMPSHIRE.—Petty Office: J. Llevrelyn Jones son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Jones, Nant Fawr, who is serving on board H.M.S.. Fiona, engaged on patrol work in the North Sea, has been home for a short furlough. His ship was close to the Orkneys at the time of the disaster to H.M.S. Hampshire when Lord Kitchener lost his life. Mr. Jones treasures a piece of the Hampshire's lifeboat, which he found floating in the water.
The Loss
HMS Fiona left Longhope, Orkney for Lerwick, Shetland just after midnight on 6th September 1917. Lieut. James William Spence Bias, RNR of Birsay, Orkney was Officer of the watch. One hour after leaving Longhope HMS Fiona stranded on Clettack Skerry, one of the Pentland Skerries.
After HMS Fiona was stranded tugs were sent to try and pull the vessel off. Below is an extract from the diary Lt THOMAS WILLIAM BOULTER RNVR who commanded the rescue tugs Labour, Vaunter and Hercules during World War One when he was stationed with the Northern Patrol at Scapa Flow.
''HMS Fiona [Armed Boarding Steamer] ashore on Pentland Skerries. [6-9-1917] Towed on same 2 days. Ship broke in two. Six men drowned during salvage operations.''
http://www.thamestugs.co.uk/
In October 1917 Lieut. Bias was tried by court martial for “Negligently or by default suffering HMS Fiona to be stranded and lost”. He pleaded guilty and was severely reprimanded.
http://www.rbls-kirkwall.org.uk/memorials/Bir/JamesBias.pdf
HMS Fiona left Longhope, Orkney for Lerwick, Shetland just after midnight on 6th September 1917. Lieut. James William Spence Bias, RNR of Birsay, Orkney was Officer of the watch. One hour after leaving Longhope HMS Fiona stranded on Clettack Skerry, one of the Pentland Skerries.
After HMS Fiona was stranded tugs were sent to try and pull the vessel off. Below is an extract from the diary Lt THOMAS WILLIAM BOULTER RNVR who commanded the rescue tugs Labour, Vaunter and Hercules during World War One when he was stationed with the Northern Patrol at Scapa Flow.
''HMS Fiona [Armed Boarding Steamer] ashore on Pentland Skerries. [6-9-1917] Towed on same 2 days. Ship broke in two. Six men drowned during salvage operations.''
http://www.thamestugs.co.uk/
In October 1917 Lieut. Bias was tried by court martial for “Negligently or by default suffering HMS Fiona to be stranded and lost”. He pleaded guilty and was severely reprimanded.
http://www.rbls-kirkwall.org.uk/memorials/Bir/JamesBias.pdf
Pentland Skerries (UKHO) .
Two reports from the Pentland Skerries ''Wreck Book'' in the NLB archives in Edinburgh.
Fiona. 6th September 1917. 12.30 am
Port: Leith.
Journey from Longhope to Lerwick.
On a reef North East of little Skerry, 1 ½ miles from lighthouse.
Cause: Miscalculation of the strength and direction of currents.
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Pentland Skerries Lighthouse. 8th September 1917.
Sir,
I beg to state Re- the wreck of SS Fiona, details of which are entered on the preceding page and a copy of the same forwarded to you that the admiral commanding Longhope was approached to supply masters name, number of crew carried, number drowned.
The message sent to me was that the above information could not be supplied under present Conditions.
I am sir
You’re obedient servant
James Rae P.L.K.
Pentland Skerries Lighthouse.
Orcadian - Thursday 20 March 1919
THE LOSS OF H.M.S. FIONA., Admiralty and a Pentland Firth Wreck. Lord Blackburn gave judgment in the Court of Session last week 1n an action in which the London and Edinburgh Shipping Company (Limited) sued the British Admiralty for £2147, the amount \ said to be due for the hire of the pursuers steamer Fiona. The Fiona was requisitioned by the Admiralty in October, 1914, and the rate of hire was | £1377 Bs. Id. per calendar month, The steamer went ashore in the Pentland | Firth on September 6, 1917, On September 20 the pursuers were informed by letter from the Admiralty that efforts were being made to salve her, and on October 25, 1917, the Director of Naval Sea Transport wrote to the pursuers notifying them that all efforts to salve the vessel had proved fruitless, and salvage operations had been suspended. The pursuers claimed the hire up to October 25, the date when the ship was recognised as lost, but this was refused by the Admiralty on the ground that the ship was lost when she went on the rocks. The Lord Ordinary, in allowing a proof, said that the only question between the parties was as to the date at which it must be held that the contract of hiring terminated. There was no | dispute that ultimately the ship became a total loss, and the defenders had recognised their liability for the loss by compensating the pursuers for the value of the ship. But, as Lis Lordship was informed by counsel at the bar, that compensation was paid only after the customary departmental delay and without any addition of interest which would enable one to ascertain the date as from which the payment was due. The question when the contract of hire terminated could not be decided without an inquiry into the facts,
Shetland News - Thursday 11 March 1920
Loss of H.M.S. Fiona.
A PENTLAND FIRTH WRECK.
In the Second Division of the Court of Session on Saturday, a week ago, before the Lord Justice-Clerk and Lords Dundas and Guthrie, the Division gave judgment in a reclaiming note against an interlocutor of Lord Blackburn in an action in which the London and Edinburgh; Shipping Company = (Limited), Leith, sued the Admiralty for £2147, the balance of hire due to pursuers for the s.s. Fiona, requisitioned by the defenders from the pursuers in October, 1914, and lost in 1917. The latest amount of hire paid to the pursuers by the Admiralty was £49,965, being at the rate of £1877 per month, and the sum paid by the Admiralty in settlement of the loss of the vessel was about £40,000. The Fiona stranded on Louther Skerry Rocks, Pentland Firth, on September 6, 1917, owing to s miscalculation of the navigating officer in regard to the tides. It was admitted that she became a total loss on September 9.
On October 25 the Director of Naval Sea Transport wrote to the pursuers notifying them that all efforts to salve the vessel had proved fruitless, and salvage operations had accordingly been suspended. On October 30 it was ascertained that the steamer had broken up during the previous night, leaving only one of her masts visible..
The hire was paid up to September 7, and the sum sued for was the hire from that date to October 25, when the notice of that date was given.
The defenders maintained that from and after September 7 the Fiona was not continued in His Majesty's employment within the meaning of the charter party.
The Lord Ordinary gave decree for the sum sued for, with expenses, holding that the defenders had not produced any evidence that the ship was not still a ship on October 25. The Admiralty reclaimed.
The Court recalled the judgment of the Lord Ordinary and assoilzied the defenders, holding that as it was matter of admission between the parties that the vessel became a total loss on September 9, she must be held to have perished on that date and the contract then came to an end. The defenders in the Outer House had offered the pursuers £90, being the amount of the hire for the two days September 8 and 9. The Court decided that no expenses should be given to either party down to the date of the Lord Ordinary's interlocutor, and that the defenders should, have expenses since that date. The op- inion of Lord Salvesen, who heard the case, but who was presiding in the First Division on Saturday, was read by the Lord Justice-Clerk.
(The Fiona was lost while on her way to Lerwick with Admiralty mails and service men on board. At the time, she as running as a des- patch boat between Lerwick and the Mainland).
THE LOSS OF H.M.S. FIONA., Admiralty and a Pentland Firth Wreck. Lord Blackburn gave judgment in the Court of Session last week 1n an action in which the London and Edinburgh Shipping Company (Limited) sued the British Admiralty for £2147, the amount \ said to be due for the hire of the pursuers steamer Fiona. The Fiona was requisitioned by the Admiralty in October, 1914, and the rate of hire was | £1377 Bs. Id. per calendar month, The steamer went ashore in the Pentland | Firth on September 6, 1917, On September 20 the pursuers were informed by letter from the Admiralty that efforts were being made to salve her, and on October 25, 1917, the Director of Naval Sea Transport wrote to the pursuers notifying them that all efforts to salve the vessel had proved fruitless, and salvage operations had been suspended. The pursuers claimed the hire up to October 25, the date when the ship was recognised as lost, but this was refused by the Admiralty on the ground that the ship was lost when she went on the rocks. The Lord Ordinary, in allowing a proof, said that the only question between the parties was as to the date at which it must be held that the contract of hiring terminated. There was no | dispute that ultimately the ship became a total loss, and the defenders had recognised their liability for the loss by compensating the pursuers for the value of the ship. But, as Lis Lordship was informed by counsel at the bar, that compensation was paid only after the customary departmental delay and without any addition of interest which would enable one to ascertain the date as from which the payment was due. The question when the contract of hire terminated could not be decided without an inquiry into the facts,
Shetland News - Thursday 11 March 1920
Loss of H.M.S. Fiona.
A PENTLAND FIRTH WRECK.
In the Second Division of the Court of Session on Saturday, a week ago, before the Lord Justice-Clerk and Lords Dundas and Guthrie, the Division gave judgment in a reclaiming note against an interlocutor of Lord Blackburn in an action in which the London and Edinburgh; Shipping Company = (Limited), Leith, sued the Admiralty for £2147, the balance of hire due to pursuers for the s.s. Fiona, requisitioned by the defenders from the pursuers in October, 1914, and lost in 1917. The latest amount of hire paid to the pursuers by the Admiralty was £49,965, being at the rate of £1877 per month, and the sum paid by the Admiralty in settlement of the loss of the vessel was about £40,000. The Fiona stranded on Louther Skerry Rocks, Pentland Firth, on September 6, 1917, owing to s miscalculation of the navigating officer in regard to the tides. It was admitted that she became a total loss on September 9.
On October 25 the Director of Naval Sea Transport wrote to the pursuers notifying them that all efforts to salve the vessel had proved fruitless, and salvage operations had accordingly been suspended. On October 30 it was ascertained that the steamer had broken up during the previous night, leaving only one of her masts visible..
The hire was paid up to September 7, and the sum sued for was the hire from that date to October 25, when the notice of that date was given.
The defenders maintained that from and after September 7 the Fiona was not continued in His Majesty's employment within the meaning of the charter party.
The Lord Ordinary gave decree for the sum sued for, with expenses, holding that the defenders had not produced any evidence that the ship was not still a ship on October 25. The Admiralty reclaimed.
The Court recalled the judgment of the Lord Ordinary and assoilzied the defenders, holding that as it was matter of admission between the parties that the vessel became a total loss on September 9, she must be held to have perished on that date and the contract then came to an end. The defenders in the Outer House had offered the pursuers £90, being the amount of the hire for the two days September 8 and 9. The Court decided that no expenses should be given to either party down to the date of the Lord Ordinary's interlocutor, and that the defenders should, have expenses since that date. The op- inion of Lord Salvesen, who heard the case, but who was presiding in the First Division on Saturday, was read by the Lord Justice-Clerk.
(The Fiona was lost while on her way to Lerwick with Admiralty mails and service men on board. At the time, she as running as a des- patch boat between Lerwick and the Mainland).
The Wreck.
The wreck of HMS Fiona is not charted but is thought to have been located by Keith Jessop in the early 1970's who tried to buy the wreck for scrap.
The position Keith Jessop gave, reordered on UKHO wreck card 1223 is 58 41.01N, 02 53.30W which plots on the north side of Clettack Skerry.
Crew lost from HMS Fiona.
Name - GRAY Peter Matfin
DOB - September quarter 1887
Place of Birth - Newcastle Upon Tyne
Parents - Cornelius Gray and Ann Matfin
Early History - Just two years after Peter’s birth, his father died, aged just 29. His mother married again at the end of 1890 to John Paxton and he was recorded on the 1891 census aged 3 living at 2 Mill Road, in the parish of Elswick, Newcastle. He had an older brother, Cornelius, listed also.
By the 1901 census Peter had 5 more siblings and was the oldest child in the household after Cornelius had left the household. He worked as an errand boy as he was 14 years old by then and the whole family had moved to 39 Ramshaw Street, still in the same parish. Peter was recorded as having the surname Paxton, after his stepfather, but it seems he did not want to be known by this change as he used Gray for all of his life.
Tragedy had struck Peter’s mother again and her husband John died in 1902. On the 1911 census he was recorded living at the same address as 10 years previously, supporting his mother and 4 younger siblings as a metal turner, although his two younger brothers aged 18 and 16 also worked.
He married Sarah Hedley in the summer of 1916.
Rank - Able Seaman R,N,V,R, Tyneside 1/5
Service History - He gave his birth date at 14th July 1888 when he enlisted with the Royal Navy Division on 30th November 1908. He was 5’5” tall with dark brown hair and blue eyes, with a fair complexion and could not swim. On the outbreak of war Peter was drafted from the Tyneside Division to the Naval Brigade Camp in Deal in August 1914 then called to Crystal Palace Depot on 11th November 1914. He joined Drake Battalion “A” Company on 22nd December 1914.
DOB - September quarter 1887
Place of Birth - Newcastle Upon Tyne
Parents - Cornelius Gray and Ann Matfin
Early History - Just two years after Peter’s birth, his father died, aged just 29. His mother married again at the end of 1890 to John Paxton and he was recorded on the 1891 census aged 3 living at 2 Mill Road, in the parish of Elswick, Newcastle. He had an older brother, Cornelius, listed also.
By the 1901 census Peter had 5 more siblings and was the oldest child in the household after Cornelius had left the household. He worked as an errand boy as he was 14 years old by then and the whole family had moved to 39 Ramshaw Street, still in the same parish. Peter was recorded as having the surname Paxton, after his stepfather, but it seems he did not want to be known by this change as he used Gray for all of his life.
Tragedy had struck Peter’s mother again and her husband John died in 1902. On the 1911 census he was recorded living at the same address as 10 years previously, supporting his mother and 4 younger siblings as a metal turner, although his two younger brothers aged 18 and 16 also worked.
He married Sarah Hedley in the summer of 1916.
Rank - Able Seaman R,N,V,R, Tyneside 1/5
Service History - He gave his birth date at 14th July 1888 when he enlisted with the Royal Navy Division on 30th November 1908. He was 5’5” tall with dark brown hair and blue eyes, with a fair complexion and could not swim. On the outbreak of war Peter was drafted from the Tyneside Division to the Naval Brigade Camp in Deal in August 1914 then called to Crystal Palace Depot on 11th November 1914. He joined Drake Battalion “A” Company on 22nd December 1914.
Cap Badge R.N.D. Drake
On May 11th 1915 he was wounded in Dardanelles with a bullet to his right thigh and sent to the General Hospital in Alexandria and once healed was sent to Mustapha Convalescent Camp in Alexandria on 7th July 1915. At the beginning of August 1915 he embarked to HMT Sudmark to re-join his battalion but was discharged again due to diarrhoea on 25th August 1915. On 27th March 1916 he was discharged to the UK for the Royal Navy. It is not known when he joined HMS Fiona.
He was awarded the 1914 Star and is remembered at the Chatham Naval Memorial.
Newcastle Daily Chronicle - Wednesday 19 September 1917
Mrs. Gray , 38 Mary Street, Newcastle, has been officially informed that her husband, Able Seaman Peter Gray, R.N.V.R, has been accidently drowned while trying to save others.
Newcastle Journal - Thursday 20 September 1917
ADMIRALTY LIST.
The Secretary of the Admiralty announces the following Casualties:-
H.M. SHIPS.
Drowned.-Peter Gray, A.B., R.N.V.R.
Sources:
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915
1891, 1901 & 1911 England census
England & Wales, Civil Registration Marriage Index, 1916-2005 General Register Office; United Kingdom; Volume: 10b; Page: 73
Great Britain, Royal Naval Division Casualties of The Great War, 1914-1924
National Archives ADM 339/1/14987
UK and Ireland, Find A Grave Index, 1300s-Current
UK, 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: 008 (1914 - 1919)
CWGC Register
UK, Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 0635
Researched by Wendy Sadler
He was awarded the 1914 Star and is remembered at the Chatham Naval Memorial.
Newcastle Daily Chronicle - Wednesday 19 September 1917
Mrs. Gray , 38 Mary Street, Newcastle, has been officially informed that her husband, Able Seaman Peter Gray, R.N.V.R, has been accidently drowned while trying to save others.
Newcastle Journal - Thursday 20 September 1917
ADMIRALTY LIST.
The Secretary of the Admiralty announces the following Casualties:-
H.M. SHIPS.
Drowned.-Peter Gray, A.B., R.N.V.R.
Sources:
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915
1891, 1901 & 1911 England census
England & Wales, Civil Registration Marriage Index, 1916-2005 General Register Office; United Kingdom; Volume: 10b; Page: 73
Great Britain, Royal Naval Division Casualties of The Great War, 1914-1924
National Archives ADM 339/1/14987
UK and Ireland, Find A Grave Index, 1300s-Current
UK, 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: 008 (1914 - 1919)
CWGC Register
UK, Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 0635
Researched by Wendy Sadler
Name - WALTERS Percy Walter
DOB - 31st July 1897
Place of Birth - Rotherham, Yorkshire West Riding
Parents - Joe and Kate
Early History - Noted on the 1901 census aged 3 and living at 5 Eldon Road, Rotherham with his parents and two siblings, Dorothy and Wilfred. Ten years later the family had the addition of son Arthur and they had moved to 37 Selbourne Street, Rotherham. Percy was 13 years old and worked at a stove grate works as a brusher down.
Rank - Ordinary Seaman - RND Tyneside Z/9077 and RNVR Z/10418
Service History - Enlisted on 4th January 1916, recorded as 5’6” tall, with brown hair and grey eyes, a dark complexion and without the ability to swim. He was attached to the 6th Battalion on 15th January 1916 but by March 1916 was discharged in order to “resume civilian employment due to being in possession of a War Service Badge”. He joined the RNVR on 27th October 1916, rated as an Ordinary Seaman and was stationed at HMS VICTORY from 14th November 1916 until 21st February 1917. He was then attached to HMS PEMBROKE I from 22nd February but discharged on the 9th March to spend 10 days in cells. On his reinstatement he was posted to HMS FIONA (attached to HMS VICTORIOUS III) from 20th March to 30th June 1917. HMS FIONA was then transferred and attached to HMS GIBRALTAR (1st July 1917) - Percy remained with the ship until it was lost, 2 months later.
Sources:
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 - FreeBMD
1901 & 1911 England Census
UK, Royal Naval Division Index, 1914-1919
CWGC Register
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)
UK, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Service Records Index, 1903-1922
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
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/10; Scan Number: 0886
WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; Pension Record Cards; Reference: 185/0968/WAL-WAL
Researched by Wendy Sadler
DOB - 31st July 1897
Place of Birth - Rotherham, Yorkshire West Riding
Parents - Joe and Kate
Early History - Noted on the 1901 census aged 3 and living at 5 Eldon Road, Rotherham with his parents and two siblings, Dorothy and Wilfred. Ten years later the family had the addition of son Arthur and they had moved to 37 Selbourne Street, Rotherham. Percy was 13 years old and worked at a stove grate works as a brusher down.
Rank - Ordinary Seaman - RND Tyneside Z/9077 and RNVR Z/10418
Service History - Enlisted on 4th January 1916, recorded as 5’6” tall, with brown hair and grey eyes, a dark complexion and without the ability to swim. He was attached to the 6th Battalion on 15th January 1916 but by March 1916 was discharged in order to “resume civilian employment due to being in possession of a War Service Badge”. He joined the RNVR on 27th October 1916, rated as an Ordinary Seaman and was stationed at HMS VICTORY from 14th November 1916 until 21st February 1917. He was then attached to HMS PEMBROKE I from 22nd February but discharged on the 9th March to spend 10 days in cells. On his reinstatement he was posted to HMS FIONA (attached to HMS VICTORIOUS III) from 20th March to 30th June 1917. HMS FIONA was then transferred and attached to HMS GIBRALTAR (1st July 1917) - Percy remained with the ship until it was lost, 2 months later.
Sources:
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 - FreeBMD
1901 & 1911 England Census
UK, Royal Naval Division Index, 1914-1919
CWGC Register
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)
UK, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Service Records Index, 1903-1922
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
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/10; Scan Number: 0886
WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; Pension Record Cards; Reference: 185/0968/WAL-WAL
Researched by Wendy Sadler
Name - TAYLOR Thomas Henry
DOB - 29th July 1898
Place of Birth - Folkestone, Kent
Parents - Thomas and Annie
Early History - On the 1901 census Thomas was aged 2 and lived with his parents at 29 Youngs Road, Folkestone. The family remained at the address for the next 10 years as they were recorded there on the 1911 census - Thomas however was not noted on this date at his home as he was a patient within the Victoria Hospital in Folkestone (reasons unknown).
Rank - Private, RMLI CH/20592
Service History - Thomas enlisted with the Royal Marine Light Infantry on 11th May 1916 aged 17, leaving his previous job as a general labourer. His features were listed as him being 5’6” tall with brown eyes and black hair, a dark complexion and 4 vaccination scars on his left arm.
He spent 6 months at the Recruiting Depot in Deal, before being transferred to Chatham Division on 23rd November 1916. He remained at Chatham until 22nd May 1917 and was posted to HMS FIONA, his only ship the following day. He remained aboard her until she was lost. Thomas’s body was never discovered and he is remembered at the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.
He was just 19 years old when he died.
Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald - Saturday 15 September 1917
Private Thomas Henry Taylor, R.M.L.I., aged 19, was drowned recently whilst on patrol duty. He was the son of Mr. Thos. Taylor, of 29, Mead-road, and an old boy of the North Council School.
Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald - Saturday 15 September 1917
RETURN THANKS
MR. AMD MRS. T. TAYLOR, of 29, Mead-road, wish to return thanks to all kind friends for sympathy shown to them in the loss their son, who was drowned on September 7th, 1917.
Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald - Saturday 22 September 1917
GALLERY OF HONOUR.
DOB - 29th July 1898
Place of Birth - Folkestone, Kent
Parents - Thomas and Annie
Early History - On the 1901 census Thomas was aged 2 and lived with his parents at 29 Youngs Road, Folkestone. The family remained at the address for the next 10 years as they were recorded there on the 1911 census - Thomas however was not noted on this date at his home as he was a patient within the Victoria Hospital in Folkestone (reasons unknown).
Rank - Private, RMLI CH/20592
Service History - Thomas enlisted with the Royal Marine Light Infantry on 11th May 1916 aged 17, leaving his previous job as a general labourer. His features were listed as him being 5’6” tall with brown eyes and black hair, a dark complexion and 4 vaccination scars on his left arm.
He spent 6 months at the Recruiting Depot in Deal, before being transferred to Chatham Division on 23rd November 1916. He remained at Chatham until 22nd May 1917 and was posted to HMS FIONA, his only ship the following day. He remained aboard her until she was lost. Thomas’s body was never discovered and he is remembered at the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.
He was just 19 years old when he died.
Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald - Saturday 15 September 1917
Private Thomas Henry Taylor, R.M.L.I., aged 19, was drowned recently whilst on patrol duty. He was the son of Mr. Thos. Taylor, of 29, Mead-road, and an old boy of the North Council School.
Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald - Saturday 15 September 1917
RETURN THANKS
MR. AMD MRS. T. TAYLOR, of 29, Mead-road, wish to return thanks to all kind friends for sympathy shown to them in the loss their son, who was drowned on September 7th, 1917.
Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald - Saturday 22 September 1917
GALLERY OF HONOUR.
Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald - Saturday 31 August 1918
IN MEMORIAM
TAYLOR. —In loving memory our dear son. Thomas Henry Taylor, who was drowned while on active service on September 6th, 1917. —Deeply mourned by his sorrowing Mum Dad, and John
“A light is from our household gone,
A voice we loved is stilled;
a place is vacant in our home,
Which never can 'be filled.”
Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald - Saturday 11 September 1920
IN MEMORIAM
TAYLOR.—1 loving memory of our dear son. Thomas Henry Taylor Pte., R.M.L.I., aged 19 years, who was drowned while on active service, Sept. 6th, 1917.
"Not far away, for unbroken
Is the Golden Chain of Love;
It is binding us still together
On earth, and in Heaven above."
From dad, mum, and John.
Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald - Saturday 10 September 1921
IN MEMORIAM
TAYLOR-In-loving memory of our dear son Private Thomas Henry Taylor, aged 19 years who was drowned while on active service, September 6th, 1917.-Greatly missed.-From mum, dad, and Brother John.
IN MEMORIAM
TAYLOR. —In loving memory our dear son. Thomas Henry Taylor, who was drowned while on active service on September 6th, 1917. —Deeply mourned by his sorrowing Mum Dad, and John
“A light is from our household gone,
A voice we loved is stilled;
a place is vacant in our home,
Which never can 'be filled.”
Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald - Saturday 11 September 1920
IN MEMORIAM
TAYLOR.—1 loving memory of our dear son. Thomas Henry Taylor Pte., R.M.L.I., aged 19 years, who was drowned while on active service, Sept. 6th, 1917.
"Not far away, for unbroken
Is the Golden Chain of Love;
It is binding us still together
On earth, and in Heaven above."
From dad, mum, and John.
Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald - Saturday 10 September 1921
IN MEMORIAM
TAYLOR-In-loving memory of our dear son Private Thomas Henry Taylor, aged 19 years who was drowned while on active service, September 6th, 1917.-Greatly missed.-From mum, dad, and Brother John.
Sources:
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 - FreeBMD
1901 & 1911 England Census
National Archives - ADM 159/134/20592
CWGC Register
UK and Ireland, Find A Grave Index, 1300s-Current
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: 0663
WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; Pension Record Cards; Reference: 178/0914/TAY-TAY
Researched by Wendy Sadler
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 - FreeBMD
1901 & 1911 England Census
National Archives - ADM 159/134/20592
CWGC Register
UK and Ireland, Find A Grave Index, 1300s-Current
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: 0663
WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; Pension Record Cards; Reference: 178/0914/TAY-TAY
Researched by Wendy Sadler
