HMT Robert Smith.
HMT Robert Smith (No 1737 ). After 20/07/1917
Displacement: 221 grt.
Length: 35.5 m. Beam: 6.9 m. Draught: 4 m.
Propulsion: Triple expansion engine, 1 boiler, 1 screw.
Complement: 25
Men Lost: 25
Armament: 1 x 12 pdr & 1 x 6 pdr
Displacement: 221 grt.
Length: 35.5 m. Beam: 6.9 m. Draught: 4 m.
Propulsion: Triple expansion engine, 1 boiler, 1 screw.
Complement: 25
Men Lost: 25
Armament: 1 x 12 pdr & 1 x 6 pdr
The steam trawler Robert Smith was built by Hall A. & Sons Ltd. - Alexander Hall, Aberdeen in 1915 for the Aberdeen Pioneer Steam Fishing Co. Ltd and registered in Aberdeen A353. Hired by the Royal Navy as a patrol vessel.
HMT Robert Smith was working with the 10th cruiser Squadron and was last reportedly seen by HMT Offa II (No 1406) at 3.30 am on 21st July 1917 in position 59 14N 09 40W. The vessel was then lost without trace with no confirmed reported reason for the loss.
It is not known what happened to HMT Robert Smith but it is thought the trawler was most likely sunk by gunfire from U-44,
(Kapitänleutnant Paul Wagenführ).
Sussex Daily News - Thursday 02 August 1917
NAVAL LIST.
The Secretary of the Admiralty announces the following casualties under various dates:--
MISSING, BELIEVED KILLED,
Lieut, JOSEPH LEWIN, R.N.R
Acting Lieut, ERNEST I GERRARD, R.N.R,
Skipper GEORGE W, ROBINSON, R.N.R. (W.S.A. 1790) .
U-44
U-44 did not survive the patrol being rammed sunk off Norway by HMS Oracle with the loss of all the crew on 12th August 1917 so there is no KTB to confirm events.
U-44 had a meeting with U-84 off North Hebrides on the 8th August 1917, while on the return journey to Germany, and had communicated that four vessels had been sunk.
Two large steamships, one of which was a Q ship. Post war assessments showed these were the 2,095 ton ''Q' ship Bracondale, and the 2,200 ton Norwegian steamship Thorsdal.
Also reported was a sailing vessel, which was the American 132 wooden schooner John Hays Hammond, and a patrol vessel had been sunk by gunfire.
The patrol vessel was most likely the HMT Robert Smith.
U-44 had a meeting with U-84 off North Hebrides on the 8th August 1917, while on the return journey to Germany, and had communicated that four vessels had been sunk.
Two large steamships, one of which was a Q ship. Post war assessments showed these were the 2,095 ton ''Q' ship Bracondale, and the 2,200 ton Norwegian steamship Thorsdal.
Also reported was a sailing vessel, which was the American 132 wooden schooner John Hays Hammond, and a patrol vessel had been sunk by gunfire.
The patrol vessel was most likely the HMT Robert Smith.
The Crew (research into the crew ongoing)
BARKSBY, Herbert, Trimmer Cook, RNR, TC 789
BELL, Frank, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 12450
BOYCE, Joe, Seaman, RNR, C 1969
GERRARD, Ernest Dundas (27), Lieutenant, R.N.R
GILLIES, Roderick, Seaman, RNR, B 3560
GRAHAM, Norman, Seaman, RNR, A 7888
GREEN, John W, Telegraphist, RNVR, Tyneside Z 3585
Newcastle Journal - Thursday 09 August 1917
NAVAL CASUALTIES
Killed-John W. Green, telegraphist. R.N.V.R , Tyneside-
Newcastle Journal - Thursday 09 August 1917
NAVAL CASUALTIES
Killed-John W. Green, telegraphist. R.N.V.R , Tyneside-
HAMMANS, John J, Signalman, RNVR, London Z 1756
Leicester Daily Post - Monday 06 August 1917
OLD WEGGESTONIAN BELIEVED DROWNED Mr. and Mrs. Chas. W. Hammans, of 69 Queen's Road. have received a notification from the Admiralty to the effect that H.M. armed trawler. on which their son, Signalman John James Hammans. was serving. has not been heard of since the 20th July. and that it is feared there can be no doubt she has been lost with all hands. Signalman Hammons., who was only 20 years of age was educated at the Wyggeston School. for which he won a scholarship when 11 years of age, subsequently passing the three Oxford Local Examinations with honours. He had been at sea two years, but before joining the Navy was a clerk in the County Health Insurance Office.
Leicester Daily Post - Monday 06 August 1917
OLD WEGGESTONIAN BELIEVED DROWNED Mr. and Mrs. Chas. W. Hammans, of 69 Queen's Road. have received a notification from the Admiralty to the effect that H.M. armed trawler. on which their son, Signalman John James Hammans. was serving. has not been heard of since the 20th July. and that it is feared there can be no doubt she has been lost with all hands. Signalman Hammons., who was only 20 years of age was educated at the Wyggeston School. for which he won a scholarship when 11 years of age, subsequently passing the three Oxford Local Examinations with honours. He had been at sea two years, but before joining the Navy was a clerk in the County Health Insurance Office.
Wyggeston War Memorial Photo: Leicester City Council
HITCHCOCK, Harold J, Deck Hand, RNR, SD 653
Western Times - Tuesday 21 August 1917
Harold John Hitchcock, of the trawler section of the Royal Navy (son of Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock, of Teign View Terrace, Teignmouth;, is reported as missing. He was 21 years age, and was engaged in the fishing industry.
Western Times - Tuesday 21 August 1917
Harold John Hitchcock, of the trawler section of the Royal Navy (son of Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock, of Teign View Terrace, Teignmouth;, is reported as missing. He was 21 years age, and was engaged in the fishing industry.
Teignmouth War Memorial photo: Mike Guttridge
HORNER, George, Trimmer, RNR, TS 5615
JOHNSTON, Andrew, Leading Deck Hand, RNR, B 3798
LEWIN, Joseph (40), Lieutenant, R.N.R
MAIN, John, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 7724
MCGRATH, Thomas, Leading Deck Hand, RNR, B 4157
NURSE, Rochfort, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 9741
RALPH, George, Act/2nd Hand, RNR, C 2441
REID, David, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 7857
REID, John, Trimmer, RNR, TS 4781
ROBINSON, George William , Skipper, R.N.R
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Saturday 11 August 1917
LOST AT SEA.
Skipper G. W. Robinson, Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Saturday 11 August 1917
ABERDEEN CASUALTIES
Skipper W. Robinson, husband of Mrs Robinson, 9 Rosebank Terrace, was lost at sea on 20th July. Prior to joining the patrol service, Stopper Robinson was in the employment of the National Trawling Company, being their first skipper on the formation of the company about four years ago. He was then in command of the steam trawler Orthos, and latterly of the Leukos.
Aberdeen Weekly Journal - Friday 17 August 1917
ROBINSON.—Lost sea, 20th July. Skipper George W. Robinson, aged 36 years (H.M, Patrol Boat), beloved husband Lizzie Shirras. 9 Rose bank Terrace, and second son of Mr and Mrs Robinson, 53 Virginia Street, Aberdeen. Dearly loved and deeply mourned.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Saturday 11 August 1917
LOST AT SEA.
Skipper G. W. Robinson, Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Saturday 11 August 1917
ABERDEEN CASUALTIES
Skipper W. Robinson, husband of Mrs Robinson, 9 Rosebank Terrace, was lost at sea on 20th July. Prior to joining the patrol service, Stopper Robinson was in the employment of the National Trawling Company, being their first skipper on the formation of the company about four years ago. He was then in command of the steam trawler Orthos, and latterly of the Leukos.
Aberdeen Weekly Journal - Friday 17 August 1917
ROBINSON.—Lost sea, 20th July. Skipper George W. Robinson, aged 36 years (H.M, Patrol Boat), beloved husband Lizzie Shirras. 9 Rose bank Terrace, and second son of Mr and Mrs Robinson, 53 Virginia Street, Aberdeen. Dearly loved and deeply mourned.
STUART, George S, Act/Engineman, RNR, V 711
TAIT, William, Act/Deck Hand, RNR (Shetland Section), L 1075
TERRELL, Robert J, Leading Deck Hand, RNR, D 1593
TOMPKIN, Richard, Act/Engineman, RNR, V 468
Edward Tucker
TUCKER, Edward S, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 7763
Hull Daily Mail - Wednesday 08 August 1917
ROLL OF HONOUR
Tucker.—Lost off H.M.T. , on or about July 20th, 1917, Edward, beloved eon of Charles and Rose Tucker, aged 25 years. Sadly missed by all. —From his sorrowing mother, father, sisters, and brothers.
Hull Daily Mail - Wednesday 08 August 1917 (below photo)
Edward Tucker, age 25, son of and Mrs Tucker, 6, Laura-Grove, Tyne-Street, who was lost on H.M. trawler or about July 20th. He has two more brothers and father mine-sweeping.
Hull Daily Mail - Monday 21 July 1919
TUCKER.—In loving memory our dear son, Edward Tucker (Ted), who was killed H. M.T. Robert Smith, July 20th, 1917, aged 25.
A loving son, true and kind—
A better brother we'll never find.
We not forget him, nor do intend,
But think him. daily, and will the end.
Like others, he was good and brave;
In doing his bit his life he gave.
We missed him then our hearts still yearn
But more now as the boys return.
—From his sorrowing 11 other, father, brothers, sister*, sisters-in-law, grandparents, brothers-in-law.
TUCKER.—In loving memory our dear brother, Edward Tucker (Ted), who was killed H. M.T. Robert Smith, 1917, aged 25.
A day of remembrance, sad recall;
Loved and remembered by us all.
—From his loving sister (Lily) and brother-in-law (Fred).
TUCKER.—In loving memory our dear brother, Edward Tucker (Ted), who was killed on H. M.T. Robert Smith, July 20th, 1917, aged 25.
Forgotten by some soon was he.
But forgotten by us never will he.
—From his sister (Rene) and brother-in-law (Ted).
Hull Daily Mail - Wednesday 08 August 1917
ROLL OF HONOUR
Tucker.—Lost off H.M.T. , on or about July 20th, 1917, Edward, beloved eon of Charles and Rose Tucker, aged 25 years. Sadly missed by all. —From his sorrowing mother, father, sisters, and brothers.
Hull Daily Mail - Wednesday 08 August 1917 (below photo)
Edward Tucker, age 25, son of and Mrs Tucker, 6, Laura-Grove, Tyne-Street, who was lost on H.M. trawler or about July 20th. He has two more brothers and father mine-sweeping.
Hull Daily Mail - Monday 21 July 1919
TUCKER.—In loving memory our dear son, Edward Tucker (Ted), who was killed H. M.T. Robert Smith, July 20th, 1917, aged 25.
A loving son, true and kind—
A better brother we'll never find.
We not forget him, nor do intend,
But think him. daily, and will the end.
Like others, he was good and brave;
In doing his bit his life he gave.
We missed him then our hearts still yearn
But more now as the boys return.
—From his sorrowing 11 other, father, brothers, sister*, sisters-in-law, grandparents, brothers-in-law.
TUCKER.—In loving memory our dear brother, Edward Tucker (Ted), who was killed H. M.T. Robert Smith, 1917, aged 25.
A day of remembrance, sad recall;
Loved and remembered by us all.
—From his loving sister (Lily) and brother-in-law (Fred).
TUCKER.—In loving memory our dear brother, Edward Tucker (Ted), who was killed on H. M.T. Robert Smith, July 20th, 1917, aged 25.
Forgotten by some soon was he.
But forgotten by us never will he.
—From his sister (Rene) and brother-in-law (Ted).
John William Wood
WOOD, John W, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 9735
Hull Daily Mail - Wednesday 08 August 1917
ROLL OF HONOUR
Wood —Lost off H.M.T. , about July 20th, 1917, John William, the only dearly beloved son of William and Mary Wood, 21. Havelock-street, aged 21 years. Deeply mourned and sadly missed his sorrowing father and mother.
Hull Daily Mail - Wednesday 08 August 1917 (below photo)
John William Wood ago 21, only son of Mr and Mrs Wood, 29, Havclock-street, who was on a minesweeper on or about the 20th July, 1917-
Hull Daily Mail - Monday 21 July 1919
WOOD.—In loving memory John William, only beloved son of Mr and Mrs Wood, 21, Havelock-street, lost with H.M.T. Patrol, July 20th, 1917, aged 21. Fondly we loved him —he is dear to still.
But in grief we must bend God's holy will.
Our sorrow is great, our loss hard to hear.
But the angels, dear son, will guard you with care
Ever in thoughts. —From his sorrowing father and mother.
Hull Daily Mail - Wednesday 08 August 1917
ROLL OF HONOUR
Wood —Lost off H.M.T. , about July 20th, 1917, John William, the only dearly beloved son of William and Mary Wood, 21. Havelock-street, aged 21 years. Deeply mourned and sadly missed his sorrowing father and mother.
Hull Daily Mail - Wednesday 08 August 1917 (below photo)
John William Wood ago 21, only son of Mr and Mrs Wood, 29, Havclock-street, who was on a minesweeper on or about the 20th July, 1917-
Hull Daily Mail - Monday 21 July 1919
WOOD.—In loving memory John William, only beloved son of Mr and Mrs Wood, 21, Havelock-street, lost with H.M.T. Patrol, July 20th, 1917, aged 21. Fondly we loved him —he is dear to still.
But in grief we must bend God's holy will.
Our sorrow is great, our loss hard to hear.
But the angels, dear son, will guard you with care
Ever in thoughts. —From his sorrowing father and mother.
