HMS Hoste
HMS Hoste.
HMS Hoste 21/12/1916
Parker Class Flotilla Leader.
Displacement: 1700 tons.
Length: 99.1 m. Beam: 9.7 m. Draught: 3.7 m.
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 4 x Yarrow boilers, 3 shafts
Complement: Officers and men: 117 (some report 121 or 134)
Crew Lost: 4
Armament: 4 × single QF 4-inch Mark IV guns
2 × 2-pounder "pom-pom" guns
2 × twin 21 inch (533 mm) torpedo tube sets
2 × depth charge chutes
Parker Class Flotilla Leader.
Displacement: 1700 tons.
Length: 99.1 m. Beam: 9.7 m. Draught: 3.7 m.
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 4 x Yarrow boilers, 3 shafts
Complement: Officers and men: 117 (some report 121 or 134)
Crew Lost: 4
Armament: 4 × single QF 4-inch Mark IV guns
2 × 2-pounder "pom-pom" guns
2 × twin 21 inch (533 mm) torpedo tube sets
2 × depth charge chutes
Built by Cammell Laird, Birkenhead and launched in August 1916.
HMS Hoste joined the Thirteenth Destroyer Flotilla, part of the Grand Fleet, with the pennant number G90.
On the 19th December 1916 HMS Hoste left with the Grand Fleet to conduct exercises off the east of coast of Shetland under the command of Commander Graham R. L. Edwards.
On the forenoon of 20th December Engineer Lieutenant Commander Lyon reported the steering gear was defective as a stud had fractured in the main bearing of the steering engine. HMS Hoste requested permission to return to Scapa Flow, as did not consider the steering gear sufficient to manoeuvre, and this was granted by HMS Gabriel. HMS Negro was tasked to escort HMS Hoste back to base.
HMS Hoste stopped to examine the damage and ‘’ not under control’’ balls were hoisted. HMS Negro signalled ‘’ I hope there is nothing seriously wrong’’ to which HMS Hoste answered ‘’I am stopping to make good defects’’. HMS Hoste then proceeded after informing HMS Gabriel that HMS Negro was in company.
At about two o’clock in the afternoon HMS Hoste stopped again to replace the fractured stud with a bolt of the same size. The repair was reported to be efficient as long as the helmsman worked the engine slowly.
HMS Hoste then proceeded and signalled HMS Negro ‘’ Take up any convenient station’’ to which HMS Negro replied ‘’ I think I had better go on your bow to act as a Partial screen’’.
At dusk HMS Negro made the signal ‘’Permission to take station astern’’ which HMS Hoste approved.
During the first watch HMS Hoste received orders from HMS Iron Duke to report position, course, and speed and when having done so was then ordered to show navigation lights. This message was passed to HMS Negro.
At about 1.30 am Commander Edwards noticed HMS Hoste appeared to be turning to starboard and ordered the officer of the watch to check the compass. The helmsman reported the steering had jammed. The officer of the watch was ordered to go below and check what the problem may be.
Commander Edwards had rightly assumed the battle fleet would also be heading back to Scapa Flow due to deteriorating weather conditions, the wind being a fresh SE and freshening to a gale, and that they were astern of him and was also concerned, that on the present course, HMS Hoste and HMS Negro would run straight into the of the homeward bound fleet.
The order on HMS Hoste was given half speed astern port to remove pressure on the rudder to get the helm working again. The ‘’not under control lights’’ were hoisted and a message by flashing light to HMS Negro ‘’I am not under control’’.
HMS Negro had followed HMS Hoste around onto the westerly course and seemed unaware she had slowed as shortly afterwards they collided with the bow of HMS Negro slicing into the stern of HMS Hoste.
There was then a large explosion when the stern of HMS Hoste was abreast midships with HMS Negro.
The collision had caused two depth charges from HMS Hoste to roll overboard and this did considerable damage to HMS Negro.
HMS Hoste signalled ‘’all stop’’ on the engines, put searchlights on and signalled HMS Negro ‘’Have you been badly damaged’’ and received the reply ‘’I have been holed forward’’.
An assessment of the damage showed that the stern of the ship had been lifted and this had caused a ''trench athwartships before the aft superstructure and had split the starboard side down for about four feet''.
The Chief Engineer reported that both engines could be run slow ahead, with no vibration, which was done. HMS Hoste then signalled HMS Iron Duke and reported the collision and requested assistance for HMS Negro.
The light cruiser HMS Castor closed on HMS Hoste and signalled ‘’ You appear to be going nine knots’’, ‘’ I will close ‘Negro’ and send you a destroyer". Shortly afterwards HMS Marvel arrived to escort HMS Hoste to Scapa Flow along with HMS Mameluke & HMS Prince.
At 05.30 the sea appeared to back to the eastward and a very heavy sea caught the stern of the ship. Commander Edwards commented to the First Lieutenant that ‘’If that happens again she will break her back’’, then two more heavy seas struck in rapid succession and the stern of HMS Hoste broke away. This damaged the engine room bulkhead and was clear that HMS Hoste was lost. The boilers were shut down and the order was given for men to put on lifebelts and go to abandon ship stations.
HMS Marvel was signalled to close in to pick up the crew.
HMS Prince pumped oil onto the sea help try and calm the waters.
HMS Marvel is reported in various newspaper reports to have gone alongside HMS Hoste thirteen times to rescue survivors with only four crew being lost, two falling between the two ships and two falling into the sea and swept away. Commander Graham R. L. Edwards was the last person off the vessel.
The logbook (ADM 53/48801 HMS Marvel) does not reflect the heroism and seamanship displayed during the rescue which resulted in damage to the bow of HMS Marvel. It simply states:
5.30 Alongside H.M.S. Hoste picked up 113 survivors. Left Hoste 5.50.
6.00 Lost sight of Hoste, believed sunk.
6.15 proceeded at 5 Kts Co S 60° W. Approx post. Hoste sunk 59° 16’ N 1° 55’ E
At 12.15 HMS Marvel was alongside HMS Diligence in Scapa Flow and at 1.55 all the survivors were discharged.
On the forenoon of 20th December Engineer Lieutenant Commander Lyon reported the steering gear was defective as a stud had fractured in the main bearing of the steering engine. HMS Hoste requested permission to return to Scapa Flow, as did not consider the steering gear sufficient to manoeuvre, and this was granted by HMS Gabriel. HMS Negro was tasked to escort HMS Hoste back to base.
HMS Hoste stopped to examine the damage and ‘’ not under control’’ balls were hoisted. HMS Negro signalled ‘’ I hope there is nothing seriously wrong’’ to which HMS Hoste answered ‘’I am stopping to make good defects’’. HMS Hoste then proceeded after informing HMS Gabriel that HMS Negro was in company.
At about two o’clock in the afternoon HMS Hoste stopped again to replace the fractured stud with a bolt of the same size. The repair was reported to be efficient as long as the helmsman worked the engine slowly.
HMS Hoste then proceeded and signalled HMS Negro ‘’ Take up any convenient station’’ to which HMS Negro replied ‘’ I think I had better go on your bow to act as a Partial screen’’.
At dusk HMS Negro made the signal ‘’Permission to take station astern’’ which HMS Hoste approved.
During the first watch HMS Hoste received orders from HMS Iron Duke to report position, course, and speed and when having done so was then ordered to show navigation lights. This message was passed to HMS Negro.
At about 1.30 am Commander Edwards noticed HMS Hoste appeared to be turning to starboard and ordered the officer of the watch to check the compass. The helmsman reported the steering had jammed. The officer of the watch was ordered to go below and check what the problem may be.
Commander Edwards had rightly assumed the battle fleet would also be heading back to Scapa Flow due to deteriorating weather conditions, the wind being a fresh SE and freshening to a gale, and that they were astern of him and was also concerned, that on the present course, HMS Hoste and HMS Negro would run straight into the of the homeward bound fleet.
The order on HMS Hoste was given half speed astern port to remove pressure on the rudder to get the helm working again. The ‘’not under control lights’’ were hoisted and a message by flashing light to HMS Negro ‘’I am not under control’’.
HMS Negro had followed HMS Hoste around onto the westerly course and seemed unaware she had slowed as shortly afterwards they collided with the bow of HMS Negro slicing into the stern of HMS Hoste.
There was then a large explosion when the stern of HMS Hoste was abreast midships with HMS Negro.
The collision had caused two depth charges from HMS Hoste to roll overboard and this did considerable damage to HMS Negro.
HMS Hoste signalled ‘’all stop’’ on the engines, put searchlights on and signalled HMS Negro ‘’Have you been badly damaged’’ and received the reply ‘’I have been holed forward’’.
An assessment of the damage showed that the stern of the ship had been lifted and this had caused a ''trench athwartships before the aft superstructure and had split the starboard side down for about four feet''.
The Chief Engineer reported that both engines could be run slow ahead, with no vibration, which was done. HMS Hoste then signalled HMS Iron Duke and reported the collision and requested assistance for HMS Negro.
The light cruiser HMS Castor closed on HMS Hoste and signalled ‘’ You appear to be going nine knots’’, ‘’ I will close ‘Negro’ and send you a destroyer". Shortly afterwards HMS Marvel arrived to escort HMS Hoste to Scapa Flow along with HMS Mameluke & HMS Prince.
At 05.30 the sea appeared to back to the eastward and a very heavy sea caught the stern of the ship. Commander Edwards commented to the First Lieutenant that ‘’If that happens again she will break her back’’, then two more heavy seas struck in rapid succession and the stern of HMS Hoste broke away. This damaged the engine room bulkhead and was clear that HMS Hoste was lost. The boilers were shut down and the order was given for men to put on lifebelts and go to abandon ship stations.
HMS Marvel was signalled to close in to pick up the crew.
HMS Prince pumped oil onto the sea help try and calm the waters.
HMS Marvel is reported in various newspaper reports to have gone alongside HMS Hoste thirteen times to rescue survivors with only four crew being lost, two falling between the two ships and two falling into the sea and swept away. Commander Graham R. L. Edwards was the last person off the vessel.
The logbook (ADM 53/48801 HMS Marvel) does not reflect the heroism and seamanship displayed during the rescue which resulted in damage to the bow of HMS Marvel. It simply states:
5.30 Alongside H.M.S. Hoste picked up 113 survivors. Left Hoste 5.50.
6.00 Lost sight of Hoste, believed sunk.
6.15 proceeded at 5 Kts Co S 60° W. Approx post. Hoste sunk 59° 16’ N 1° 55’ E
At 12.15 HMS Marvel was alongside HMS Diligence in Scapa Flow and at 1.55 all the survivors were discharged.
Leicester Evening Mail - Tuesday 26 December 1916
TWO DESTROYERS SUNK. Six Officers and 49 Men Drowned.
Six Officers and 49 men lost their lives last Thursday by the sinking of two af our torpedo boats in the North Sea. T i be official announcement made by the Secretary of the Admiralty, is as follows: Two of his Majesty's torpedo-boat destroyers were sunk in collision in the North Sea on December 21, during very had weather. The disaster resulted in the loss of six officers and 49 men. The relatives have been notified.
Lynn News & County Press - Saturday 30 December 1916
A NAVAL SORROW.
Two British destroyer* were sunk in the North Sea on December 21. They came into collision during very rough weather Six officers and 49 Men drowned.
Dundee People's Journal - Saturday 30 December 1916
Destroyers Lost. During very bad weather in the North Sea on the 21st inst. two British destroyers collided, with the result that both vessels were sunk, and six officers and 49 men drowned. Such accidents are inevitable in time of war, when patrolling has to be carried out continuously by day and night—without lights when darkness falls. In bad weather such operations are attended with very great risks.
Surrey Advertiser - Monday 15 January 1917
SAVED FROM DEATH BY FOUR MINUTES. GUILDFORDIAN’S THRILLING EXPERIENCE
Mr. Herbert Finch, an old Grenville House and Grammar School boy, whose mother resides in Guildford, recently had a thrilling experience and a wonderful escape from death by drowning. Finch, a finely-built young fellow, joined the Navy less than a year ago, just before he was 18. being at that time in the London offices of the Prudential Assurance Company, and was posted to a destroyer. About Christmas time the Admiralty announced that two destroyers had been sunk in the North Sea, and some fifty officers and men had been drowned. Finch was board one of the destroyers at the time of the collision, and escaped death by about four minutes. It not permissible state the circumstances in which the collision, occurred, or precisely what happened. But it was two o’clock in the morning, very dark and stormy, with heavy seas running. One boat had sunk after the accident with most of the crew ; the other, on which Finch was serving, had broken back and was sinking. The S.O.S. signal had been sent out, and the crew, in trousers and shirt only, with lifebelts on, were waiting for the end. Big seas washed over the decks, sweeping some men away, and Finch himself was only saved from this fate by clutching some of the wireless apparatus hanging loose as he was washed off his feet. At last, after a long and terrible time of suspense, a searchlight flashed through the darkness: it was from another destroyer, which had picked the signal for help. The heavy seas made it impossible for the rescuer to come alongside, the men had to jump from the bow of one vessel to that of the other. Two or three missed the jump owing to the pitching of the boats, and went to their deaths in the boiling seas, but Finch was fortunate enough to land safely. Four minutes later the destroyer from which he and his comrades escaped made her final plunge beneath the water. Finch was home last week, and was looking none the worse for his thrilling experience.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Wednesday 05 February 1919
A NAVAL OCCASION
BRILLIANT RESCUE WORK ON RAMMED DESTROYER.
Seldom has the curtain been raised to display the exploits of British seamen in circumstances of such peril, and giving example of such supreme heroism, told in the story attached to the sinking H.M.S. Hoste.
On the night of Thursday, December 21, 1916, the Grand Fleet was returning to its northern base from one of the periodical sweeps which formed its tireless duty in the North Sea. In advance of the battle squadrons was a patrolling force of destroyers, of which the leading vessel was the Hoste, Commander G. L. Edwards, R.N., followed by the Negro, another new destroyer. It was pitch dark night, with a heavy sea running, and the vessels were without navigation lights.
Suddenly there was a crash and rending crunch, by series of violent detonations while loud shouts arose out of the darkness. Even the storm could not muffle the sound of those exploding charges or the sharp, grating sounds which accompanied the tearing to pieces of the stern the Hoste.
The Negro had run into her consort, and had struck her hi the after-part just where the depth charges were stowed for use. The rails and adjacent parts ware knocked away, and with them the fastenings the anti-submarine bombs, which burst, as they fell to their appointed depth and added to the damage already done to both vessels by the collision. The hull of the smaller destroyer was so badly shattered that she sank immediately, with almost all board. Only one officer and a few men were saved from her crew.
On board the Hoste there was need for the greatest courage and fortitude. The captain reminded the crew of what was expected of them as British seamen. Barely able stand as the deck reeled under them and spray swept as the destroyer rolled to the rushing seas and the fury of the gale, each man prepared bravely to face the inevitable.
Then through the wrack and driven spume of the storm-tossed seas a blurred object loomed up, and presently. as it came nearer, revealed itself as another destroyer, and from her movements the intention of her commander was divined. Handling his vessel with admirable skill, he watched his opportunity, and at a suitable moment brought her for a few seconds into close proximity with the forecastle of the Hoste. Then, at the given order, the first batch of men jumped while such wags the superb discipline that, not one the remainder moved from his place Fifteen times was this almost incredible manoeuvre repeated, the rescuing vessel being brought back into position, until within 40 minutes the whole of the officers and men of the Hoste, with the exception of four, were successfully rescued. Two those who lost their lives were crushed between the vessels, while other two were drowned. After the last group had safely jumped, Captain Edwards himself took his leap for life, and had hardly done so when die remains of the ill-fated Hoste sank to the bottom.
TWO DESTROYERS SUNK. Six Officers and 49 Men Drowned.
Six Officers and 49 men lost their lives last Thursday by the sinking of two af our torpedo boats in the North Sea. T i be official announcement made by the Secretary of the Admiralty, is as follows: Two of his Majesty's torpedo-boat destroyers were sunk in collision in the North Sea on December 21, during very had weather. The disaster resulted in the loss of six officers and 49 men. The relatives have been notified.
Lynn News & County Press - Saturday 30 December 1916
A NAVAL SORROW.
Two British destroyer* were sunk in the North Sea on December 21. They came into collision during very rough weather Six officers and 49 Men drowned.
Dundee People's Journal - Saturday 30 December 1916
Destroyers Lost. During very bad weather in the North Sea on the 21st inst. two British destroyers collided, with the result that both vessels were sunk, and six officers and 49 men drowned. Such accidents are inevitable in time of war, when patrolling has to be carried out continuously by day and night—without lights when darkness falls. In bad weather such operations are attended with very great risks.
Surrey Advertiser - Monday 15 January 1917
SAVED FROM DEATH BY FOUR MINUTES. GUILDFORDIAN’S THRILLING EXPERIENCE
Mr. Herbert Finch, an old Grenville House and Grammar School boy, whose mother resides in Guildford, recently had a thrilling experience and a wonderful escape from death by drowning. Finch, a finely-built young fellow, joined the Navy less than a year ago, just before he was 18. being at that time in the London offices of the Prudential Assurance Company, and was posted to a destroyer. About Christmas time the Admiralty announced that two destroyers had been sunk in the North Sea, and some fifty officers and men had been drowned. Finch was board one of the destroyers at the time of the collision, and escaped death by about four minutes. It not permissible state the circumstances in which the collision, occurred, or precisely what happened. But it was two o’clock in the morning, very dark and stormy, with heavy seas running. One boat had sunk after the accident with most of the crew ; the other, on which Finch was serving, had broken back and was sinking. The S.O.S. signal had been sent out, and the crew, in trousers and shirt only, with lifebelts on, were waiting for the end. Big seas washed over the decks, sweeping some men away, and Finch himself was only saved from this fate by clutching some of the wireless apparatus hanging loose as he was washed off his feet. At last, after a long and terrible time of suspense, a searchlight flashed through the darkness: it was from another destroyer, which had picked the signal for help. The heavy seas made it impossible for the rescuer to come alongside, the men had to jump from the bow of one vessel to that of the other. Two or three missed the jump owing to the pitching of the boats, and went to their deaths in the boiling seas, but Finch was fortunate enough to land safely. Four minutes later the destroyer from which he and his comrades escaped made her final plunge beneath the water. Finch was home last week, and was looking none the worse for his thrilling experience.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Wednesday 05 February 1919
A NAVAL OCCASION
BRILLIANT RESCUE WORK ON RAMMED DESTROYER.
Seldom has the curtain been raised to display the exploits of British seamen in circumstances of such peril, and giving example of such supreme heroism, told in the story attached to the sinking H.M.S. Hoste.
On the night of Thursday, December 21, 1916, the Grand Fleet was returning to its northern base from one of the periodical sweeps which formed its tireless duty in the North Sea. In advance of the battle squadrons was a patrolling force of destroyers, of which the leading vessel was the Hoste, Commander G. L. Edwards, R.N., followed by the Negro, another new destroyer. It was pitch dark night, with a heavy sea running, and the vessels were without navigation lights.
Suddenly there was a crash and rending crunch, by series of violent detonations while loud shouts arose out of the darkness. Even the storm could not muffle the sound of those exploding charges or the sharp, grating sounds which accompanied the tearing to pieces of the stern the Hoste.
The Negro had run into her consort, and had struck her hi the after-part just where the depth charges were stowed for use. The rails and adjacent parts ware knocked away, and with them the fastenings the anti-submarine bombs, which burst, as they fell to their appointed depth and added to the damage already done to both vessels by the collision. The hull of the smaller destroyer was so badly shattered that she sank immediately, with almost all board. Only one officer and a few men were saved from her crew.
On board the Hoste there was need for the greatest courage and fortitude. The captain reminded the crew of what was expected of them as British seamen. Barely able stand as the deck reeled under them and spray swept as the destroyer rolled to the rushing seas and the fury of the gale, each man prepared bravely to face the inevitable.
Then through the wrack and driven spume of the storm-tossed seas a blurred object loomed up, and presently. as it came nearer, revealed itself as another destroyer, and from her movements the intention of her commander was divined. Handling his vessel with admirable skill, he watched his opportunity, and at a suitable moment brought her for a few seconds into close proximity with the forecastle of the Hoste. Then, at the given order, the first batch of men jumped while such wags the superb discipline that, not one the remainder moved from his place Fifteen times was this almost incredible manoeuvre repeated, the rescuing vessel being brought back into position, until within 40 minutes the whole of the officers and men of the Hoste, with the exception of four, were successfully rescued. Two those who lost their lives were crushed between the vessels, while other two were drowned. After the last group had safely jumped, Captain Edwards himself took his leap for life, and had hardly done so when die remains of the ill-fated Hoste sank to the bottom.
THE WRECK TODAY.
HMS Hoste wreck site
UKHO have no wreck card for HMS Hoste and various sources list her as being lost either ‘’off Shetland’’ or ‘’in the North Sea’’ with the only real clue being that she was heading to Scapa Flow when the collision occurred.
The LIWD project decided to try and establish where the wrecks of both HMS Negro and HMS Hoste lay. The first document that was obtained was HD-1918-3429 ‘’ Collision between HMS ‘Hoste’ and HMS ‘Negro’ on 21st Dec 1916, off Scapa Flow. Loss of both vessels’’ from UKHO.
This report gave no positions for the sinking of HMS Hoste but did give some clues, including other vessels that were involved in the rescue of the crew.
The logbooks of the vessels that were involved in or around the incident, were obtained from the National Archive
The first logbook checked was HMS Marvel (ADM 53/48801) as this ship rescued the crew from HMS Hoste and may have given a position for the sinking. This logbook proved the most interesting.
2.40 q/c N 60° W
3.28 a/c S 65° W Dec . 6 Kts
Escorting H.M.S ‘’Hoste’’’ Fair Isle Lt Brg N 10° E. (This shows that the vessels are now south of Fair Isle.)
5.30 alongside H.M.S Hoste picking up 113 survivors. Left Hoste 5.50
6.0 Lost sight of Hoste believed sunk.
6.15 proceeded at 5 Kts Co S 60° W. Approx post. Hoste sunk 59° 16’ N 1° 55’ E
The position was plotted but was found to be inaccurate as this puts the sinking over 100 miles away to the east of Fair Isle and Fair Isle lights would not have been visible as both North and South Lighthouses can be seen at approximately 25 miles . It seems most likely the E should be W giving a rough position 59° 16’ N 1° 55’ W. 16 miles south of Fair Isle.
UKHO have no wreck card for HMS Hoste and various sources list her as being lost either ‘’off Shetland’’ or ‘’in the North Sea’’ with the only real clue being that she was heading to Scapa Flow when the collision occurred.
The LIWD project decided to try and establish where the wrecks of both HMS Negro and HMS Hoste lay. The first document that was obtained was HD-1918-3429 ‘’ Collision between HMS ‘Hoste’ and HMS ‘Negro’ on 21st Dec 1916, off Scapa Flow. Loss of both vessels’’ from UKHO.
This report gave no positions for the sinking of HMS Hoste but did give some clues, including other vessels that were involved in the rescue of the crew.
The logbooks of the vessels that were involved in or around the incident, were obtained from the National Archive
The first logbook checked was HMS Marvel (ADM 53/48801) as this ship rescued the crew from HMS Hoste and may have given a position for the sinking. This logbook proved the most interesting.
2.40 q/c N 60° W
3.28 a/c S 65° W Dec . 6 Kts
Escorting H.M.S ‘’Hoste’’’ Fair Isle Lt Brg N 10° E. (This shows that the vessels are now south of Fair Isle.)
5.30 alongside H.M.S Hoste picking up 113 survivors. Left Hoste 5.50
6.0 Lost sight of Hoste believed sunk.
6.15 proceeded at 5 Kts Co S 60° W. Approx post. Hoste sunk 59° 16’ N 1° 55’ E
The position was plotted but was found to be inaccurate as this puts the sinking over 100 miles away to the east of Fair Isle and Fair Isle lights would not have been visible as both North and South Lighthouses can be seen at approximately 25 miles . It seems most likely the E should be W giving a rough position 59° 16’ N 1° 55’ W. 16 miles south of Fair Isle.
Chart showing UKHO wrecks in relation to HMS Marvel's corrected log position. UKHO
UKHO have four wrecks located in this general area.
Wreck 74399, located by NetSurvey in 2006. From the MBES the wreck looks very degraded with no obvious engines or boilers and was given low priority as a target.
Wreck 531, recorded with UKHO as the MFV Avenger lost in 1978. The MBES looks very much like this vessel.
The last 2, wreck 557 and wreck 558 looked the most interesting.
Wreck 74399, located by NetSurvey in 2006. From the MBES the wreck looks very degraded with no obvious engines or boilers and was given low priority as a target.
Wreck 531, recorded with UKHO as the MFV Avenger lost in 1978. The MBES looks very much like this vessel.
The last 2, wreck 557 and wreck 558 looked the most interesting.
UKHO Wreck Card 557. Located in 1994 using side scan sonar. This wreck is 68m long and looks not typical of your usual steamship image. The vessel also looks as if the stern is missing. UKHO
UKHO Wreck card 558. Located in 1994 using side scan sonar. This looks like a portion of a wreck being 28m long. It looks like the forward part is missing and, what looks like two prop shafts can be seen. UKHO
These two wrecks are 3 miles apart. Both images from the side scan look as if they could fit together and combined, the length would be correct for HMS Hoste.
Side Scan Sonar 588 and 557 alongside showing how they fit. UKHO
THE DIVE.
Expedition ''Lost In Waters Deep 2023''
Expedition Leader: Will Schwarz
Team: Lt .Cmdr. Jen Smith (R.N.) Steve Mortimer, Barbara Mortimer, Rick Ayrton, Dominic Robinson, Fran Hockley, Jacob Mackenzie, Simon Kay, Paul Downs, Andi Marovic
MV Clasina Crew: Bob Anderson (Skipper) Neil Cope, Tash Yates, Godfrey Priest.
Photographer: Kata Opuntia
22/08/2023
Divers dived wreck 557 and this was found to be the wreck of a British Destroyer, four Yarrow Boilers, china crockery with the 1916 and later blue crown, and plenty of ammunition. The wreck ended just aft of the engine room with the stern missing.
Team: Lt .Cmdr. Jen Smith (R.N.) Steve Mortimer, Barbara Mortimer, Rick Ayrton, Dominic Robinson, Fran Hockley, Jacob Mackenzie, Simon Kay, Paul Downs, Andi Marovic
MV Clasina Crew: Bob Anderson (Skipper) Neil Cope, Tash Yates, Godfrey Priest.
Photographer: Kata Opuntia
22/08/2023
Divers dived wreck 557 and this was found to be the wreck of a British Destroyer, four Yarrow Boilers, china crockery with the 1916 and later blue crown, and plenty of ammunition. The wreck ended just aft of the engine room with the stern missing.
Photos: Rick Ayrton
Photos from video: Andi Marovic
Photos: Simon Kay
There are no other destroyers missing in this area, and by its condition (missing stern), its location from HMS Marvel's log (corrected) and its position and distance from HMS Negro then there can be no doubt that this is the wreck of HMS Hoste.
Special note: The site was not disturbed nor were any artefacts lifted.
Special note: The site was not disturbed nor were any artefacts lifted.
HMS Hoste Crew Casualties †21/12/1916
Name - Kenmure George Napaul Hammond
DOB - 7th May 1890
Place of Birth - At Sea, aboard the SS Napaul
Parents - Thomas and Clara Matilda Carter
Early History - Kenmure was baptised on 26th May 1890 in the parish of Christ Church, probably as quickly as his parents could arrange it once on terra firma, as Kenmure was born at sea aboard the steam ship Napaul. At the time of his birth his name was not recorded in the register of births at sea, but it was shortly made official once on UK soil and registered in Greenwich, with the ship being remembered in his name. The SS Nepaul was a P&O Steam Navigation Company steamship and used as a Royal Mail carrier; Kenmure was born aboard it before its last journey at the end of 1890 when it hit rocks in Heybrook Bay, just south of Plymouth.
DOB - 7th May 1890
Place of Birth - At Sea, aboard the SS Napaul
Parents - Thomas and Clara Matilda Carter
Early History - Kenmure was baptised on 26th May 1890 in the parish of Christ Church, probably as quickly as his parents could arrange it once on terra firma, as Kenmure was born at sea aboard the steam ship Napaul. At the time of his birth his name was not recorded in the register of births at sea, but it was shortly made official once on UK soil and registered in Greenwich, with the ship being remembered in his name. The SS Nepaul was a P&O Steam Navigation Company steamship and used as a Royal Mail carrier; Kenmure was born aboard it before its last journey at the end of 1890 when it hit rocks in Heybrook Bay, just south of Plymouth.
The SS Nepaul
Rank - Leading Seaman - (Ch) 238335
Service History - He can’t be found on the 1901 census but in 1907, he joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class and began his career training at HMS GANGES II on 16th March 1907. He was recorded as being 5’6” (growing to 5’8”tall) with fair hair and grey eyes. He left the Suffolk based shore establishment on 7th July 1907 after rising in rank to Boy 1st Class on 16th June 1907.
The remainder of his postings follow -
HMS LONDON - 18/07/1907 - 16/11/1907
HMS LEVIATHAN - 17/11/1907 - 09/03/1908
HMS SHANNON - 10/03/1908 - 28/02/1910, rising to Ordinary Seaman on 7th May 1908
HMS PEMBROKE I - 01/03/1910 - 19/04/1910
HMS CAESAR - 20/04/1910 - 06/06/1910
HMS DOMINION - 07/06/1910 - 23/05/1911, rising to Able Seaman on 01/10/1910
HMS PEMBROKE I- 24/05/1911 - 06/06/1911
HMS HALCYON - 07/06/1911 - 01/03/1912
HMS VICTORY I - 02/03/1912 - 05/05/1912
HMS HALCYON - 06/05/1912 - 18/07/1916, rising to Leading Seaman on 08/11/1915
HMS PEMBROKE - 19/07/1916 - 06/11/1916
HMS WOOLWICH (HOSTE) - 07/11/1916 - 21/12/1916
He died aged just 26.
Sources:
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 - FreeBMD
London, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1917 London Metropolitan Archives; London, England; Reference Number: p78/ctc/005
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: 423
http://www.shipsproject.org/Wrecks/Wk_Nepaul.html (photo also courtesy of website)
Registers of Births, Marriages and Deaths at Sea, 1844-1890 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Registers of Births at Sea of British Nationals; Class: BT 160; Piece: 2
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
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 0740
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995
Researched by Wendy Sadler
Service History - He can’t be found on the 1901 census but in 1907, he joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class and began his career training at HMS GANGES II on 16th March 1907. He was recorded as being 5’6” (growing to 5’8”tall) with fair hair and grey eyes. He left the Suffolk based shore establishment on 7th July 1907 after rising in rank to Boy 1st Class on 16th June 1907.
The remainder of his postings follow -
HMS LONDON - 18/07/1907 - 16/11/1907
HMS LEVIATHAN - 17/11/1907 - 09/03/1908
HMS SHANNON - 10/03/1908 - 28/02/1910, rising to Ordinary Seaman on 7th May 1908
HMS PEMBROKE I - 01/03/1910 - 19/04/1910
HMS CAESAR - 20/04/1910 - 06/06/1910
HMS DOMINION - 07/06/1910 - 23/05/1911, rising to Able Seaman on 01/10/1910
HMS PEMBROKE I- 24/05/1911 - 06/06/1911
HMS HALCYON - 07/06/1911 - 01/03/1912
HMS VICTORY I - 02/03/1912 - 05/05/1912
HMS HALCYON - 06/05/1912 - 18/07/1916, rising to Leading Seaman on 08/11/1915
HMS PEMBROKE - 19/07/1916 - 06/11/1916
HMS WOOLWICH (HOSTE) - 07/11/1916 - 21/12/1916
He died aged just 26.
Sources:
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 - FreeBMD
London, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1917 London Metropolitan Archives; London, England; Reference Number: p78/ctc/005
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: 423
http://www.shipsproject.org/Wrecks/Wk_Nepaul.html (photo also courtesy of website)
Registers of Births, Marriages and Deaths at Sea, 1844-1890 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Registers of Births at Sea of British Nationals; Class: BT 160; Piece: 2
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
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 0740
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995
Researched by Wendy Sadler
Name - Desper George Collinson
DOB - 21st January 1897
Place of Birth - Uckfield, Sussex
Parents - George and Elizabeth
Early History - Desper was the only son in a family with 5 daughters when recorded on the 1901 census, living in Ringles Cross, Uckfield. During the next few years another boy was born, but sadly the family lost their mother Elizabeth sometime after 1903. On the 1911 census Desper was recorded aged 14 working as a drapers errand boy - he and his siblings lived with their father at 3 Cecil Road, Redhill, Surrey.
Rank - Able Seaman J 20305
Service History - Desper had his first experience of sea life and ships training on the old Training Ship Warspite before joining the Navy on 2nd October 1912 as a Boy 2nd Class, recorded as 5’7” tall, with dark brown hair, blue eyes with a scar on his forehead and a mole of the back of his neck.
He trained at HMS GANGES on the Suffolk coast until 25th May 1913 before moving to HMS GRAFTON on 26th May as a Boy 1st Class. He left the cruiser on 5th September 1913 and was posted to HMS PEMBROKE I on 6th September until the end of the same month. His next posting was to HMS RUSSELL, the flagship of the 6th Battle Squadron at that time, just before the outbreak of the First World War. He remained and served aboard the pre-dreadnought until 1st May 1916, rising to Ordinary Seaman on his 18th birthday and Able Seaman on 15th April 1916.
He left sea service on 2nd May 1916 and remained attached to HMS PEMBROKE I until 25th October 1916 before his posting to HMS HOSTE (attached to HMS WOOLWICH) for just 2 months.
He was killed aged 19, his Star, Victory and British medals sent to his sister following his death.
DOB - 21st January 1897
Place of Birth - Uckfield, Sussex
Parents - George and Elizabeth
Early History - Desper was the only son in a family with 5 daughters when recorded on the 1901 census, living in Ringles Cross, Uckfield. During the next few years another boy was born, but sadly the family lost their mother Elizabeth sometime after 1903. On the 1911 census Desper was recorded aged 14 working as a drapers errand boy - he and his siblings lived with their father at 3 Cecil Road, Redhill, Surrey.
Rank - Able Seaman J 20305
Service History - Desper had his first experience of sea life and ships training on the old Training Ship Warspite before joining the Navy on 2nd October 1912 as a Boy 2nd Class, recorded as 5’7” tall, with dark brown hair, blue eyes with a scar on his forehead and a mole of the back of his neck.
He trained at HMS GANGES on the Suffolk coast until 25th May 1913 before moving to HMS GRAFTON on 26th May as a Boy 1st Class. He left the cruiser on 5th September 1913 and was posted to HMS PEMBROKE I on 6th September until the end of the same month. His next posting was to HMS RUSSELL, the flagship of the 6th Battle Squadron at that time, just before the outbreak of the First World War. He remained and served aboard the pre-dreadnought until 1st May 1916, rising to Ordinary Seaman on his 18th birthday and Able Seaman on 15th April 1916.
He left sea service on 2nd May 1916 and remained attached to HMS PEMBROKE I until 25th October 1916 before his posting to HMS HOSTE (attached to HMS WOOLWICH) for just 2 months.
He was killed aged 19, his Star, Victory and British medals sent to his sister following his death.
Sources:
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-191 - Free BMD
1901 England Census - RG13; Piece: 900; Folio: 15; Page: 21
1911 England Census - RG14; Piece: 3223; Schedule Number: 90
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: 687
Commonwealth War Graves, 1914-1921 and 1939-1947
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: 687
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0834
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 007;
Researched by Wendy Sadler
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-191 - Free BMD
1901 England Census - RG13; Piece: 900; Folio: 15; Page: 21
1911 England Census - RG14; Piece: 3223; Schedule Number: 90
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: 687
Commonwealth War Graves, 1914-1921 and 1939-1947
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: 687
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0834
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 007;
Researched by Wendy Sadler
Name - Alfred Frank Powell
DOB - 21st June 1899
Place of Birth - Hampstead, London
Parents - Alfred and Emily
Early History - Alfred was just one year old on the 1901 census, living with his parents and older sister Emily at Upper Park Road, Hampstead. 10 years later he was recorded on the 1911 census living with his parents and siblings, aged 11. He was however recorded as Frank, his middle name, and the family boarded at 3 Denmark Road, Bromley, Kent with another family.
Rank - Ordinary Signalman- Ch J49256
DOB - 21st June 1899
Place of Birth - Hampstead, London
Parents - Alfred and Emily
Early History - Alfred was just one year old on the 1901 census, living with his parents and older sister Emily at Upper Park Road, Hampstead. 10 years later he was recorded on the 1911 census living with his parents and siblings, aged 11. He was however recorded as Frank, his middle name, and the family boarded at 3 Denmark Road, Bromley, Kent with another family.
Rank - Ordinary Signalman- Ch J49256
Service History - Alfred joined the Navy on 18th January 1916 as a Boy 2nd Class, training at HMS VIVID I until 14th April 1916. He then transferred to HMS GANGES in Suffolk, rising and training as a Signal Boy on 20th June 1916, rising in rank again to Ordinary Signalman the following day (his 17th Birthday) and left on 29th August 1916.
He was based at HMS PEMBROKE I from 30th August 1916 until his posting to HMS WOOLWICH (of which HOSTE was attached) on 31st August to 21st December 1916.
He was 5’1” tall with brown hair and brown eyes and died aged just 17.
Sources:
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: 745
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
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/9; Scan Number: 0965
Researched by Wendy Sadler
Ganges image courtesy of VanguardCrewPhotos
He was based at HMS PEMBROKE I from 30th August 1916 until his posting to HMS WOOLWICH (of which HOSTE was attached) on 31st August to 21st December 1916.
He was 5’1” tall with brown hair and brown eyes and died aged just 17.
Sources:
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: 745
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
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/9; Scan Number: 0965
Researched by Wendy Sadler
Ganges image courtesy of VanguardCrewPhotos
Name - Ernest Marriott
DOB - 25th October 1895
Place of Birth - Not known
Parents -Herbert and Fanny
Early History - Listed on the 1901 census aged five and living at 85 down Street, Leicester along with his parents and a twenty year old boarder. He was then the couple’s only child and Herbert worked in the hosiery industry to support his family. Ernest was listed on the 1911 census boarding at Bowers Row, New Street, Hucknall under Huthwater, Nottinghamshire aged fifteen, along with his father. They both worked in the hosiery cotton industry.
Rank - Able Seaman - Bristol Z/5019 RNVR
Service History - Ernest joined the RNVR on 5th April 1916 for the duration of hostilities, ranked as an Ordinary Seaman, He was 5’8” tall with light brown hair and brown eyes and a vaccination scar on his left arm. He remained attached to HMS VICTORY IV from 5th May 1916 until 16th October 1916, moving to HMS EXCELLENT on 17th October 1916 until 16th November 1916. His final posting was to HMS WOOLWICH of which HMS HOSTE was attached, from 17th November until his death aboard the ship on 21st December 1916.
DOB - 25th October 1895
Place of Birth - Not known
Parents -Herbert and Fanny
Early History - Listed on the 1901 census aged five and living at 85 down Street, Leicester along with his parents and a twenty year old boarder. He was then the couple’s only child and Herbert worked in the hosiery industry to support his family. Ernest was listed on the 1911 census boarding at Bowers Row, New Street, Hucknall under Huthwater, Nottinghamshire aged fifteen, along with his father. They both worked in the hosiery cotton industry.
Rank - Able Seaman - Bristol Z/5019 RNVR
Service History - Ernest joined the RNVR on 5th April 1916 for the duration of hostilities, ranked as an Ordinary Seaman, He was 5’8” tall with light brown hair and brown eyes and a vaccination scar on his left arm. He remained attached to HMS VICTORY IV from 5th May 1916 until 16th October 1916, moving to HMS EXCELLENT on 17th October 1916 until 16th November 1916. His final posting was to HMS WOOLWICH of which HMS HOSTE was attached, from 17th November until his death aboard the ship on 21st December 1916.
Depot Ship HMS Woolwich
Sources:
1901 & 1911 England Census
National Archives' reference ADM 337/7/243
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
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/9; Scan Number: 0393
UK, Royal Naval Division Index, 1914-1919
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Service Records Index, 1903-1922
Researched by Wendy Sadler
1901 & 1911 England Census
National Archives' reference ADM 337/7/243
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
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/9; Scan Number: 0393
UK, Royal Naval Division Index, 1914-1919
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Service Records Index, 1903-1922
Researched by Wendy Sadler
