HMS JASON

HMS Jason

HMS Jason 03/04/1917

Displacement: 810 tons.

Length: 74 m. Beam: 8.20 m. Draught: 3.80 m.

Propulsion: Built with 2 x 3-cyl vertical triple-expansion steam engines.2 x locomotive-type boilers. Twin screw. but had new engines & boilers fitted in 1902. The ships plans from Sheerness dated latest Nov 1913 show 2 x 4-cyl engines.

Complement: 103

Crew Lost: 25

Armament: 2 x 4.7 inch guns. 4 x 3 pounder guns. Built with 3 x 18 inch torpedo tubes one of which was in the bow.

HMS Jason was an Alarm Class Torpedo Gunboat, built by Naval Construction & Armament, Barrow, and launched in 1892.

History

Irish News and Belfast Morning News - Monday 15 March 1897

NAVAL SURGEON AND TWO BOATMEN DROWNED.
[Press association Telegram]
While the officers of H.M.'S. Jason, who attended a torchlight tattoo at Dahlia Castle on Saturday night were returning in a small boat it was overturned, and the doctor of the Jason was drowned. The owners the boat are reported as missing. The Press Association’s Kingstown correspondent telegraphing states that four officers of the Jason entered the open boat early yesterday morning and were being rowed toward their vessel when the boat capsized. The cries for help brought assistance from the Jason and the coastguard station. The officers were rescued and taken on board the Jason, where Surgeon Gibbons shortly afterwards expired. The two boatmen named Doyle were drowned. The four officers in the boat were Lieutenant Ellison, Engineer; George J. Knight, assistant engineer; L. Cox. and Surgeon Thomas Gibbons.

HMS Jason landing the body of Surgeon Thomas Gibbons. Postcard: K Heath collection

Dublin Daily Express - Wednesday 17 March 1897

FUNERAL OF SURGEON GIBBONS. Yesterday the remains of the late Surgeon Thomas Gibbons, of H.M. gunboat Jason, who was drowned Kingstown Harbour early Sunday morning through the sinking of a row-boat in which he was proceeding with three brother officers to his ship, were removed to the Broadstone Terminus, and there conveyed to Castlebar, his native place, where the internment takes place. The funeral, which was of semi-public character, was an imposing one, tthe deceased officer having been accorded the usual honours befitting his rank in the naval service, the general public being hugely represented. Punctually at 1.46 o’clock p.m. the bell on board the Jason began to toll, and shortly afterwards the coffin, wrapped in the Union Jack, was reverently placed in a launch and taken to the East Pier, on which crowd of sympathetic spectators had assembled, then placed on the gun carriage. The sword and cocked hat of the deceased ware laid on the coffin, beautiful wreaths surrounding them on the carriage. An escort composed of bluejackets and marines from the Jason and the Melampus military and Police including a firing party and the band of the Oxfordshire Light Infantry had been previously drawn up there. In a few minutes they all formed into line, and the sad procession started the strains the “Dead March in Saul.” played by the band, with muffled drums. The mailboat and other shipping in the harbour had their flags at half-mast. The funeral proceeded along the sea road as far Monktown, where the coffin was transferred to the hearse, and conveyed to Broadstone, the escort then returning to Kingstown. The following was the order of the procession: —The hearse, firing party, band, gun carriage with coffin, followed by the father of the deceased (Mr. Michael Gibbons) and the officers of the Jason and the Melampus. Mourning carriage carrying the sisters of the deceased and other lady friends, marines, bluejackets, naval and military officers including Colonel Hutton, representing the Dublin Garrison, Coastguards, and general public. The firing-party, carrying their arms reversed, consisted of fifty men belonging to the guardship Melampus. Wreaths were sent by the officers of the Jason and Melampus and the relatives of the deceased. The chief mourners were Michael Gibbons (father). Mr. J. W. Hynas and Mr. J. Thornton. The following officers of the Jason acted as pall bearers, Lieutenant and Commander A.G. Meredyth , Lieutenant Ellison, Mr. Knights engineer; Mr. Cox, assistant engineer and Mr. Martin, gunner. The officers of the Melampus who attended were —Commander Laxton. Lieutenant Foulke, Lieutenant Powell, Surgeon Bradly, Gunner Maynar, and Paymaster Rigby and Benards. Colonel Hutton represented General Lord Frankfort, Commander the Dublin District. Captain Crofton, Harbour Master, and his staff who also attended. Superintendent Talbot and Inspectors Flower, Toole and Dunne, representing the police, were present in charge of a large number of men of the F Division. Mr. Talbot Coal, Kingstown, had charge the funeral arrangement.

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Portsmouth Evening News - Saturday 13 September 1902

The Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, of Govan, which was recently ordered to make a set of engines and water-tube boilers for the Jason, torpedo gunboat, will also supply and fit the new engines and boilers of the torpedo gunboat Leda.

Hampshire Telegraph - Saturday 27 September 1902

The Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering ;Company, of Govan, ready to take in hand the refit of the torpedo gunboat Jason, which is have her engines and boilers removed, and new engines and water-tube boilers substituted. The Jason's new machinery will be similar description to that fitted for 30-knot torpedo-boat destroyers, and will be of 6,000 horse-power. The Admiralty base provided for sum of £27,000 to be expended on the Jason during the present financial year.

Sheerness Times Guardian - Saturday 09 May 1903

TRIALS OF H.M.S. JASON. An indicating party is ordered to be sent from Sheerness Dockyard next week to Scotland to attend the trials of the Jason, torpedo gunboat, which has been fitted with new engines and water-tube at the works of the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company at Govan. The trials will last nearly a fortnight, and will include • preliminary trial, a 30 hours' coal consumption trial, and trials at full power under natural and forced draught. The engines of the Jason will be required to indicate 4,000-horse power at her natural draught trial, with a speed of 10-5 knots per hour, and 5,700-horse power under forced draught at a speed of 21-8 knots per hour. The Leda, torpedo gunboat, left Sheerness on Tuesday afternoon for the Leda to be fitted with similar engines and boilers by the Fairfield Company.

Dundee Evening Telegraph - Monday 07 February 1910

MENTAL ABERRATION Is Plea of Warrant Officer who Improperly Leaves His Ship.
At a naval court-martial in Chatham Dockyard this morning a warrant officer named Frederick Johnston, of H.M.S. Jason, was ordered to forfeit six months seniority and to be dismissed from his ship, for improperly leaving his ship, but was acquitted of the charge of deserting. Johnston, while officiating as commanding officer, absented himself for fourteen days. He pleaded mental aberration.

Globe - Wednesday 22 November 1911

Instructions have been given for the torpedo gun boat Jason, of the Nore Subdivision, to be paid off at Sheerness on December 8, on being taken into dockyard hands for her boilers to be re-tubed and for a general refit.

Hampshire Telegraph - Friday 29 March 1912

The torpedo-gunboat Jason, which has had her boilers re-tubed, is to be recommissioned at Sheerness on April 10th with nucleus crew for service in the Nore Sub- Division, Home Fleet.

World War One Service

At the outbreak of war HMS Jason joined the Grand Fleet at Scapa Flow for minesweeping duties as part of the Second Fleet Sweeping Flotilla.

In April 1915,while at Longhope Bay, Orkney, a crewman Gunner George Hazard fell overboard..........

Aberdeen Evening Express - Thursday 13 May 1915

AWARDS FOR LIFE SAVING. Inverness Man's Bravery Recognized. At its monthly meeting yesterday the Committee of the Royal Humane Society made the following, among many other, awards— Bronze medal to Sub-Lieut. W. Patterson. H.M.S Jason, for his gallant attempt to save Gunner Hazard of that ship, who fell overboard in Longhope Harbour April 16. Both men were in the water for a considerable time, being picked up 150 yards from the ship.

1917

U-78

On the 2nd February 1917 U-78 (Otto Dröscher) was to the east of the island of Coll and at 03.37 dropped a line of 8 mines off Loch Eatharna, Coll.

Extract from KTB U 78.

Translation of extract from U78 KTB

2.2.17

03.37 am Begun dropping mines.
With 8 mines laid on course 90° from light
buoy on to 1 1/2 sea miles.
Water depth about 80 meters.
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The chart below was within the KTB and shows the route taken by U78 and the location of the mine lines laid off Coll, north of Mull and off Rum. The red square shows the location of the mine line that was laid at 03.37 am on 2nd February 1917.

U78 Mine Map from KTB.

The Loss

On the 3rd April 1917 HMS Jason, in company with HMS Circe, were minesweeping a channel, one and a half miles wide off the east coast of the island of Coll off the west coast of Scotland. A strong ENE wind of force 5 to 6 was blowing and a north running tide making a moderate sea at the time.

5 officers and 73 ratings survived the sinking with 13 ratings slightly injured and one more seriously with pneumonia. One body was recovered and 24 crew were lost with vessel.

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HMS Circe

ADM 53/37826 Log book HMS Circe April 1917

Extract from Logbook of HMS Circe 3rd April 1917.

11.10 Jason struck mine in Lat: 56 35'45N. Long 6 28'15W.
Slipped sweep. Lowered all boats and Carly floats to rescue crew. 11.14 3/4 Jason sank on fire.

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Telegrams in ADM 137/1920. (Secret packs of the Commander in Chief Grand Fleet, Volume XL, pack 0021, sections XV-XXIV)

Admiral Rosyth to C-in-C. 3/4/17. 1639 ''L''

Naval Patrol office (?Oban) reports H.M.S. ''Jason'' struck a mine 1100 to-day Tuesday off
Ari Nagbur, Coll and sank at 11.15 a.m. All officers saved. 30 men missing. H.M.S. ''Circe''
proceeding to Oban with survivors where arrangements are being made to accommodate
5 officers and 72 men. Arrangements are being made for a funeral.
Addressed to Admiralty, C-in-C. G.F. 1520.

C-in-C to Admiralty. 4/4/17. 0105. Voc

241. Following received from ''Circe'' begins:- Regret to report ''Jason'' struck a mine
Lat. 56.35.45N., Long. 6.28.15W. at 1110 today 3rd April sinking at 1115. Approximately
? (30) men missing, all officers saved. Further details later. Proceeding Oban with
survivors. At time of loss ''Jason'' a 70% search of area contained by line joining following
positions had been completed. (A) 56.44 N. , 6.0 1/2 W. (B) 56.44 N. , 6.21 1/2 W (C) 56.37 N. ,
6.28 W. ''D'' Coll. Nothing found (1130) Ends.

HMS Jason sinking.

Extracts taken from a report into loss of HMS Jason in ADM 137/1920. (Secret packs of the Commander in Chief Grand Fleet, Volume XL, pack 0021, sections XV-XXIV,)

H.M.S. ''Circe''

5th April 1917

Page 331
....................The explosion evidently took place in the fore part, the bows drooping and bridge appearing to be considerably damaged, whilst almost immediately the foremast was observed to fall forward and slightly to port.

Orders were at once given for sweep-wire to be slipped and kite hove up and all boats crews were piped to man their boats.

A rapid survey of the situation determined me that the better and quicker line of approach to ''Jason'' would be made by first going well astern and then ahead so as to endeavour to place ''Circe's'' lee bow (starboard) alongside ''Jason's'' weather quarter (port), I was thus forced to wait until kite was well up for fear of fouling the propellers, the kite was in process of being raised when it was seen that ''Jason'' did not appear likely to remain afloat many minutes.........................

Page 332

.....................''Jason'' almost immediately heeled to port, finally sinking vertically, stern uppermost, ''Circe'' being then 70 yards distant; no further explosion occurred and little if any suction was observed. Work of rescue by boats then proceeded, with very good success, in spite of the very bad weather conditions for boat work then prevailing; evidence at present reveals only 3 instances of men who were actually seen in the water and were yet not rescued, this is considered largely due to the fact that the majority were wearing life-saving appliances, and also to the fact that there was a good deal of floating wreckage.

Approximately between 50 and 60 men were picked up by ''Circe's'' boats, the remainder of those saved being accounted for by ''Jason's'' two whalers which she had succeeded in lowering. The body of one man was recovered alongside ''Circe''. The boats were only finally recalled when all chances of saving further life was considered to be at an end.

Staffordshire Sentinel - Thursday 05 April 1917

MINE-SWEEPER SUNK. Twenty-Four of the Crew Missing. The Secretary of the Admiralty makes the following announcement:
One of our mine-sweeping vessels of an old type struck a mine and sank on the 3rd inst. Twenty-four of the crew are missing. All the next of kin have been informed.

Army and Navy Gazette - Saturday 14 April 1917

MINE-SWEEPER LOST Another British mine-sweeper has unfortunately been destroyed with loss life in carrying out. the deadly work entrusted to these craft. April 5 the Admiralty announced that ''one our mine-sweeping vessels of old type struck amine and sank on Tuesday (April 3rd). Twenty-four of the crew are missing. All the next-of-kin have been informed.”

The Wreck

The wreck of HMS Jason was originally added to the charts in 1919 and given the wreck card number 2645. The wreck was first charted in position 56 33.00N, 06 28.00W (see chart below). For the project this was named UKHO (1)

In 1981 the position was amended and moved 2.7 nautical miles north to position 56 35.45N, 06 28.15W and charted as Wk PA 60m. This position matches the position given in HMS Circe's logbook. For the project this was named UKHO (2)

In 2011 a MBES survey failed to locate the wreck in the charted position so it was stricken from the chart and the file amended to ''DEAD''.

Scotland - West Coast 2635 (1927) UKHO.

The Search

SULA Diving has worked with Bob Anderson of the dive vessel MV Clasina over several years to locate the wreck site of HMS Jason. Starting in March 2017 Bob put aside a couple of days each year to conduct surveys to the east of the island of Coll. Some years no survey was possible due to weather.

There were four main search areas - the mine line as recorded in U78's KTB, the sinking position recorded in the logbook of HMS Circe and two previously charted but now ''DEAD'' positions from the UKHO.

The search area. UKHO

2017-2021

The first search was conducted in March 2017 using a C-Max CM2 side scan sonar. The weather proved challenging for the side scan operations but over a two day period the mine line was surveyed as well as the sinking position from HMS Circe logbook and the two ''DEAD'' UKHO record positions.

The UKHO (1) position, 56 33.00N, 06 28.00W, which was added to the chart in 1919 was surveyed although it seemed unlikely as did not correspond with any of the documents or written record and was a long way from the ordered sweeping area.
.

The data from the 2017 and 2018 survey were very noisy and no obvious wreck was noted, The area has numerous rocky outcrops that may hide wreckage.

This was also the issue for Netsurvey who conducted an MBES survey in 2011 and could not find HMS Jason in the charted position and reported ''Not located 12.2011 using MBES. seabed rocky and uneven'' Due to this survey the UKHO record was amended to ''DEAD'' and the wreck removed from charts.

In 2021 a further side scan survey was conducted but due to outside factors only a short window of a couple of hours was available for the survey and nothing immediately obvious was seen at the time. On the trip back to Oban the data was being reviewed by Bertrand Taylor and he noted what was pretty obviously a wreck laying next to a large rock. This was cross checked with the 2017-18 data on SonarWiz 7 and it was found the contact had been recorded on two previous runs on the previous surveys.

. The two 2017-18 contacts. . The 2021 contact SULA Diving

2022

In March 2022 a further survey was conducted by SULA Diving to obtain some better images to assist in a planned dive later in the year from the MV Clasina.

This survey, although hampered by heavy swell, gave better detail of the contact and confirmed it was a wreck. The dimensions of the contact closely matched those of HMS Jason.

The Dive

The Argonauts (Gasperados)

On the 12th April 2022 the contact located by SULA Diving and MV Clasina was dived by a group of technical divers and confirmed to be HMS Jason. The wreck lies in 93m of water. The dive concentrated on the stern of the vessel and divers noted the starboard prop and ''A'' bracket, the aft 4.7 inch gun, plates and bottles and various bits of machinery.

On the 13th April the divers concentrated on the bow area and noted all bridge equipment, 2 x telegraphs, remains of the compass and helm all in place. The forward 4,7 inch gun is there but the bow forward of the gun is missing from the mine explosion. The fish from the patent log was seen near the bridge. Yarrow style boilers were also seen.

The ''Gasperados'' Team members were : Rick Ayrton, Bryan Watters, Dom Robinson, Will Schwarz, Fran Hockley, Tapio Kaleva, Simon Kay, Steve Mortimer, Barbara Mortimer, Jen Smith, Steve Ashton, Maggs Ashton.

Thank you Bob Anderson and the Clasina crew.

Photos: Dominic Robinson

Photos: Rick Ayrton

Stills from video: Fran Hockley

BSAC Expeditions Trophy

BSAC Expeditions Trophy. Awarded annually and presented to the organiser of the most significant British exploratory diving expedition of the year

In March 2023 the HMS Jason Project was awarded the British Sub-Aqua Club Expedition Trophy 2022. We are very proud of the entire team that made this expedition a success.

Crew Lost †03/04/1917

Name - William George Bick
DOB - 26th April 1899 although Naval records state 1897
Place of Birth - Sandgate, Kent
Parents - Sidney and Alice Maud (Geddes)

Early History - William was the second son of Sidney and Alice, and they lived within Shorncliffe Camp, Kent during the 1901 census as Sidney was a soldier in the Army. By the 1911 census William was eleven years old and attending school. At the time the roll was taken he was recorded at his Great Grandmother's address at No1 Hillside, Sandgate, Kent along with his Aunt and two cousins while his parents and three brothers lived at 5 Sterling Road, Enfield Town, Middlesex. His father had left the military as a soldier but then worked as a clerk in the War Office.

Rank - Stoker 1st Class, (Ch) SS 117500

Service History - Upon the outbreak of war and the declaration to join up William offered his services to the Royal Navy on a short service on 23rd February 1916 and trained as a Stoker 2nd Class at HMS PEMBROKE II until 14th July 1916. He was 5’6” with brown hair, grey eyes and a scar on the back of his right wrist. He was posted to his first and only vessel, HMS JASON on 15th July 1916, rising to Stoker 1st Class on 16th November 1916, remaining on the gunboat until she sank on 3rd April 1917. He was just a few weeks away from his 18th Birthday.

His Victory and British war medals were claimed by his father following his death, his pension was awarded to his mother.
He is remembered in perpetuity on the Chatham Naval Memorial as his body was not recovered for burial.

Sources:

GRO Reference: 1899 J Quarter in ELHAM Volume 02A Page 1094
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: 1123
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: 007 (1914 - 1919)
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0333
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 023/0077/BEV-BIC
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 96
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - James Edward Blackman
DOB - 12th May 1891
Place of Birth - Southsea, Hampshire
Parents - Edward and Jane

Early History - James was the eldest of eight children born to Edward and Jane, with George supporting his family as a bricklayers labourer. The family resided at 201 South Esk Road, East Ham at the time of the 1901 census.

Rank - Stoker 1st Class (Ch) K 2972

Service History - James left his job as a warehouseman and joined the Navy on 19th May 1909 for 12 years service. He was 5’8” tall with dark brown hair, grey eyes and a fresh complexion. He began his stoker training as a 2nd Class rating at HMS ACHERON until 29/09/1909. His remaining service history follows :-

HMS BERWICK - 30/09/1909 - 15/01/1910
HMS PEMBROKE II - 16/01/1910 - 21/01/1910
HMS DIAMOND - 22/01/1910 - 03/08/1910, rising to Stoker 1st Class on 19/05/1910
HMS PEMBROKE II - 04/08/1910 - 26/08/1912, during the 1911 census James was recorded on leave at the family home, 57 Churchfield Road, Beckenham, Kent.
HMS HECLA - 27/08/1912 - 31/12/1913
HMS DIDO - 01/01/1914 - 31/03/1914
HMS PEMBROKE II - 01/04/1914 - 27/04/1914
HMS JASON - 28/04/1914 - 03/04/1917

His pension was awarded to his parents following his death, his Star, Victory and British war medals were claimed by his father. His body was recovered from the water and is buried at Pennyfuir Cemetery in Oban, Scotland

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: 872
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: 007 (1914 - 1919)
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0365
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 96
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 023/0084/BLA-BLA
Photo sources - Findagrave
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - James Boots
DOB - 25th December 1896, although a birth register entry has not been found
Place of Birth - Newcastle, Northumberland
Parents - William and Jessie

Rank - Stoker 1st Class, (Ch) K 24909

Service History - James worked in a greengrocer’s before joining the Navy on 16th March 1915 for the duration of hostilities. He trained at the shore base HMS PEMBROKE II until 24th May 1915 before being posted to his first and only vessel, HMS JASON on 25th May. He remained with the ship for almost two years, rising to Stoker 1st Class on 1st January 1916.

He was 5’9” tall with brown hair, grey eyes and a fair complexion. His Star, Victory Medal, British War Medals were awarded to his Mother following his death as was his pension. She had remarried to George Slumbers in 1914 following the death of James’ father William.

Sources:

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: 916
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: 007 (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
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0407
UK, Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972
Class: ADM 171; Piece: 96
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 731/11PP
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - Clarence Percy Braund
DOB - 19th April 1894
Place of Birth - Paignton, Devon
Parents - John and Florence

Early History - On the 1901 census Clarence was recorded as being age 6, living with his parents and four younger siblings at 19 Montagu Road, Sutton at Hone, Kent.

Rank - Leading Stoker (Ch) K 9965

Service History - Clarence worked as a nurseryman before joining the Navy for 12 years service, initially training as a Stoker 2nd Class. He was recorded as being 5’6” tall with light brown hair and hazel eyes, with a birth year of 1892

HMS PEMBROKE II - 09/01/1911 - 19/05/1911
HMS ST GEORGE - 20/05/1911 - 01/08/1911
HMS PEMBROKE II - 02/08/1911 - 11/08/1911, recorded on the 1911 census in the Royal Naval Barracks
HMS BLACK PRINCE - 12/08/1911 - 22/04/1912, rising to Stoker 1st Class on 02/01/1912
HMS PEMBROKE II - 23/04/1912 - 30/04/1912
HMS BLENHEIM - 01/05/1912 - 30/09/1913
HMS EGMONT - 01/10/1913 - 31/03/1914
HMS BLENHEIM - 01/04/1914 - 21/06/1914
HMS SUTLEJ - 22/06/1914 - 12/07/1914
HMS PEMBROKE - 13/07/1914 - 28/07/1914
HMS RUSSELL - 29/07/1914 - 01/05/1916, rising to Acting Leading Stoker on 12/02/1915 and Leading Stoker on 07/10/1915
HMS PEMBROKE - 02/05/1916 - 14/05/1916
HMS JASON - 15/05/1916 - 03/04/1917

His pension was awarded to his mother, his father claimed his Star, Victory and British war medals following his death. His body never recovered, he is remembered 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: 886
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: 007 (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
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0458
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 96
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - Harry Edward Brooks
DOB - 28th July 1890
Place of Birth - Battersea, London
Parents - Henry and Sarah

 Early History - Harry can’t be found on the 1891 census but is next recorded on the 1901 census aged ten. He was one of eight children in the household, at 27 Birley Street, Battersea - Henry Snr worked as a railway engine driver to support his family.

Rank - Stoker Petty Officer (Ch) K 9993

Service History -

HMS PEMBROKE II - 17/01/1911 - 02/06/1911, during the 1911 census Harry was stationed at the Royal Naval Barracks in Chatham
HMS DOMINION - 03/06/1911 - 19/12/1913, rising to Stoker 1st Class on 18/06/1912
HMS PEMBROKE II - 20/12/1913 - 10/01/1914
HMS COLLEEN - 11/01/1914 - 27/01/1914
HMS PEMBROKE II - 28/01/1914 - 27/04/1914
HMS JASON - 01/12/1914 - 03/04/1917 - it seems there was a few months break in Harry’s service from being posted to JASON (without explanation) but he rose in rank to Acting Leading Stoker the date he joined the vessel. He also rose to Leading Stoker on 18th July 1915 and Stoker Petty Officer on 1st August 1916.

Harry was 5’3” tall with dark hair and dark brown eyes, had a dark complexion and a cross (tattoo) on his right arm. He had joined the Navy for 12 years of service, leaving his job as a Porter in London.
His pension was awarded to his mother, along with his sister, his Star, Victory and British war medals were issued to his father following his death.

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: 886
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: 007 (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
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0500
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 031/0117/BRO-BRO
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 97
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - Henry John Carroll
DOB - 2nd July 1888 and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in Sheerness on 26th September 1888
Place of Birth - Sheerness, Kent
Parents - Henry and Maria

Early History - Henry and Maria had five children recorded on the 1891 census; Henry was the only son, aged two - his three older sisters attended school and his youngest sibling was just seven months old. They lived at 17 South Street in Sheerness, Henry working as a Leading Man of Dockyard Labourers. Within ten years the family had moved to 118 Hope Street in Sheerness - there were three more younger siblings for young Henry, two boys and another baby sister. Henry was aged eleven and his father still worked at the shipyard.

Rank - Shipwright 1st Class (Ch) 345393

Service History - Henry left school and headed straight for the Naval yard to train as a Shipwright, arriving when he was just 5’2” tall, growing to 5’8” once of full age. He had dark brown hair, blue eyes and no other distinguishing features and began his navy journey as a Boy Shipwright in July 1902.

SHEERNESS YARD - 17/07/1902 - 26/03/1907
HMS PEMBROKE II - 27/03/1907 - 17/04/1907, rising to Shipwright on 27/03/1907
HMS WILDFIRE - 18/04/1907 - 15/05/1907
HMS PEMBROKE II - 16/05/1907 - 27/05/1907
HMS EDGAR - 28/05/1907 - 31/05/1907
HMS WARRIOR - 01/06/1907 - 01/02/1909
HMS BEDFORD - 02/02/1909 - 29/10/1910
HMS PEMBROKE II - 30/10/1910 - 23/01/1911
HMS ACTAEON - 24/01/1911 - 10/05/1912, recorded on the 1911 at home with his parents and three younger siblings at 8 Acorn Terrace, Sheerness. It was shortly after the census that he married Annie Seager in Sheppey.
HMS PEMBROKE II - 11/05/1912 - 13/05/1912
HMS QUEEN - 14/05/1912 - 03/12/1913, rising to Shipwright 2nd Class on 01/12/1912 and Shipwright 1st Class on 01/10/1913
HMS PEMBROKE II - 04/12/1913 - 23/06/1914
HMS SUFFOLK (Bermuda Barracks) - 24/06/1914 - 04/04/1915
HMS LEVIATHAN (Bermuda Barracks) - 05/04/1915 - 17/11/1916 - it was while stationed at Ireland Island in Bermuda that Henry joined the Loyalty Lodge of Freemasons, initiated on 6th May 1915
HMS PEMBROKE II - 18/11/1916 - 28/03/1917
HMS JASON - 29/03/1917 - 03/04/1917

Having served in the Navy for nearly fifteen years, it was tragic to be killed on a vessel he had transferred to just five days previously.
His pension was claimed by his widow Annie for the raising of their son, Henry Stephen; she also received his Victory and British war medals.
He is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial as well as locally on the Sheerness War Memorial.

Irish Independent - Thursday 19 April 1917

NAVAL RATINGS. Killed.—Mansfield, Geo. Thomas, Ross, John; Skinner, Geo. Drowned.—Farrell, W. J.; Macrae, Malcolm; Reynolds, J. H. Missing, Believed Killed— Carroll, Henry, John; Green, Daniel E.; Harris, C. E., Hogan, Michael.

Sheerness War Memorial Photos: KentFallen

Sources:

England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 Free BMD
England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975
1891, 1901 & 1911 England census
England & Wales, Civil Registration Marriage 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: 523
England, United Grand Lodge of England Freemason Membership Registers, 1751-1921 Library and Museum of Freemasonry; London, England; Freemasonry Membership Registers; Description: Membership Registers: Colonial and Foreign 67-413 to Colonial and Foreign 415-389; Reel Number: 60
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: 007 (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
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0669
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 037/0158/CAR-CAR
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - Frederick George Castleman
DOB - 5th July 1890
Place of Birth - Milton Ernest, Bedford
Parents - Deborah Castleman, father unknown

Early History - Frederick was born to single mother Deborah Castleman, who was not recorded with him the following year, on the 1891 census as he was listed with Peter and Mary Cunnington, his Aunt and Uncle, at Keysoe Row, a hamlet in Bedford. Ten years later on the 1901 census he was again recorded living with his extended family although they had then moved to Brookend in Keysoe. Frederick was then aged eleven and resided in a household with his six male cousins. In 1908 his mother Deborah married Arthur Briars but it is unknown if Frederick went to live with them.

Rank - Leading Stoker (Ch) K 3303

Service History - Possibly looking for something more interesting than his general labouring job, with better pay, Frederick joined the Navy on 22nd June 1909 for 12 years service. He was recorded as being 5’3” tall with light brown hair and grey eyes and had a small scar on the left side bridge of his nose. His service history follows:

HMS ACHERON - 22/06/1909 - 11/11/1909, rated as a Stoker 2nd Class
HMS CAESAR - 12/11/1909 - 06/06/1910
HMS DOMINION - 07/06/1910 - 13/06/1912, rising to Stoker 1st Class on 01/09/1910 and recorded aboard the vessel during the 1911 census, anchored at Glengarriff Harbour, Ireland.
HMS PEMBROKE II - 14/06/1912 - 21/08/1912
HMS ST GEORGE - 22/08/1912 - 01/02/1914
HMS PEMBROKE II - 02/02/1914 - 27/04/1914
HMS JASON - 28/04/1914 - 03/04/1917, rising to Acting Leading Stoker on 01/10/1915 and Leading Stoker on 01/04/1916

It is unknown if Frederick’s Star, Victory Medal, British War Medals were claimed by his mother as she is not referred to on the Naval Medal and Award Rolls. If she had received them they may have slipped from family member’s ownership following her death in 1921.

He is remembered locally on the Keysoe War Memorial (see link) and nationally on the Chatham Naval Memorial.
http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Bedfordshire/KeysoeRollofHonour.html

Keysoe War Memorial - IWM © WMR-1735

Sources:

England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 Free BMD
1891, 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: 873
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: 007 (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
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0690
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 98
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - Stephen John Cottle
DOB - 24th January 1888
Place of Birth - Mile End, London
Parents - James and Sarah (Sharp), Stepfather Robert Newby.

Early History - Stephen was the eldest of three children to James and Sarah - on the earliest census he was listed as a visitor, along with his younger sister, with a family at 8 Wharf Street, West Ham. Just two years later, his father James died and shortly afterwards Sarah must have found her situation extremely desperate as the children were recorded entering the Newington Workhouse, Southwark on 22nd August 1894.

The family’s fortune turned around when Sarah married Robert Newby in June 1897. The children were enrolled in school on 8th September 1897 attending the Hugh Myddleton School, Islington, their home address given as the Swan and Sugar Loaf Inn, which served as a public house from 1896 to 2010.

The Swan and Sugar Loaf Inn image courtesy of whatpub.com

Rank - Able Seaman (Ch) 224146

Service History - When Stephen left London to join the Navy he gave his birth year as 1887, making him a year older - he was recorded as 5’3 when fully grown, with brown hair and grey eyes.

HMS IMPREGNABLE - 16/01/1903 - 03/02/1903
HMS LION - 04/02/1903 - 11/05/1904, rising to Boy 1st Class on 08/12/1903
HMS BOSCAWEN III - 12/05/1904 - 01/07/1904
HMS HERMES - 02/07/1904 - 27/02/1905, rising to Able Seaman on 24/01/1905
HMS PEMBROKE - 28/05/1905 - 04/05/1905
HMS KING ALFRED - 05/05/1905 - 19/06/1905
HMS PEMBROKE I - 20/06/1905 - 15/08/1905, his service broken by spending 7 days in cells
HMS ROYAL OAK - 16/08/1905 - 16/07/1906, Stephen deserted the Navy on 27/08/1905, recovered on 10/09/1905 and returned to the ROYAL OAK on 13/09/1905. On the 15/12/1905 he started his sentence of 21 days hard labour before joining the ship again on 05/01/1906. He spent a further 14 days in cells on a separate occasion on 10/06/1906.
HMS SWIFTSURE - 17/07/1906 - 06/10/1908, rising to Able Seaman on 27/07/1907
HMS PEMBROKE I - 07/10/1908 - 08/02/1909, spending another 14 days in cells for unknown reasons.
HMS SAPPHIRE - 09/02/1909 - 14/02/1910
HMS PEMBROKE I - 15/02/1910 - 28/02/1910
HMS SHANNON - 01/03/1910 - 03/02/1911
HMS PEMBROKE I - 04/02/1911 - 20/02/1911
HMS EDGAR - 21/02/1911 - 08/04/1911, he was recorded aboard the sloop ESPIEGLE during the taking of the 1911 census
HMS ROSARIO - 09/04/1911 - 04/11/1913
HMS PEMBROKE I - 05/11/1913 - 20/01/1914
HMS VERNON - 21/01/1914 - 15/05/1914
HMS PEMBROKE I - 16/05/1914 - 21/05/1914
HMS JASON - 22/05/1914 - 03/04/1917 - while serving aboard JASON Stephen has some leave in the autumn to marry Sarah Wynn at Christ Church, Croydon on 21st November 1915

Stephen was awarded the Star, Victory and British medals for his service which were claimed by his widow, as was his pension to help raise their son Victor who was born on 16th March 1917. Stephen may have only got to have seen his son for a few short days after he was born - if their story couldn’t be any more heart-breaking, Victor was christened at St John the Baptist Church in Croydon four days after his father’s death.

Sources:

1891, 1901 & 1911 England Census
London, England, Workhouse Admission and Discharge Records, 1764-1930 London Metropolitan Archives; London, England; Reference Number: SoBG/111/33
London Metropolitan Archives; London, England; School Admission and Discharge Registers; Reference: LCC/EO/DIV03/HUG1/AD/001
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: 395
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: 007 (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
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0901
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 99
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 053/0214/COS-COT
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - Frederick John Cox
DOB - 22nd September 1891 and baptised on 31st January 1892 in Bampton Parish Church
Place of Birth - Bampton, Oxfordshire
Parents - George and Matilda

Early History - Frederick was aged nine on the 1901 census - he, his parents and four siblings lived at School Lane Cottage in Bampton village. The family had moved before the 1911 census as 10 years later George, Matilda, Frederick and his younger sister Amelia lived in Lavender Square, Bampton, Frederick aged nineteen and a farm labourer.

Rank - Stoker 1st Class (Ch) SS 115225

Service History - Frederick joined the Navy for a short service of 5 years and 7 on retention, on 4th December 1913 after leaving his position on a farm. He trained at HMS PEMBROKE II as a Stoker 2nd Class until 28th April 1914 and was then posted to his only ship, HMS JASON the following day, 29th April 1914. He rose to Stoker 1st Class on 23rd July 1914 and spent 14 days in cells from 6th September 1915 for unknown reasons.

He was 5’8” tall with brown hair and grey eyes and was killed aged 25. His Star, Victory and British war medals were awarded to his father following his death.

Bampton, Oxfordshire War Memorial - IWM © WMR-31473

Sources:

Oxfordshire, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1915 Oxfordshire Family History Society; Oxford, Oxfordshire, England; Anglican Parish Registers; Reference Number: PAR16/1/R2/4
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: 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: 007 (1914 - 1919)
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/7; Scan Number: 0925
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 99
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - William Daniels
DOB - 8th January 1890
Place of Birth - Rochford, Essex

Rank - Leading Stoker (Dev) K 3512

Service History - William joined the Navy from a painter’s labouring job for a twelve year service. He was recorded as 5’2” tall with brown hair, grey eyes and had tattoos of a bird on his right forearm and a scar above his right knee.

HMS VIVID II - 15/07/1909 - 08/01/1910
HMS TEMERAIRE - 09/01/1910 - 11/01/1912, rising to Stoker 1st Class on 01/09/1910
HMS LEANDER - 12/01/1912 - 27/02/1914
HMS DUKE OF EDINBURGH - 28/02/1914 - 07/11/1916, rising to Acting Leading Stoker on 21/10/1915
HMS JASON - 08//11/1916 - 03/07/1917

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: 874
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
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 0032
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - William Fox
DOB - 7th Feb 1892 given on documents, but probably born in 1891
Place of Birth - Nottingham
Parents - Unknown

Early History - William was aged nine on the 1901 census, living at 2 Beresford Street, Nottingham with his older brother George, an adopted sister Jessie Baldock, adopted mother Fanny Darley and her sister Elizabeth.

Rank - Stoker 1st Class (Dev) K 23171

Service History - William already worked on the sea and had nautical experience in the Merchant Service when he joined the Navy on 9th October 1914. It is quite possible that because of the outbreak of war he wanted to put his abilities to use as soon as possible in the most direct way, or the pay was better. He was recorded as being 5’5” tall with brown hair and hazel eyes.

HMS VICTORY II - 09/10/1914 - 01/04/1915
HMS COLUMBINE - 02/04/1915 - 15/11/1915, serving 14 days hard labour for unknown reasons
HMS VICTORY II - 02/12/1915 - 12/05/1916
HMS ASSISTANCE - 13/05/1916 - 01/11/1916, rising to Stoker 1st Class on 06/07/1916
HMS JASON - 02/11/1916 - 03/04/1917

Either William had no family to contact or he chose not to as following his death his friend Isaac Simpson, of Brigg, Lincolnshire was informed of the event which claimed William’s life.
His Star, Victory and British war medals were not issued to anybody. His will was not released until 1933 where his brother George received the proceeds.

Sources:

1901 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: 913
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)
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 0438
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 102
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - Sydney Herbert Gidley
DOB - 1st October 1881
Place of Birth - Plumstead, Kent
Early History - Sidney was recorded on the 1891 census along with his father and younger brother, as his Uncle’s house at 65 Percy Road, Plaistow, West Ham, he can’t be found on the 1901 census

Rank - Petty Officer (Ch) 191549

Service History - Sydney transferred from the Training Ship Warspite and joined the Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 02/01/1897. He was first recorded as 5’3”, growing to 5’6” by his 18th birthday. He had dark brown hair, brown eyes and small tattoo dots on his left forearm.

HMS IMPREGNABLE - 02/01/1897 - 06/01/1897
HMS LION - 07/01/1897 - 27/06/1898, rising to Boy 1st Class on 07/10/1897
HMS AGINCOURT - 28/06/1898 - 19/07/1898
HMS DIADEM - 20/07/1898 - 02/04/1900, rising to Ordinary Seaman on 01/10/1899
HMS PEMBROKE I - 03/04/1900 - 18/04/1900
HMS ARGONAUT - 19/04/1900 - 16/02/1904, rising to Able Seaman on 05/09/1901
HMS PEMBROKE I - 17/02/1904 - 21/02/1905
HMS WILDFIRE - 22/02/1905 - 30/08/1905
HMS PEMBROKE - 31/08/1905 - 04/09/1905
HMS EDGAR - 05/09/1905 - 14/05/1906
HMS SUTLEJ - 15/05/1906 - 19/09/1907
HMS WILDFIRE - 20/09/1907 - 17/02/1908, rising to Leading Seaman on 17/10/1907
HMS COCHRANE - 18/02/1908 - 31/03/1909
HMS BERWICK - 01/04/1909 - 15/05/1911, recorded on the 1911 census aboard the armoured cruiser, anchored at Gibraltar
HMS PEMBROKE I - 16/05/1911 - 05/11/1911
HMS PELORUS - 06/11/1911 - 18/12/1911
HMS ??? - 19/12/1911 - 22/09/1912, rising to Petty Officer on 07/02/1912
HMS ESPIEGLE - 23/09/1912 - 25/11/1912
HMS PELORUS - 26/11/1912 - 30/06/1913
HMS ODIN - 01/07/1913 - 17/08/1913
HMS PEMBROKE I - 18/08/1913 - 08/01/1914
HMS IMPLACABLE - 09/01/1914 - 30/06/1914
HMS PEMBROKE I - 01/07/1914 - 31/07/1914
HMS MAGNIFICENT - 01/08/1914 - 18/08/1914
HMS JASON - 19/08/1914 - 03/04/1917 - while serving aboard JASON Sidney was awarded the Royal Navy Good Conduct medal - issued on 29/10/1914 and received in March 1915

Sidney is remembered in perpetuity on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

Royal Navy Good Conduct Medal & Naval General Service Medal (Persian Clasp)

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: 327
1891 & 1911 England Census
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)
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
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 73
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 0546
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - Arthur Francis Godwin
DOB - 3rd January 1897 and baptised on 21st March 1897 at Clapham Holy Trinity, Lambeth.
Place of Birth - Clapham, London
Parents - John and Edith

Early History - At the time of Arthur’s baptism he lived at 1 Rectory Gardens, London and the family had remained there at the time of the 1901 census, although they were noted as visitors.
On the 1911 census Arthur was then aged 14. He had left school and worked alongside his father and older brother as a finery carpenter in the new buildings industry. He, his parents and four siblings lived at 5 Egmont Avenue, Tolworth, Surrey.

Rank - Signalman (Ch) J 31060

Service History - Arthur joined the Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 12th May 1914, to serve 12 years from his 18th Birthday. He was recorded as 5’8” tall with brown hair and grey eyes. As the youngest crew member killed, his short service is listed below-

HMS VIVID I - 12/05/1914 - 01/08/1914
HMS IMPREGNABLE - 02/08/1914 - 17/09/1914
HMS GANGES - 18/09/1914 - 24/10/1916, rising to Signal Boy on 03/12/1914, Ordinary Signalman on 03/01/1915 and Signalman on 15/05/1916
HMS PEMBROKE - 16/05/1916 - 08/03/1916
HMS JASON - 09/03/1916 - 03/04/1917

He was awarded the Victory and British war medals for his service which were claimed by his father following his death and 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: 709
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
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 0583
London, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1920 London Metropolitan Archives; London, England; London Church of England Parish Registers; Reference Number: P95/TRI1/102
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
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 103
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - Daniel Edward Green
DOB - 15th March 1892
Place of Birth - Bedford, Bedfordshire
Parents - Charles and Mary

Early History - Daniel was aged nine on the 1901 census; he, his parents and five siblings had moved from Bedford and settled in Walthamstow, Essex, with Charles working as a builders labourer to support his family.

Rank - Stoker 1st Class (Po) K 6859

Service History - Daniel left his job as a shop porter to join the Navy for 12 years service, beginning his training as a Stoker 2nd Class. He was 5’2” tall with dark brown hair and eyes and a scar on the left side of his forehead.

HMS VICTORY II - 27/05/1910 - 02/07/1910
HMS RENOWN - 03/07/1910 - 13/08/1910
HMS VICTORY - 14/08/1910 - 27/09/1910
HMS ESSEX - 28/09/1910 - 24/01/1911
HMS VICTORY II - 25/01/1911 - 15/02/1911
HMS GOOD HOPE - 16/02/1911 - 23/12/1912, rising to Stoker 1st Class on 02/07/1911, he was listed aboard the armoured cruiser on the 1911 England census, anchored at Gibraltar.
HMS TERRIBLE - 24/12/1912 - 31/01/1913
HMS GOOD HOPE - 01/02/1913 - 04/06/1913
HMS ACHILLES - 05/06/1913 - 13/09/1913
HMS VICTORY II - 14/09/1913 - 16/09/1913
HMS HERMES - 17/09/1913 - 23/12/1913
HMS PEMBROKE II - 24/12/1913 - 31/03/1915, while based at the shore establishment he was transferred to the RNAS as an Air Mechanic 1st Class which was confirmed on 18/12/1913
HMS PRESIDENT II - 01/04/1915 - 23/04/1915
HMS CAMPANIA - 24/04/1915 - 19/07/1915, rising to Leading Mechanic on 01/06/1915
HMS PRESIDENT II - 20/07/1915 - 07/02/1916, demoted to Air Mechanic 1st Class on 14/12/1915 as he deserted on 07/02/1916. He was received from desertion on 10/08/1916 and transferred to Chatham where he was sentenced to 60 days detention. Before his desertion he had married Alice Byfield at St Mary the Virgin, Walthamstow on 14/11/1915
HMS PEMBROKE II - 07/10/1916 - 09/11/1916, rated as a Stoker 1st Class
HMS JASON - 10/11/1916 - 03/04/1917

His pension, Star, Victory Medal, British War Medals were awarded to his widow following his death. He is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Irish Independent - Thursday 19 April 1917

NAVAL RATINGS. Killed.—Mansfield, Geo. Thomas, Ross, John; Skinner, Geo. Drowned.—Farrell, W. J.; Macrae, Malcolm; Reynolds, J. H. Missing, Believed Killed— Carroll, Henry, John; Green, Daniel E.; Harris, C. E., Hogan, Michael.

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: 880
Essex, England, Church of England Marriages, 1754-1935 Essex Record Office; Chelmsford, Essex, England; Essex Church of England Parish Registers
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
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 0642
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 103
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 082/0380/GRE-GRE
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - Charles Edward Harris
DOB - 5th Jan 1892
Place of Birth - Whitechapel, London
Parents - Charles and Florence

Early History - Charles was aged 9 on his first census, taken in 1901 - he and his parents lived at 25 Edward Road, Walthamstow, Charles being the eldest of three children

Rank - Able Seaman (Ch) J 4281

Service History - Charles joined for twelve years service with the Navy, his statistics recorded as 5’4” tall with brown hair, blue eyes and tattoos of a hull rigged ship and clasped hands on his right forearm and a girl's head and anvil on his left forearm.

HMS GANGES II - 13/04/1909 - 23/07/1909
HMS CRESSY - 24/07/1909 - 04/10/1909, rising to Boy 1st Class
HMS VICTORIOUS - 05/10/1909 - 29/11/1909
HMS PEMBROKE - 30/11/1909 - 30/11/1909
HMS ATTENTIVE - 01/12/1909 - 05/01/1910, rising to Ordinary Seaman on 05/01/1910
HMS PEMBROKE I - 06/01/1910 - 03/04/1910
HMS BLACK PRINCE - 04/04/1910 - 22/04/1912, rising to Able Seaman on 18/12/1911, he was aboard during the 1911 England census.
HMS PEMBROKE I - 23/04/1912 - 17/05/1912, spending 12 days in cells from 02/05/1912
HMS ACTAEON - 18/05/1912 - 25/10/1912
HMS PEMBROKE I - 26/10/1912 - 03/11/1912
HMS VANGUARD - 04/11/1912 - 30/03/1914
HMS PEMBROKE I - 31/03/1914 - 27/04/1914
HMS JASON - 28/04/1914 - 03/04/1917, spending 10 days in cells from 19/10/1917

His Star, Victory and British war medals were claimed by his mother following his death

Irish Independent - Thursday 19 April 1917

NAVAL RATINGS. Killed.—Mansfield, Geo. Thomas, Ross, John; Skinner, Geo. Drowned.—Farrell, W. J.; Macrae, Malcolm; Reynolds, J. H. Missing, Believed Killed— Carroll, Henry, John; Green, Daniel E.; Harris, C. E., Hogan, Michael.

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: 661
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)
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 242/9; Scan Number: 0916
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 112
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 153/0739/PIE-PIM
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - Michael Hogan
DOB - 24th January 1885
Place of Birth - Tipperary

Rank - Stoker 1st Class ((Ch) K26064

Service History - It is unknown why Michael joined the Navy, as his occupation made him exempt and was a worthy profession to have at any time, but he left his position as a Police Constable and became a Stoker 2nd Class on 11th May 1915, joining for the duration of hostilities.
He was a very unaverage six feet tall, ideal for a policeman but it would have been very uncomfortable as a Stoker. Michael was recorded having auburn hair, grey eyes and had a scar on the front of his left thigh.
He remained at HMS PEMBROKE II for training until 2nd August 1915 before being posted to HMS JASON on 3rd August 1915. He rose to Stoker 1st Class on 1st January 1916.

His pension was awarded to his mother Ellen, as were his Star, Victory and British war medals.

Irish Independent - Thursday 19 April 1917

NAVAL RATINGS. Killed.—Mansfield, Geo. Thomas, Ross, John; Skinner, Geo. Drowned.—Farrell, W. J.; Macrae, Malcolm; Reynolds, J. H. Missing, Believed Killed— Carroll, Henry, John; Green, Daniel E.; Harris, C. E., Hogan, Michael.

Sources:

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
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)
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
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 105
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 0942
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 098/0452/HOD-HOG
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - Donald James Hope
DOB - 12th March 1894
Place of Birth - Bromley by Bow, London
Parents - Thomas and Emma

Early History - Mentioned on the 1901 census Donald was one of eight children to Thomas and Emma; he was aged 6 and lived with his family at 179 Corporation Street in West Ham, London.
He was next listed on the 1911 census aged 17, already working in a factory. He, along with several of his siblings still lived at home with their parents, but the family had moved to 172 High Street in Stratford, London.

Rank - Stoker 1st Class (Ch) SS 115553

Service History - Donald worked as a tobacco factory hand prior to leaving and joining the Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class - he was recorded as being 5’8” tall with brown hair, brown eyes and had a “hairy mole on his right buttock”.
He began his training at HMS PEMBROKE I on 27th March 1914 for a short service of five years with seven held in retention should he be required. That requirement came within months and once he had finished training he was posted to his first and only ship, HMS JASON on 1st December 1914. While aboard he rose to Stoker 1st Class on 20th February 1915 and stayed with the ship until his death in the Spring of 1917.

His Star, Victory and British war medals were awarded to his mother following his death, along with his pension. He is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial

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: Piece 008; Piece Description: Piece 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
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 0975
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 101/0461/HOO-HOP
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - George Archibald Sinclair Kennedy
DOB - 3rd January 1882, baptised on 6th February 1882 at Shotley Bridge, Durham

Place of Birth - Dipton, Durham
Parents - Thomas and Hephzibar

Early History - George was recorded on the 1891 census, aged 9, living at 20 Derby Road,
Nottingham with his parents and six siblings. His father was a shoe salesman which may suggest why George was born in Durham but had then moved out of the county - unusually, his mother also worked alongside her husband, as a shoe saleswoman.

 Rank - Armourer (Ch) 343620

Service History - George left his employment as a fitter and joined the Navy for 12 years service in the summer of 1900 as Armourer’s Crew. He was recorded as being 5’3” tall with light brown hair and light brown eyes.

HMS WILDFIRE - 21/08/1900 - 15/05/1901
HMS PEMBROKE II - 16/05/1901 - 03/01/1901
HMS ANDROMACHE - 04/01/1901 - 01/02/1903
HMS WILDFIRE - 02/02/1903 - 23/05/1903
HMS VERNON - 24/05/1903 - 20/06/1903
HMS WILDFIRE - 21/06/1903 - 16/09/1903
HMS PEMBROKE - 17/09/1903 - 28/01/1904
HMS NORTHAMPTON - 29/01/1904 - 19/05/1904
HMS PEMBROKE II - 20/05/1904 - 22/01/1905
HMS HERMIONE - 23/01/1905 - 15/02//1905
HMS FORTE - 16/02/1905 - 07/06/1907, rising to Armourer’s Mate on 06/12/1905
HMS WILDFIRE - 08/06/1907 - 25/01/1908
HMS VERNON - 26/01/1908 - 14/02/1908
HMS WILDFIRE - 15/02/1908 - 04/05/1908
HMS PEMBROKE II - 05/05/1908 - 28/12/1908 - while stationed in Chatham George married Florence Ada Fleckney on 21st June 1908 in Enfield.
HMS TRIUMPH - 29/12/1908 - 11/01/1911 - George was initiated into the Union of Malta Freemason’s Lodge on 5th October 1911 while serving aboard the vessel
HMS PEMBROKE II - 12/01/1911 - 08/02/1911
HMS GANGES - 09/02/1911 - 14/05/1912, George was recorded at HMS WILDFIRE, the Gunnery School at Sheerness during the 1901 census
HMS PEMBROKE II - 15/05/1912 - 16/05/1912
HMS AFRICA - 17/05/1912 - 31/03/1913 - while attached to this vessel his service of 12 years expired, but re-joined and continued his service.
HMS PEMBROKE II - 01/04/1913 - 19/09/1913
HMS VERNON - 20/09/1913 - 26/10/1913
HMS PEMBROKE II - 27/10/1913 - 27/04/1914
HMS JASON - 28/04/1914 - 03/04/1917, rising to Armourer on 01/04/1914

George's signature from marriage certificate.

Nottingham Evening Post 7 April 1917

Roll of Honour

Kennedy, lost at sea April 3rd 1917, George Archibald Sinclair, (naval armourer), only son of Thomas and the late Hephzibah Kennedy, 33 Woodward Street, Nottingham.

Nottingham Evening Post Monday 9 April 1917

Roll of Honour

Kennedy. Sunk by mine, Tuesday, April 3rd, 1917, Armourer Archie Kennedy, dearly-loved husband of Florence Ada Kennedy.

Nottingham Evening Post Wednesday 3 April 1918

In Memoriam

Kennedy. In loving memory of George Archibald Sinclair Kennedy (Naval Armourer), lost at sea April 3rd 1917, only son of Thomas and the late Hephizibah Kennedy of 33, Woodward-street. Fondly remembered – father and sisters.

-----------------------------------------------------

George’s Star, Victory and British war medals were claimed by his widow following his death, along with his pension to help provide for his three children, Mabel, Alice and George.
He is remembered in perpetuity on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

Memorial for ''Archie'' Nottingham General Cemetery. Photos Lt. J Smith.

Sources:

England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 Free BMD
England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975 - FamilySearch.org
1891 & 1901
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: 520
England, United Grand Lodge of England Freemason Membership Registers, 1751-1921 Library and Museum of Freemasonry; London, England; Freemasonry Membership Registers; Description: Membership Registers: Colonial and Foreign 67-413 to Colonial and Foreign 415-389; Reel Number: 60
England & Wales, Civil Registration Marriage Index, 1837-1915
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
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 1248
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 113/0525/KEN-KEN
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 107
Image courtesy of the Family of G.A.S Kennedy
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - John Henry Little
DOB - 1st November 1875
Place of Birth - Bolton, Lancashire

Rank - Stoker 1st Class - (Ch) 280164

Service History - John signed up to the Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class, a hard profession that he was already used to as a civilian as a labourer. He was recorded as 5’3” tall with brown hair and grey eyes.

HMS PEMBROKE II - 01/08/1895 - 09/08/1895
HMS WILDFIRE - 10/08/1895 - 04/11/1895
HMS PEMBROKE II - 05/11/1895 - 22/08/1896
HMS HAWKE - 23/08/1896 - 04/03/1899, rising to Stoker 1st Class on 15/01/1897, it was also noted in his records that he deserted in Malta on the 14/07/1897, but the punishment or duration was unknown
HMS PEMBROKE II - 05/03/1899 - 01/03/1900
HMS NORTHAMPTON - 02/03/1900 - 04/04/1902, recorded aboard the armoured cruiser on the night of the 1901 census
HMS PEMBROKE II - 05/04/1902 - 21/04/1902
HMS TERROR - 22/04/1902 - 07/12/1902
HMS ARIADNE - 08/121902 - 26/02/1903
HMS PALLAS - 27/02/1903 - 10/04/1903
HMS ARIADNE - 11/04/1903 - 28/04/1903
HMS TERROR - 29/04/1903 - 30/06/1904
HMS PEMBROKE II - 01/07/1904 - 23/01/1906, spending 14 days in cells in June 1905
HMS RAMILLIES - 24/01/1906 - 29/01/1906
HMS ALBEMARLE - 30/06/1906 - 05/01/1907
HMS PEMBROKE II - 06/01/1907 - 10/01/1907
HMS ATTENTIVE - 11/01/1907 - 30/07/1907, disembarked for shore, having served 12 years

John spent two years outside the Navy upon an application for re-entry

HMS PEMBROKE II - 20/07/1909 - 29/07/1909
HMS TYNE - 30/07/1909 - 02/03/1910
HMS PEMBROKE II - 03/03/1910 - 04/04/1910
HMS BLACK PRINCE - 05/04/1910 - 16/08/1911, recorded aboard the armoured cruiser in Gibraltar on the night of the 1911 census
HMS PEMBROKE II - 17/08/1911 - 14/09/1911
HMS LORD NELSON - 15/09/1911 - 10/01/1912
HMS PEMBROKE II - 11/01/1912 - 30/01/1912
HMS SIRIUS - 31/01/1912 - 06/12/1913
HMS PEMBROKE II - 07/12/1913 - 09/01/1914
HMS ACTAEON - 10/01/1914 - 06/02/1914
HMS PEMBROKE - 07/02/1914 - 28/04/1914
HMS BONAVENTURE - 29/04/1914 - 04/08/1914
HMS THAMES - 05/08/1914 - 17/08/1914
HMS AMETHYST - 18/08/1914 - 24/10/1914
HMS PEMBROKE II - 25/10/1914 - 30/11/1914
HMS JASON - 01/12/1917 - 03/04/1914

After his death John’s pension was awarded to his mother - he is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

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: 447
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 ational 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)
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/9; Scan Number: 0143
CWGC Register
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 117/0568/LIS-LIT
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - George McLeod
DOB - 21st November 1896
Place of Birth - Latheron, Caithness
Parents - Unknown

Early History - On the 1901 Scotland census George was recorded with his grandparents Robert and Ann, aged four, living in the parish of Latheron, along with a female boarder.

Rank - Able Seaman (Ch) J 18146

Service History - George worked as a farm servant before joining the Navy for a twelve year service. He was recorded as being 5’2” tall when he joined as a Boy 2nd Class, growing to 5’5” tall when aged eighteen. He had brown hair, blue eyes and a fresh complexion with no obvious scars or marks.

HMS GANGES - 30/05/1912 - 14/09/1912
HMS GANGES II - 15/09/1912 - 02/10/1912
HMS BERWICK - 03/10/1912 - 09/01/1913
HMS PEMBROKE I - 10/01/1913 - 28/01/1913
HMS ANDROMACHE - 29/01/1913 - 03/03/1913
HMS CHATHAM - 04/03/1913 - 09/07/1913
HMS PEMBROKE I - 10/07/1913 - 14/08/1913
HMS HIBERNIA - 15/08/1913 - 13/03/1916
HMS PEMBROKE I - 14/03/1916 - 03/06/1916
HMS JASON - 04/06/1916 - 03/04/1917

His Star, Victory and British war medals were claimed by his Grandmother following his death. She was also awarded his pension. George is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial. George is not mentioned on the Latheron War Memorial.

Sources:

1901 Scotland 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: 683
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 009; Piece Description: Piece 009 (1914 - 1919)
CWGC Register
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 109
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 131/0609/MCL-MCL
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - Donald Morrison
DOB - 1st November 1875
Place of Birth - Bernish, Uig, Scotland
Parents - John and Annie
Early History - Donald was recorded on the 1871 census aged one with his Grandparents as head household members - he was again recorded with them ten years later, at Croft House, Uig. He was eight years old and attended school.

Rank - Seaman (Ch) C 1448

Service History - Donald joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 21t October 1899, continuing to work in fishing between training and being held in retention. He was based in Stornoway and called from port on the outbreak of the Great War, joining HMS JASON on 20th October 1914.
He was 5’4” tall with brown eyes, a fair complexion and a scar on his forehead over his right eyebrow.

Donald’s pension was awarded to his widow Annie after his death.
He is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

Sources:

1871 & 1881 Scotland Census
National Archives BT 377/7/33692
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: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; Piece: 014 (1914 Jan 01 - 1919 Dec 31)
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: 0592
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - John Oliver Moss
DOB - 23rd August 1889
Place of Birth - Plaistow
Parents - Walter and Amelia

Early History - John was the third child of Walter, a ship’s fireman, and Amelia, recorded on the 1891 census where they lived at 76 Edward Street, West Ham. By the 1901 census John was aged eleven and had a further seven younger siblings. His father still worked on the water, on steam tugs, either on the River Thames or the water way that fed into it. The family lived at 46 Avreous Road, still in West Ham.

Rank - Stoker Petty Officer (Ch) K 1258

Service History - John was already familiar with working on boats having left his job as a tug deckhand to join the Navy on 19th August 1908 for 12 years service. He was recorded as being 5’5” tall with brown hair, blue eyes and had an indistinct tattoo on his right forearm and a cross on the back of his right hand.

HMS ARCHERON - 19/08/1908 - 14/02/1909
HMS AFRICA - 15/02/1909 - 24/04/1911, rising to Stoker 1st Class on 04/08/1909
HMS PEMBROKE II - 25/04/1911 - 19/05/1911, recorded at the naval base at the time of the 1911 census
HMS ORONTES - 20/05/1911 - 30/06/1912, rising to Acting Leading Seaman on 30/10/1911
HMS EGMONT - 01/07/1912 - 12/10/1913
HMS ECLIPSE - 13/10/1913 - 04/11/1913
HMS PEMBROKE - 05/11/1913 - 27/04/1914, rising to Leading Stoker on 26/03/1914
HMS JASON - 28/04/1914 - 03/04/1917, rising to Acting Stoker Petty Officer on 01/02/1915 and Stoker Petty Officer on 01/01/1916

His pension was awarded to his mother following his death, as were his Star, Victory and British war medals. He is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

Sources:

England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 Free BMD
1891, 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: 869
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: 0604
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 542931
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 110
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - George Pierson
DOB - 3rd April 1894
Place of Birth - Brenchley, Kent
Parents - Albert and Mary (Dunk)

Early History - George was first recorded on the 1901 census, aged 6, living with his family - his parents and 3 siblings lived in a cottage attached to a farm where Albert worked as a carter, but their surname was spelt Pearson.

Rank - Able Seaman (Ch) J 7047

Service History - George was already familiar with naval ways having lived aboard the training ship Arethusa, with further information at http://www.childrenshomes.org.uk/TSArethusa/

He joined the Navy for 12 years service on 20th January 1910 as a Boy 2nd Class, stationed at HMS GANGES where he remained until 21st September the same year, rising to Boy 1st Class on 5th September.
He transferred for 4 months to HMS LEVIATHAN before joining HMS ANTRIM on 20th January 1911, aboard during the night of the 1911 England census, the armoured cruiser was anchored at HM Dockyard in Chatham. He remained with the ship until 16th May 1911 before heading for shore base HMS PEMBROKE I on 17th May 1911. Less than two weeks later he was posted to HMS BLACK PRINCE where he served until 22nd April 1912, rising to Ordinary Seaman on his 18th birthday, 3rd April. After 3 weeks back at HMS PEMBROKE in May 1912 he was sent to HMS HIBERNIA from 14th May 1912 until 13th March 1916, rising in rating to Able Seaman on 14th May 1914. He also spent a total of 15 days in cells, over two separate periods for reasons unknown.
George joined HMS JASON on 3rd May 1916 and remained with the ship until its sinking on 3rd April 1917….which was also George’s 23rd birthday.
His pension was claimed by his father, his Star, Victory and British medals awarded to his brother.

Kent & Sussex Courier - Friday 20 April 1917

HIGH BROOMS. Mr. A. Pearson, of High Brooms, has received news that his son. George Pierson. A.B was drowned on his twenty-third birthday while active service on a mine sweeper.

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: 661
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)
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 242/9; Scan Number: 0916
UK, World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-192 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 153/0739/PIE-PIM
UK, Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 112
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - James Thomas Wilkes
DOB - 9th April 1883
Place of Birth - Kidderminster, Worcester
Parents - John and Mary

Rank - Leading Telegraphist (Ch) J 3134, formerly RMLI 12988

Service History - James first served in the forces as a Private in the Royal Marine Light Infantry, enlisting on 18th November 1901 in Birmingham aged eighteen, leaving his job as a carpet creeler. He had two small tattoo marks, one on each forearm and a scar due to scalding, on the back of his head. He was recorded as 5’7” tall on enlistment, with light brown hair and grey eyes, growing to 5’9” on discharge. He was approved for transfer to the Royal Navy to train as a Telegraphist following seven years service within the RMLI. It is not known why he transferred.

HMS BLENHEIM - 15/09/1908 - 24/10/1908
HMS PEMBROKE I - 25/10/1908 - 24/11/1908
HMS TRIUMPH - 25/11/1908 - 11/01/1911, rising to Acting Leading Telegraphist on 15/09/1910
HMS PEMBROKE I - 12/01/1911 - 07/02/1911, rising to Leading Telegraphist on 07/02/1911
HMS BLENHEIM - 08/02/1911 - 30/09/1913, dis-rated to Telegraphist by warrant on 14/06/1912 due to absence over leave. He rose to Leading Telegraphist again on 01/01/1913, but was dis-rated to Telegraphist for a second time on 24/06/1913
HMS EGMONT - 01/10/1913 - 31/03/1914
HMS BLENHEIM - 01/04/1914 - 21/06/1914
HMS SUTLEJ - 22/06/1914 - 12/07/1914
HMS PEMBROKE I - 13/07/1914 - 29/07/1914
HMS SUTLEJ - 30/07/1914 - 03/04/1915
HMS PEMBROKE I - 04/04/1915 - 06/04/1915
AMC DIGBY - 07/04/1915 - 07/11/1915, rising to Leading Telegraphist on 24/06/1915
HMS JASON - 08/11/1915 - 03/04/1917

His pension was awarded to his mother following his death.
He is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

Sources:

UK, Royal Marines Registers of Service Index, 1842-1925 ADM 159/57/12988
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: 653
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)
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 242/10; Scan Number: 1042
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 189/1006/WIL-WIL
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Name - Phillip Charles Worth
DOB - 25th November 1881
Place of Birth - Mousehole, Cornwall
Parents - John and Olivia
Early History - Born six months after the 1881 census, Phillip was nine years old when first recorded, on the 1891 census, living with his parents and five siblings at 10 North Street in Mousehole, Cornwall. The family were then recorded living on Fore Street in Mousehole in the 1901 census, although his mother and younger sister Elswitha were not listed as they had both sadly died previously in the same year, Elswitha at just fourteen years old.
Phillip married Fanny Elizabeth Quick in 1902 and had three children by the 1911 census, two boys and one girl. The family lived at Mount Pleasant in Mousehole and Phillip listed his occupation as Fisherman.

Rank - RNR, Seaman C 2246 (Dev)

Service History - Phillip joined the Royal Navy Reserve on 30th September 1901, leaving his home in Mt Pleasant Street, Mousehole, Cornwall. He served aboard HMS REVENGE from 03/07/1901 (under service number 4049 X) until 30/09/1901 and HMS SWIFTSURE from 03/07/1904 until 31/12/1904 (under service number 3453 QA) as well as being posted to HMS’s EXCELLENT, IRON DUKE and CYCLOPS in August 1914 before joining HMS JASON on 25th December 1914.

Following his death his pension was awarded to his widow for their children, his Star, Victory and British war medals were also claimed by Fanny.

Phillip is remembered locally on the Penzance War Memorial, but his surname is mis-spelt as “Worsh” - he is also remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Cornishman - Thursday 11 April 1918

In ever loving memory of my dear husband. PHILIP CHARLES WORTH, beloved husband of Fanny Worth, Mount Pleasant Street, Mousehole, who lost his life in a mine sweeper, H.M.S. Jason, April 3rd, 1917.

This one long year has passed away,
Since this great sorrow fell,
Yet in our hearts mourn the loss
Of him we loved so well.

My thoughts do often wander,
To a grave so far away,
Where they laid my darling husband
In the deep far away.

Grieve not for me, my life is past,
My love for you was to the last.
Then grieve not for me, but comfort take,
And love each other for my sake.

From his sorrowing wife and children.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Memorial Board in the Mousehole British Legion Photo: www.cornwallfhs.com

Sources:

England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 Free BMD
1891, 1901 & 1911 England Census
England & Wales, Civil Registration Marriage Index, 1837-1915
National Archives BT 377/7/34497
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)
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: 014 (1914 Jan 01 - 1919 Dec 31)
CWGC Register
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/10; Scan Number: 1165
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 194/1036/WOR-WOT
Researched by Wendy Sadler

Memorials