Airmen Lt. H.D. Vernon & Lt. B.D. Ash
30/09/1914
Short 74 Hydroplane
RNAS Pilot Wings
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 October 1914
FLYING MEN MISSING. FEARED DEATH OF TWO NAVAL LIEUTENANTS.
It is feared that two aviators, belonging to the naval wing the Royal Flying Corps, have been lost in North Sea. Lieutenant Vernon and Lieutenant Ash proceeded for a short flight in a hydroplane on Tuesday afternoon, but did not return, search was made on Wednesday, but no trace of the aviators or the machine could be found. The weather was stormy both before and after the flight, but was moderate when they started.
Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser and Gazette for the Orkney & Zetland Islands - Wednesday 07 October 1914
TWO AIRMEN LOST,
It is feared that two airmen belonging to the naval wing of the Royal Flying Corps have lost their lives. About four o'clock on Tuesday last week Lieut. Henry D. Vernon and Lieut. Basil D. Ash left on a hydroplane for a short flight intending to return before dark. The weather was moderate when they started, though it had been blowing strongly earlier in the day. Their flight took them over part of the North Sea. As they did not return search was made the following morning both by aeroplane and steamer, but no trace of the airmen or of their machine could be found.
Short 74 Seaplane
Army and Navy Gazette - Saturday 07 November 1914
NAVAL AIRMEN.
Lieut. H. D. Vernon, who has been missing since Sept.30, when he left Kirkwall for seaplane flight, entered the Navy in 1901, and became a Midshipman on June 15, 1903, a Sub-Lieutenant on Feb. 16, 1907, and Lieutenant Oct. 1, 1909. He retired on April 20, 1910, but was reinstated on the Active List in January, 1913, on being appointed for instruction the Central Flying School. On April 17, 1913, was graded Flying Officer and appointed to the Eastchurch School, where he remained until the outbreak of war, when he was appointed for special service with group of other naval airmen under Flight-Com. D. A. Oliver.
Lieut. B. D. Ash, who has also been missing since Sept. 30, entered the Service in 1906, and was rated Midshipman on Jan. 15, 1907. He served in the Dreadnought for two years, and in other battleships, being made Sub-Lieutenant on May 16, 1910. He took firsts in seamanship and torpedo in his examinations for lieutenant, which grade he reached on Oct. 1, 1912. After year in the Espiegel in the East Indies, he joined the Central Flying School in January last, and on April 29 was graded Flying Officer and attached to the Isle of Grain Air Station, being transferred for special service on Aug. 15.
NAVAL AIRMEN.
Lieut. H. D. Vernon, who has been missing since Sept.30, when he left Kirkwall for seaplane flight, entered the Navy in 1901, and became a Midshipman on June 15, 1903, a Sub-Lieutenant on Feb. 16, 1907, and Lieutenant Oct. 1, 1909. He retired on April 20, 1910, but was reinstated on the Active List in January, 1913, on being appointed for instruction the Central Flying School. On April 17, 1913, was graded Flying Officer and appointed to the Eastchurch School, where he remained until the outbreak of war, when he was appointed for special service with group of other naval airmen under Flight-Com. D. A. Oliver.
Lieut. B. D. Ash, who has also been missing since Sept. 30, entered the Service in 1906, and was rated Midshipman on Jan. 15, 1907. He served in the Dreadnought for two years, and in other battleships, being made Sub-Lieutenant on May 16, 1910. He took firsts in seamanship and torpedo in his examinations for lieutenant, which grade he reached on Oct. 1, 1912. After year in the Espiegel in the East Indies, he joined the Central Flying School in January last, and on April 29 was graded Flying Officer and attached to the Isle of Grain Air Station, being transferred for special service on Aug. 15.
Evening Mail - Monday 28 December 1914
NAVAL FLYING FEATS. THE WORK OF THE AIRMEN IN THE WAR. The latest exploit of the Navy's airmen renders opportune a review of the doings of the Royal Naval Air Service, since the outbreak of war. As it was reported at the time that two officers, Flight-Lieutenants Vernon and Ash, R.N., had been lost at sea while on a seaplane patrol from Kirkwall, it cannot now be dangerous to state that very early in the war, force of seaplanes and of land-going aeroplanes were sent to do patrol work.
NAVAL FLYING FEATS. THE WORK OF THE AIRMEN IN THE WAR. The latest exploit of the Navy's airmen renders opportune a review of the doings of the Royal Naval Air Service, since the outbreak of war. As it was reported at the time that two officers, Flight-Lieutenants Vernon and Ash, R.N., had been lost at sea while on a seaplane patrol from Kirkwall, it cannot now be dangerous to state that very early in the war, force of seaplanes and of land-going aeroplanes were sent to do patrol work.
Gloucestershire Echo - Saturday 13 February 1915
PREVIOUS FLYING FEATS..............
So far as known, four officers of the Naval Air Service have lost their lives. Two Flight-Lieutenant's, Vernon and Ash. were lost at sea while on a seaplane patrol from Kirkwall, soon after the outbreak of war.' The other two, Flight Lieutenant Beevor and Lieutenant Lord Annesley, disappeared while flying across to France.
PREVIOUS FLYING FEATS..............
So far as known, four officers of the Naval Air Service have lost their lives. Two Flight-Lieutenant's, Vernon and Ash. were lost at sea while on a seaplane patrol from Kirkwall, soon after the outbreak of war.' The other two, Flight Lieutenant Beevor and Lieutenant Lord Annesley, disappeared while flying across to France.
The Crew
Name - Henry Doone Vernon
DOB - 1st May 1886
Place of Birth - Hong Kong
Parents - J Vernon (father)
Rank - Flight Lieutenant
Service History - Henry joined the Navy as a cadet, training on HMS BRITANNIA from 15/09/1901 until 15/05/1903 when he passed out, gaining 3 months.
HMS ALBION - 15/05/1903 - 09/06/1905, at its China Station, rising to Midshipman on 21/11/1903
HMS SUTLEJ - 10/06/1905, 30/04/1906.
HMS MONTAGUE - 17/05/1906 - 04/06/1906
HMS OCEAN - 01/09/1906 - 14/01/1907
ROYAL NAVY COLLEGE - 15/01/1907 - SEPT 1907, rising to Acting Sub Lieutenant on 15/02/1907
HMS AMPHITRITE/KENT - 01/10/1907 - DEC 1909
He was described by superior officers as zealous and capable. He had a “good physique” except for an old wound - “a smart officer always dresses well but rather inclined to be extravagant”.
For specific reasons not mentioned in his records however, he was found unfit for further service following 3 months recovery at Haslar Hospital from 20th January 1910. He was retired from the Navy on 20th April 1911 and it seemed for a while that that was the end of his career. He completed and signed the 1911 census for himself, his wife, new-born daughter and two servants, living at,14 Lauderdale Mansions, Paddington, London, citing “a retired naval officer” as his previous occupation.
On 30th July 1912 he applied to join the Royal Flying Corps where he was assessed by the Medical Doctor and found fit for service on 15th August 1912. He was officially reinstated to the Navy on 15th November 1912 and 10 days later requested to be allowed to obtain the Royal Aero Club Certificate at the Naval Flying School, Eastchurch. He was advised to gain this certificate at a private aerodrome, which he did in a Bristol Biplane at the Bristol School, Larkhill, Salisbury Plain on 21st January 1913.
He was then attached to HMS PRESIDENT , as a Lieutenant, for an aviation course from 17/01/1913 to 16/04/1913 before joining HMS ACTAEON as a flying officer. He departed on the 14th August 1913 and joined HMS HERMES, for the Firth of Forth Naval Flying School the following day, attached until his death.
DOB - 1st May 1886
Place of Birth - Hong Kong
Parents - J Vernon (father)
Rank - Flight Lieutenant
Service History - Henry joined the Navy as a cadet, training on HMS BRITANNIA from 15/09/1901 until 15/05/1903 when he passed out, gaining 3 months.
HMS ALBION - 15/05/1903 - 09/06/1905, at its China Station, rising to Midshipman on 21/11/1903
HMS SUTLEJ - 10/06/1905, 30/04/1906.
HMS MONTAGUE - 17/05/1906 - 04/06/1906
HMS OCEAN - 01/09/1906 - 14/01/1907
ROYAL NAVY COLLEGE - 15/01/1907 - SEPT 1907, rising to Acting Sub Lieutenant on 15/02/1907
HMS AMPHITRITE/KENT - 01/10/1907 - DEC 1909
He was described by superior officers as zealous and capable. He had a “good physique” except for an old wound - “a smart officer always dresses well but rather inclined to be extravagant”.
For specific reasons not mentioned in his records however, he was found unfit for further service following 3 months recovery at Haslar Hospital from 20th January 1910. He was retired from the Navy on 20th April 1911 and it seemed for a while that that was the end of his career. He completed and signed the 1911 census for himself, his wife, new-born daughter and two servants, living at,14 Lauderdale Mansions, Paddington, London, citing “a retired naval officer” as his previous occupation.
On 30th July 1912 he applied to join the Royal Flying Corps where he was assessed by the Medical Doctor and found fit for service on 15th August 1912. He was officially reinstated to the Navy on 15th November 1912 and 10 days later requested to be allowed to obtain the Royal Aero Club Certificate at the Naval Flying School, Eastchurch. He was advised to gain this certificate at a private aerodrome, which he did in a Bristol Biplane at the Bristol School, Larkhill, Salisbury Plain on 21st January 1913.
He was then attached to HMS PRESIDENT , as a Lieutenant, for an aviation course from 17/01/1913 to 16/04/1913 before joining HMS ACTAEON as a flying officer. He departed on the 14th August 1913 and joined HMS HERMES, for the Firth of Forth Naval Flying School the following day, attached until his death.
MEMORIAL WALL TO THE RIGHT OF THE MAIN GATE
DIGBY STUART COLLEGE
DIGBY STUART COLLEGE
Sources:
1911 England Census
UK, Royal Naval Officers' Service Records Index, 1756-1931 ADM 196/144/49 and ADM 196/50/340
Great Britain, Royal Aero Club Aviators’ Certificates, 1910-1950
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty and predecessors: Office of the Director General of the Medical Department of the Navy and predecessors: Service Registers and Registers of Deaths and Injuries. REGISTERS OF KILLED AND WOUNDED
CWGC Register
Peter Singlehurst; Year: 1903-1909
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 007/0012/STY-WAT
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995
Researched by Wendy Sadler
1911 England Census
UK, Royal Naval Officers' Service Records Index, 1756-1931 ADM 196/144/49 and ADM 196/50/340
Great Britain, Royal Aero Club Aviators’ Certificates, 1910-1950
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty and predecessors: Office of the Director General of the Medical Department of the Navy and predecessors: Service Registers and Registers of Deaths and Injuries. REGISTERS OF KILLED AND WOUNDED
CWGC Register
Peter Singlehurst; Year: 1903-1909
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 007/0012/STY-WAT
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995
Researched by Wendy Sadler
Name - Basil Drummond Ash
DOB - 16th May 1890
Place of Birth - Southport, Queensland, Australia.
Parents - Cyril Alfred Drummond Ash & Hester Elizabeth Ash (nee Alexander)
Early History - He is not found on the England census of 1891 so it is presumed he and his family were either still in Australia or on passage to the UK at the time. By 1901 he was aged 10 and noted as a boarder attending school at Arlington House, on Eastern Road, Brighton.
Rank - Flight Lieutenant- RNAS
Service History - HMS BRITANNIA - 15/09/1907 - 15/01/1907
HMS DREADNOUGHT - 05/01/1907 - 10/01/1909
HMS PRINCE OF WALES - 11/01/1909 - 20/04/1909
HMS AFRICA - 21/04/1909 - 14/03/1910
COURSES - 26/04/1910 - JUNE 1911. During the 1911 census Basil was recorded at the Royal Naval College, Romney Road, Greenwich as a cadet.
Intended to be posted to HMS PATHFINDER but was reported sick with tonsillitis on 11/08/1911. After 11 days off he returned to his duties. He boarded HMS SAPPHO for a journey to HMS PHILOMEL until November 1912.
HMS ESPIEGLE - NOV 1912 - OCT 1913. It was while assigned to PHILOMEL that he voiced to join the Royal Flying Corps and was advised to obtain his aero club flying certificate privately before joining any flying courses. He did so, passing on 24th January 1914 on a Maurice Farman Biplane at The Farman School, Etampes, France, his certificate granted 20th February 1914/
HMS PEMBROKE/ISLE OF GRAIN NAVAL AIR STATION - 29/04/1914 - Sept 1914. The naval station received a telegram from the Vice Admiral - Kirkwall reported that he went scouting in Seaplane 77 on 29th September and had not been heard from since - 30th September assumed to be the date of death.
He was awarded the Star, Victory and British war medals following his death, which were claimed by his father and was mentioned on the Chatham Naval Memorial.
DOB - 16th May 1890
Place of Birth - Southport, Queensland, Australia.
Parents - Cyril Alfred Drummond Ash & Hester Elizabeth Ash (nee Alexander)
Early History - He is not found on the England census of 1891 so it is presumed he and his family were either still in Australia or on passage to the UK at the time. By 1901 he was aged 10 and noted as a boarder attending school at Arlington House, on Eastern Road, Brighton.
Rank - Flight Lieutenant- RNAS
Service History - HMS BRITANNIA - 15/09/1907 - 15/01/1907
HMS DREADNOUGHT - 05/01/1907 - 10/01/1909
HMS PRINCE OF WALES - 11/01/1909 - 20/04/1909
HMS AFRICA - 21/04/1909 - 14/03/1910
COURSES - 26/04/1910 - JUNE 1911. During the 1911 census Basil was recorded at the Royal Naval College, Romney Road, Greenwich as a cadet.
Intended to be posted to HMS PATHFINDER but was reported sick with tonsillitis on 11/08/1911. After 11 days off he returned to his duties. He boarded HMS SAPPHO for a journey to HMS PHILOMEL until November 1912.
HMS ESPIEGLE - NOV 1912 - OCT 1913. It was while assigned to PHILOMEL that he voiced to join the Royal Flying Corps and was advised to obtain his aero club flying certificate privately before joining any flying courses. He did so, passing on 24th January 1914 on a Maurice Farman Biplane at The Farman School, Etampes, France, his certificate granted 20th February 1914/
HMS PEMBROKE/ISLE OF GRAIN NAVAL AIR STATION - 29/04/1914 - Sept 1914. The naval station received a telegram from the Vice Admiral - Kirkwall reported that he went scouting in Seaplane 77 on 29th September and had not been heard from since - 30th September assumed to be the date of death.
He was awarded the Star, Victory and British war medals following his death, which were claimed by his father and was mentioned on the Chatham Naval Memorial.
Chatham Naval Memorial,
Kent
Hampshire Telegraph - Friday 21 May 1915
Lieutenant Basil Drummond Ash, R.N., of Saxton, Yorkshire, and of Kirkwall, Orkney, who was lost with his Majesty's seaplane No. 77, on September 30th, left unsettled property valued at £133.
Lieutenant Basil Drummond Ash, R.N., of Saxton, Yorkshire, and of Kirkwall, Orkney, who was lost with his Majesty's seaplane No. 77, on September 30th, left unsettled property valued at £133.
Sources:
Birth - Australia Birth Index 1788-1922 Page 734 Registration Number 007935
1901 & 1911 England Census
UK, Royal Naval Officers' Service Records Index, 1756-1931 ADM 196/52/328 and ADM 196/144/657
Great Britain, Royal Aero Club Aviators’ Certificates, 1910-1950
Navy Lists, 1888-1970 Marineschule Mürwik; Navy List; Year: 1914
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty and predecessors: Office of the Director General of the Medical Department of the Navy and predecessors: Service Registers and Registers of Deaths and Injuries. REGISTERS OF KILLED AND WOUNDED
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: 002 (1914 - 1920)
CWGC Register
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 89
Photo - De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, 1914-1919
Researched by Wendy Sadler
Birth - Australia Birth Index 1788-1922 Page 734 Registration Number 007935
1901 & 1911 England Census
UK, Royal Naval Officers' Service Records Index, 1756-1931 ADM 196/52/328 and ADM 196/144/657
Great Britain, Royal Aero Club Aviators’ Certificates, 1910-1950
Navy Lists, 1888-1970 Marineschule Mürwik; Navy List; Year: 1914
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty and predecessors: Office of the Director General of the Medical Department of the Navy and predecessors: Service Registers and Registers of Deaths and Injuries. REGISTERS OF KILLED AND WOUNDED
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: 002 (1914 - 1920)
CWGC Register
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 89
Photo - De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, 1914-1919
Researched by Wendy Sadler
