Milford Haven War Memorial

Royal Naval Personnel of the Great War, 1914-1918

Thomas Anderson, Engineman, 380ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Thomas was the Son of James and Mary Anderson, of Aberdeen, and the husband of Annie Anderson, of 21, Murry Road, Pill, Milford Haven. He served as Engineman aboard HM Trawler Loch Eye, and drowned when she struck a mine near Dunmore, off the coast of Ireland on 20 April 1917. Thomas was 36 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

John Edwin Anthony, Trimmer, 546TS, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Son of John and Elizabeth Anthony, of Hubberstone, Milford Haven, and the husband of Beatrice Maud Anthony, of Hubberstone Green. He served as Trimmer aboard HM Trawler Drumtochty, which was used to patrol the English Channel. John died on 5 March 1916, aged 28, and is buried at Dunkirk Town Cemetery. Drumtochty sunk later in the war when she struck a mine in the Channel on 29 January 1918, with the loss of eleven of her crew of thirteen.

Joseph Houghton Ashton, Engineman, 147TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Joseph was the Son of William and Elizabeth Ashton, of Liverpool, and the husband of Ellen Ashton, of 3, Brick Houses, Pill, Milford Haven. He served as Engineman aboard HM Trawler Carew Castle, and was killed when she struck a mine off Hartland Point on 12 June 1917. Joseph was 31 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Ernest Axford, Trimmer, 302TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Ernest was the Grandson of William Axford, of Milford. His mother died when he was young, and Ernest was adopted by Simon and Elizabeth Davies, of 15, Perrotts Terrace, Barn Street, Haverfordwest. He served with the Royal Naval Reserve, aboard HM Trawler "Kirkland". She was requisitioned during August 1914, for service as a mine sweeper. Ernest was drowned when the Kirkland struck a mine off Fugla Skerry, Papastour, Shetlands, on 20 August, 1917. He was 21 years old, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon. Many thanks to Shirley Thomas for the photograph.

Albert Baxter, Trimmer, 5894TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Albert was serving as Trimmer aboard HM Trawler Loch Eye, when she sank after striking a mine off Dunmore, Southern Ireland, on 20 April 1917. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

William Walter Berryman, M.I.D., Deck Hand, 208DA, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. William James Berryman, and the husband of Ellen Holtby Berryman, of 122, Robert Street, Milford Haven. William served as Deck Hand aboard HM Trawler Apley, and had been Mentioned in Despatches during his time at war. He was killed on 6 December 1917 when Apley struck a mine off the Isle of Wight. William was 32 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Alexander Blackhall, Engineman, 2044ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Alexander was the Son of William and Christina Blackhall, of 156, High Street, Gardenstown, Banff. He served as Engineman aboard HM Drifter Speedwell V, and was drowned when Speedwell sunk on 28 October 1916. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. His brother George also drowned in the sinking.

George Blackhall, Deck Hand, 3985DA, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the Son of William and Christina Blackhall, of 156, High Street, Gardenstown, Banff. He served with his brother Alexander aboard HM Drifter Speedwell V, and was drowned when she sank on 28 October 1916. George was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

William John Bowtle, Stoker 1st Class, K/15916, Royal Navy. William was from Milford, and served aboard HMS P.60. She was a 'Q-Ship' which operated out of Chatham. William was one of two of her crew to be killed on 4 January 1918, probably during an exchange of fire with a German craft in the English Channel. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Tillingham (St. Nicholas) Churchyard.

William Henry Broome, Engineman, 83ES, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Husband of Annie Jane Broome, of 219, Robert Street, Milford Haven. For some unknown reason he served as William Thomas, as Engineman aboard HM Trawler Carlton. William was killed on 21 February 1916 when Carlton struck a mine off Folkestone. He was 29 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Sydney Doggett Bryant, Deck Hand, 10534DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Sydney was born in Cardiff on 20 May 1894, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Bryant, of 21, Margaret Street, Bute Docks, and was educated at St. Monica Council School, Cathays. He worked at Sessions & Co. prior to the war. Sydney married Elizabeth Mary Cottiers, and she gave birth to their son Sydney Thomas Bryant on 22 March 1915. The young family lived at 247, Left Mynachdy Road, Mynachdy, Cardiff. Sydney enlisted on 15 November 1915 into the Royal Navy, and served as Deck Hand aboard HMS Prize. Sydney was killed when she was sunk during a battle with the German submarine U-48 on 14 August 1917. Sydney was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

 

Alexander Buchan, Engineman, 3439ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Alexander was the Husband of Mary Roger Buchan, and served as Engineman aboard HM Drifter Ladysmith. Alexander drowned when Ladysmith was lost in a gale of the West Wales coast on 27 December 1915. He was 63 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

James Walter Buck, Deck Hand, DA/15469, Royal Naval Reserve. James was the Son of George Walter Buck, and the husband of Gladys Ethel Barrett (formerly Buck), of 10, Warwick Road, Milford Haven. He had been born at Caister-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, and lived at Milford whilst serving aboard HM Drifter Petrel. James died after the war, on 10 March 1919, at the age of 38. He is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photo.

F. W. Burnford, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

James Peter Burns, Deck Hand, 3706SD, Royal Naval Reserve. James was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Burns, of Barrow-in-Furness. He served aboard HM Drifter Speedwell V, and was drowned when she was lost on 28 October 1916. James was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Walter Henry Byard, Deck Hand, 2909DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Walter was the Husband of Alice Byard, of Priory Village, Milford Haven. He served as Deck Hand aboard HM Trawler Lobelia II, and was killed when she struck a mine off Lough Swilly on 19 April 1917. Walter was 32 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

John Herbert Byford, Leading Stoker, K/19069, Royal Navy. John was the Husband of Mrs. Jennings (formerly Byford), of Beach Road, Pill, Milford Haven. He served aboard the pre-dreadnought Battleship HMS Goliath. Goliath had been built for service in the Pacific, and was obsolete by the outbreak of the Great War. Nevertheless, her powerful firepower made her of use to the ground forces which were landed on Gallipoli from 25 April 1915 onwards, and Goliath spent the last few months of her life in action here, before being sunk by the Turkish torpedo boat Muavanet on 13 May 1915. John was drowned when Goliath sunk that day. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

David John Carpenter, Deck Hand, 2766DA, Royal Naval Reserve. David was the Son of Henry and Mary Carpenter, of 5, Hill Street, Hakin, and served as Deck Hand aboard the 'Q-Ship' HMS Prize. He was killed when Prize was sunk during an action against the German submarine U-48 in the Atlantic on 15 August 1917. He was just 18 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Thomas Wilfred Chope, Chief Petty Officer, 172371, Royal Navy. Thomas was the Son of the late Thomas and Mary Ann Chope, of Portsmouth, and the husband of Daisy Beatrice Chope, of 53, Whitecliffe Avenue, Copnor, Portsmouth. He served as Chief Petty Officer aboard HMS Bulwark, which was a pre-dreadnaught Battleship of the Formidable Class. On the morning of 26 November 1914, Bulwark was anchored safely in the estuary at Medway, when a terrific explosion ripped her apart, and she sank with the loss of 740 lives. A Naval Court of Enquiry found that the explosion was probably caused by an overheating cordite charge, stored near one of the boiler room bulkheads. Thomas was 37 years old when he died that day. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

John Charles Chudley, D.S.M. and Bar, Chief Steward 2nd Class, L/1943, Royal Navy. John was the Husband of Florence Ellen Chudley, of North East Street, Northam, Devon. John was another of the brave men serving aboard the 'Q-Ship' HMS Prize, and during his time on the ship, had gained the honour of being awarded the Distinguished Service Medal twice, first in the London Gazette of 22 June 1917, and the second on 14 September 1917. Sadly he was killed in action when Prize was sunk by the German submarine U-48 in the Atlantic on 14 August 1917. He was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.              

C. Clarke, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot be positively identified.

Edwin Mark Clarke, Deck Hand, SD/82, Royal Naval Reserve. Edwin was born on 5 May 1896, and was the husband of Gladys Gertrude Clarke, of Milford Haven. Very little is known of this man, but he served aboard HMS Q22, and died at Milford on 22 April 1917. He is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

Charles Reginald Clemo, Shipwright 2nd Class, M/16543, Royal Navy. Charles was one of the few Royal Naval regulars serving aboard HMS Prize. He was the Son of Charles and Elizabeth H. T. Clemo, of Duke Street Inn, Duke Street, Devonport, and was a native of Hayles, Cornwall. Charles was killed when Prize was sunk by U-48 in the Atlantic on 14 August 1917. He was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

E. Cole, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

Thomas Collins, Deck Hand, 2877SD, Royal Naval Reserve. Thomas was the Son of Peter and Delia Collins, of Fair Hill Road, Galway. He served as Deck Hand aboard HMS Prize, and was killed when she was sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917. Thomas was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Timothy Connor, Leading Seaman, D/1868, Royal Naval Reserve. Timothy was the Husband of Bridget Connor, of 26, Howe Street, Bootle, Liverpool. He served aboard HM Trawler Evangel, and he drowned when Evangel struck a German mine off St. Anne's Head on 25 March 1917. He was 42 years old, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

Leopold Coulet, Deck Hand, 13SD, Royal Naval Reserve. Leopold served aboard HMS Idaho, an Auxiliary Patrol boat based at Milford. Leopold died on 22 April 1917 and is buried at Cobh Old Church Cemetery, Ireland. No more is presently known.

William Charles Crisp, Second Hand, 434DA, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of Samuel and Emma Crisp, of Halesworth, Suffolk, and the husband of Fanny Winifred Scott (formerly Crisp), of 5, Prioryville, Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Lydian, and was killed when she was sunk by a mine explosion off South Foreland on 18 September 1915. William was 29 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Albert Davies, Trimmer, 6189TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Albert was the Son of William Davies, of Hakin, and the husband of Esther Davies, of Lower Thornton, Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Evangel, and was killed when she was sunk by a mine explosion in the English Channel on 25 March 1917. Albert was 39 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

George Sidney Davies, Petty Officer Stoker, ES/1669, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the Son of Mrs. E. Davies, of 29, Gwilia Road, Hakin, Milford Haven. He had served aboard HM Trawler Peter Lovet during the war, and died at Milford on 20 April 1919. George was 30 years old, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

R. Davies, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

Thomas George Davies, Engineman, 1620/ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Thomas was serving aboard HM Trawler Othonna as an Engineman. The Othonna was sunk when she struck a mine off Fife Ness on 20 April, 1917 which had been laid by UC41 just a day earlier. All hands were drowned, but some of the men's bodies were washed ashore, and so afforded burial. One of these was Thomas George Davies. He is buried at Honeyborough Cemetery, Neyland.

Stuart Duncan, Deck Hand, 7391DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Stuart was the Husband of Elizabeth Beaven (formerly Duncan), of 12, Corton Street, Aberdeen. He served aboard HM Drifter Ladysmith, and was drowned when she sank on 27 December 1915. Stuart is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

George Samuel Dunn, D.S.M., Chief Engineman, 92ES, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the Husband of Caroline Dunn, of 12, Brooke Avenue, Milford Haven, and served aboard HM Drifter Silvery Harvest. George had been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the notification of which appeared in the London Gazette of 5 April 1918. Sadly George was drowned soon after, when Silvery Harvest was lost in a collision off Berry Head on 16 May 1918. He was 35 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Harry Dyer, Seaman, 3945B, Royal Naval Reserve. Harry was the Son of William and Sarah Dyer, of Brixham, Devon, and the husband of Mina Dyer, of 61, Waterloo Road, Hakin. He served aboard HMS Laurentic, which was an ocean liner, belonging to the White Star Line. Laurentic was used for transatlantic travel between Liverpool and Canada, and being in Canada at the outbreak of war, was requisitioned for the transport of Canadian Troops to Britain. In 1915 she was converted to an armed transport ship, and sunk when she struck a mine off Lough Swilly on 25 January 1917. Over 350 of her crew were lost, one of whom was Harry Dyer. He was 32 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Alexander Edward, Trimmer Cook, 314TC, Royal Naval Reserve. Alexander was the Father of James Edward, of 57, Commerce Street, Lossiemouth, Morayshire, and the husband of Isabella Edward. He served aboard HM Drifter Ferndale, and was drowned when she sank on 27 December 1915. Alexander was 59 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

James Ferguson, Deck Hand, 1482SD, Royal Naval Reserve. James served as Deck Hand aboard HMS Prize, and was killed when Prize was sunk in action with the German Submarine U-48 on 14 August 1917. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Alexander C. Garden, Deck Hand, DA/3984, Royal Naval Reserve. Alexander was the Son of Alexander Garden, of Lossiemouth, Morayshire. He was also serving as Deck Hand aboard HM Drifter Ferndale when she was lost on 27 December 1917. Alexander's body was recovered from the sea, and he is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. His brother John also died aboard Ferndale. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

John Alexander Garden, Second Hand, 1156SA, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Son of Alexander Garden, of Lossiemouth, Morayshire. He served as Second Hand aboard HM Drifter Ferndale, alongside his brother Alexander, and was killed alongside him when she sank on 27 December 1915. John was 33 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Charles Arthur Garnish, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Charles was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Garnish, of Brentwood, and the husband Margaret Jane Garnish, of Brentwood, Essex. He served as Skipper aboard HM Trawler Kirkland, and was drowned when she was mined on 20 August 1917 off Fugla Skerry, Papastour, Shetlands. Charles was 47 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

George Geddes, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the Husband of Margaret Jane Geddes, of Tarwathie, South Pringle Street, Buckie, Banffshire. He served as Skipper of HM Drifter Speedwell V, and was drowned when she sank of the coast of Ireland on 28 October 1916. George was 45 years old, and is buried at Kilscoran Church of Ireland Churchyard, Ireland. His son George also drowned in the sinking.

George Geddes, Trimmer, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the son of George and Margaret Jane Geddes, of Tarwathie, South Pringle Street, Buckie, Banffshire. He served with his father aboard HM Drifter Speedwell V, and drowned alongside him when she sank on 28 October 1916. George was just 18 years old, and is buried alongside his father at Kilscoran Church of Ireland Churchyard, Ireland.

Alexander C. Gordon, Engineman, 2537ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Alexander was the Husband of Elspeth Gordon, of 7, Main Street, Inverallochy, Aberdeenshire. He served as Engineman aboard HM Drifter Ferndale, and drowned when she sunk on 27 December 1915. Alexander was 30 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Herbert Arthur Greenacre, Trimmer, TS/1700, Royal Naval Reserve. Herbert was the Son of George and Louisa Greenacre, of Martham, Norfolk. He served as Trimmer aboard HM Trawler Weymouth II, and sadly died at Milford on 3 June 1915 aged 48. Herbert is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

James William Samuel Grice, Engineman, 2376ES, Royal Naval Reserve. James was serving as Engineman aboard HM Trawler Evangel, when she was lost following a mine explosion in the English Channel on 25 March 1917. James is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

John William Grimston, Engineman, 377ES, Royal Naval Reserve. John was another crewman aboard HM Trawler Evangel, and drowned when she was lost following a mine explosion in the English Channel on 25 March 1917. John is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial. Below is a photo of John, along with a fellow crewman of Evangel.

 

Ernest James Harding, Deck Hand, 2958TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Ernest was the Son of Ernest and Catherine Harding, of 12, Marble Hall, Milford Haven. He served as Deck Hand aboard HM Trawler Evangel, and was drowned when she was lost following a mine explosion in the English Channel on 25 March 1917. Ernest is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Louis Harper, Officer's Cook 2nd Class, L/6386(CH), Royal Navy. Louis was born at Greenwich on 4 May 1894, and served as Cook aboard HMS P 60, based at Milford. P60 was another of the famous Q-Ships to have been based at Milford throughout the war, and although she survived the conflict, Louis is one of several of her crew to have been killed during an engagement on 4 January 1918. He was 24 years old, and is buried at West Norwood Cemetery and Crematorium.

Daniel David Harries, J89047, Seaman, Royal Naval Reserve. David was born at Ystrad, Rhondda, on 9 November 1892. Nothing else is presently known of him.

Thomas Harries, Deck Hand, 9630DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Thomas was the Son of William and Helen Harries, and the husband of Annie Harries, of Hakin Villa, 4, Wellington Avenue, Milford Haven. He served as Deck Hand aboard HM Trawler Loch Shiel. Thomas was killed when Loch Shiel struck a mine off Milford on 26 September 1916. He was 39 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

W. H. Harries, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

John Harvey, Engineman, ES/99, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Husband of Catherine Harvey, of 10, Pill Road, Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Falmouth III, which was used for minesweeping duties around Dover Docks, and was killed when she sunk after striking a mine laid the previous morning by German submarine UC-5, on 19 November 1915. John was 41 years old, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

James Hendry, Second Hand, 1158SA, Royal Naval Reserve. James was the Husband of Margaret Hendry, of 161, High Street, Gardenstown, Banff. He served as Second Hand aboard HM Drifter Speedwell V, and was drowned when she sank on 28 October 1916. James was 45 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Henry Thomas Henshall, D.S.M., Ordinary Telegraphist, J/48097, Royal Naval Reserve. Henry was the Son of Henry and Elizabeth Sarah Henshall, of 21, Glenthorn Grove, Sale, Cheshire. He was another of the brave crew of the Q-Ship HMS Prize, and had been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his gallantry, which was listed in the London Gazette of 14 September 1917. Sadly however, Henry was killed during the sinking of Prize by U-48 on 14 August 1917. He was just 18 years old, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

George Humphrey Horton, Engineman, 376ES, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the Son of the late Thomas Bryant Horton, of 106, Lakedale Road, Plumstead, London, and the husband of Florence Horton, of 70, Norwich Road, Lowestoft. He served as Engineman aboard HM Trawler Yucca, George was killed when Yucca was sunk on 24 May 1918. He was 42 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

John Lumsden Inch, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Son of Annie and the late Robert Inch, of Leith, and the husband of Susan Amelia Inch, of 21, Ouse Street, Weaste, Manchester. He served as Skipper aboard HMS Prize, and was killed when she was sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917. John was 36 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

N. James, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

Thomas James, Leading Stoker, 292153, Royal Navy. Thomas was one of the few regular Naval men on the Milford War Memorial. He was the Husband of Sarah James, of Blackbridge, Milford Haven, and served aboard HMS Warrior. She was a Duke of Edinburgh Class armoured cruiser, which had been built at Pembroke Dockyards. She joined the Grand Fleet at the outbreak of war, as part of the 1st cruiser Squadron, and took part in the greatest naval battle of all time, the Battle of Jutland, on 31 May 1916. Warrior played a brave part in the battle, but was worn down by heavy German fire. Many of her crew were killed during the battle, but for a while she remained afloat, being taken under tow by HMS Engadine. She sank the following day, with 743 of her crew having been rescued. Thomas was one of the unlucky ones however. He was killed on 31 May 1916 aged 38, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

George James Jarrett, D.S.M. and Bar, Petty Officer, 222863, Royal Navy. George was one of the regular Royal Naval personnel serving aboard the Q-Ship HMS Prize. He had been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal twice during the course of the war, the first being listed in the London Gazette of 22 June 1917, and the second on 14 September 1917. However, by then George had been killed in action when Prize was attacked and sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

David Thomas Job, Engineman, 84ES, Royal Naval Reserve. David was the Son of John and Elizabeth Job, of Milford Haven, and the husband of Mabel Job. David served as Engineman aboard HM Trawler Lydian, and was killed when she struck a mine and sank off South Foreland on 18 September 1915. David was 35 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

John Jones, Deck Hand, 265DA, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Son of John Jones, of Milford Haven, and the husband of Ethel Jones, of 43, Moffatt Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey. He served as Deck Hand aboard HM Trawler James Hunniford. Little is known of her, but John died on 17 June 1918, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

John Samuel Jones, Leading Stoker, K/14751, Royal Naval Reserve. John was born in Shrewsbury on 6 October 1893, the Son of John and Martha Jones, later of 37, Urban Terrace, Wellington. He served aboard HMS Minotaur, which was an armoured cruiser, which was used mainly for convoy escort duties, but had fought at the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916. Little is known of John, or why he is commemorated on the Milford War Memorial, but Minotaur was scrapped at Milford after the war. John died on 5 July 1918 at the age of 24, and is buried at Wellington General Cemetery, Shropshire.

Colin Kerr, Deck Hand, 258DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Colin was serving as Deck Hand aboard HM Trawler Helgian. Colin drowned when Helgian struck a mine in the Aegean on 6 September 1917. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Nicholas King, Seaman, 6829A, Royal Naval Reserve. Nicholas was the Son of Nicholas and Delia King, of Claddagh Parade, Galway, and served as Seaman aboard HMS Prize. He was killed in action at the age of 22, when Prize was sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Harold Edgar Kipps, Telegraphist, London/Z/4620, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Harold was the Son of Arthur E. and Ada S. Kipps, of 3, Albert Road, Brockley, London. He was educated at Strand School, London, and Matriculated at London University. He served as Telegraphist aboard HM Trawler Evangel, and drowned when Evangel sank after striking a mine off St. Anne's Head on 25 March 1917. Harold was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

Charles Benjamin Lake, Second Hand, 602DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Charles was the Son of John and Mary Lake, of Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, and the husband of Lilly Lake, of 54, Gipsy Road West Norwood, London. He served as Second Hand aboard HM Trawler Apley, and was killed when she struck a mine off Worthing on 6 December 1917. Charles was 34 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Frederick Lake, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Frederick was the Son of Frederick and Susan Lake, of Brixham, Devon, and the husband of Nellie Lake, of Great Yarmouth. He served as Skipper aboard HMS Prize, and was killed when she was sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917. Frederick is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

G. M. Law, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

J. H. Lawrence, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

Simon R. Lawrie, Trimmer, 2252TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Very little is known of Simon, except that he served aboard HM Drifter Gellyburn, and died on 10 September 1919. He is buried at Aberdeen (Trinity) Cemetery, Scotland.

George Lees, Deck Hand, 4871DA, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the Son of George and Jane Lees, of 1, Old Pier, Stonehaven. He served aboard HMS Sabrina, a Victorian iron hulled gunboat. George died on 25 February 1916 aged 29, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. Nothing further is known of how he met his fate.

Frederick W. Limbrick, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Frederick was the son of Robert and Annie Limbrick, of Milford Haven, and served as Skipper aboard HMS Unity. He unfortunately drowned while being ferried to Unity in a small boat in a gale at Rosslare Harbour on 4 October 1916. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

Kenneth Norman MacDonald, Deck Hand, 14514DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Kenneth was born at Lochcarron, Ross on 25 September 1897, the Son of Kenneth and Catherine Macdonald, of Yorke Cottage, Plockton, Rossshire, and was educated at Plockton Higher Grade School and at Aberdeen Grammar School. He was a student of Aberdeen University when war broke out, studying Arts and Medicine, and enlisted into the Royal Naval Reserve on 12 September 1916, where he was posted aboard HMS Prize. Kenneth was killed when Prize was sunk by the U-48 on 14 August 1917. He was just 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

William Mair, Deck Hand, 7273DA, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of James and Margaret Mair, of Aranmore, Portknockie, Banffshire. He served aboard HM Drifter Ladysmith, based at Milford. William was one of the crewmen who lost their lives when Ladysmith was lost in a Gale off the West Wales coast on 27 December 1915. He was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Jonathan James Manthorpe, Deck Hand, 2967DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Jonathan was serving aboard the Q-Ship HMS Prize when she was destroyed by U-48 on 14 August 1917. He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

Albert Martin, Stoker 1st Class, K/9641, Royal Navy. Albert was the Son of Richard Edward and Ellen Martin, of 10, Hakinville, Milford Haven. He was a pre-war regular in the Royal Navy, serving aboard HMS Amphion. She was an Active Class light cruiser, and was assigned as leader of the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla with the Harwich Force, defending the eastern approaches to the English Channel. On the afternoon of 5 August 1914, she investigated a trawler, which was acting suspiciously in the English Channel. She turned out to be a German minelayer, and was pursued and sunk by Amphion, in the first naval engagement of the war. After further action against another German vessel, Amphion was returning to Harwich, but struck a mine and sunk on the morning of 6 August 1914. Albert was one of the men killed when the mine exploded, becoming one of the very first British casualties of the Great War. Albert was buried at Shotley (St. Mary) Churchyard, Suffolk. He was 26 years old.

John Marvelly, Engineman, 1734ES, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Husband of Harriet Marvelly, of 26, Dartmouth Street, Milford. He served aboard HM Trawler Lobelia II, and was killed when she struck a mine off Lough Swilly on 19 April 1917. John was 57 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Frederick James Mathias, Second Hand, 1882SA, Royal Naval Reserve. Frederick was the Son of Jonathan and Emma Jane Mathias, of Milford Haven, and the husband of Alice Mathias, of Lliswerry, Newport, Monmouth. He served aboard HM Drifter Active III, and was killed when she struck a mine off Milford Haven on 15 October 1917. Frederick was 27 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Thomas Henry McDougall, Second Hand, 2414SA, Royal Naval Reserve. Thomas was the Son of Thomas and Mary Rea McDougall, of Glasgow, and the husband of Winnie McDougall, of 43, Great North Road, Milford Haven. He served aboard HMPMS Ludlow, which was a Patrol Ship, operating in the North Sea. Thomas was killed when Ludlow struck a mine on 29 December 1916. He was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

D. McKay, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

Andrew Smith McRuvie, Trimmer, 3668TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Andrew was the Son of George McRuvie, of 25, Menzies Road, Torry, Aberdeen, and served aboard HM Drifter Ladysmith. He was drowned when Ladysmith sunk on 27 December 1915 during a gale off the Welsh coast. Andrew was 24 years old and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Peter William Medway, Deck Hand, DA/2449, Royal Naval Reserve. Peter was the Son of William and Susan Medway, and the husband of Annie Catherine Medway, of 10, Vicary Street Pill, Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Evangel, and was drowned when she hit a mine of St. Anne's Head and sank on 25 March 1917. Peter was 29 years old, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

Edward Arthur Merchant, Signal Boy, 201SB, Royal Naval Reserve. Edward was the Son of Lilly Merchant, of 13, Rudkin Street, Leicester, and served as Signal Boy aboard HM Trawler Evangel. He was drowned when Evangel struck a mine off St. Anne's Head on 25 March 1917, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. Edward was just 17 years old.

Albert Ernest Miller, Telegraphist, J/25820, Royal Navy. Albert was the Son of Harry and Catherine Stanton Miller, of 39, Ashton Street, Brighton. He was Telegraphist aboard HMS Prize, and was killed when Prize was sunk by U-48 in the Atlantic on 14 August 1917. Albert was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Hubert Ernest Mills, Engineman, 2504ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Hubert was born at Little Haven around 1878, and served during the Great War in the Royal Naval Reserve, aboard HM Trawler Fulmar. Fulmar was a Grimsby-registered 231 ton vessel, which had been built in 1899 and hired in May 1915 y the Admiralty. She was sunk by a mine on 17 Jan 1916 in the Gulf of Sollum, with the loss of all hands. Hubert was 38 years old, and is commemorated on Panel 19 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Frederick James Milne, Trimmer, 5906TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Frederick was the Son of George and Helen Milne, of 46, College Bounds, Aberdeen, and served as Trimmer aboard HM Trawler Loch Eye. Frederick was killed when Loch Eye struck a mine off Dunmore, Southern Ireland, on 20 April 1917. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

William Henry Miners, Skipper, 101SA, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Husband of Caroline Miners, of 2, Marble Hall, Milford Haven. He served in the Merchant Fleet, but was attached to the Royal Naval Reserve, as Skipper aboard HM Trawler Norman II, which was taken over by the Admiralty in 1915 for use as a Minesweeper. William died on 18 April 1918, but it is unknown if it was as a result of active service, and is buried at Ford Park Cemetery, Devon. He was 35 years of age.

Robert Mitchell, Deck Hand, 3989DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Robert was the Son of James and Mary Ann Watt Mitchell, of Lossiemouth, Morayshire. He served as Deck Hand aboard HM Drifter Ferndale. Robert drowned when Ferndale sunk on 27 December 1915. He was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

C. Moore, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

Benjamin Lewis Morgan, Trimmer Cook, 1003TC, Royal Naval Reserve. Benjamin was serving aboard HMS Prize, and was killed when she was sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

William John Munning, Deck Hand, 9838DA, Royal Navy. William was born in 1895, the son of Harriet Munning, of Gorleston, and the Brother of Frank Harcourt Munning C.B.E., and of Hannah Munning, of Rosebury House, Gorleston, Norfolk. A resident of Hakin, he served as Deck Hand aboard HMPMS Redcar. Redcar was a Paddle Minesweeper, and was based at Dover. William was badly wounded when Redcar struck a mine off Gravelines on 24 June 1917, and died the following day. He was buried at Dunkirk Town Cemetery, France. His younger brother Arthur was killed in 1918, while serving with 68th Siege Battery, RGA. Many thanks to Joanne Rees for the photograph of William, and also for the photograph of Arthur, who is commemorated on the Milford Army page.

 

 

Willie John Nightingale, Ordinary Seaman, VR/3260, Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve. Willie was the Son of William Sr. and Sarah Jane Ross Nightingale, and was a Canadian serving aboard HM Trawler Loch Eye. He was killed when she struck a mine off Dunmore, Ireland on 20 April 1917. Willie was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Halifax Memorial, Canada.

John Northcott, Second Hand, 1244SA, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Husband of M. J. Northcott, of 42, Bolton Street, Brixham, Devon. He served as Second Hand aboard HM Trawler Evangel, and was killed when she struck a mine off St. Anne's Head on 25 March 1917. John is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. He was 51 years of age.

Charles Picton Owens, Engineman, 4846ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Charles was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Owens, of 40 Prendergast, Haverfordwest, and the Husband of Lilian Owens, of 12 City Road, Haverfordwest. He served as Engineman aboard HM Drifter Active III, and was drowned when she struck a mine off St. Anne's Head on 15 October 1917. Charles was 27 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Frederick Albert Owens, Able Seaman, Wales/Z/58, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Frederick was the Son of Thomas and Elsie Owens, of 62, Cellar Hill, Pill, Milford Haven. He served as Able Seaman aboard HMS Queen Mary, which was a Lion Class battlecruiser. Upon commissioning, she joined the 1st Battlecruiser Squadron. On 28 August 1914, she took part in the 1st Battle of Heligoland Bight. She was under refit at the time of the Dogger Bank battle, so she did not take part in that engagement, and after completing her refit, she re-joined the 1st Battlecruiser Squadron. Frederick was killed when Queen Mary was sunk by heavy German gunfire which exploded her magazines, at the Battle of Jutland, on 31 May 1916. He was just 19 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

William Walter Payne, Engineman, 331ES, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of Frank Payne, of Bristol, and the husband of Edith Matilda Payne, of 5, Priory Terrace, Milford Haven. He was serving as Engineman aboard HM Trawler Apley, when she struck a mine off the Isle of Wight on 6 December 1917 and sank with all hands. William was 35 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Robert Frank Peel, Trimmer, 2136TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Robert was the Son of Peter and Josahanna Peel, of Great Yarmouth, and the husband of Sophie Peel, of 29, Well Street, Great Yarmouth. He served as Trimmer aboard HM Trawler Loch Shiel, and was killed when she blew up and sank off ST. Anne's Head on 26 September 1916. Robert was 41 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

William George Pengelly, Leading Seaman, 5236B, Royal Naval Reserve. William served aboard HM Trawler Nodzu. William was killed during an accident aboard Nodzu on 13 April 1917. He was 21 years old, and was buried at St. Martin-By-Looe (St. Martin of Tours) Churchyard, Cornwall.

George Albert Perrin, Deck Hand, 3940SD, Royal Naval Reserve. George served aboard HM Trawler Eider. He died on 14 March 1917 and is buried at Tynemouth (Preston) Cemetery.

James Charles Phillips, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. James was Skipper aboard HM Trawler Lydian, and was killed when she struck a mine and sank off South Foreland on 15 September 1915. James is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photo.

 

William Richard Picton, Deck Hand, 14850DA, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of Richard William Picton, and the husband of Florence Mary Picton, of 14, Clarence Street, Pembroke Dock. He served as Deck hand aboard HM Drifter Active III, and was killed when she sank after striking a mine off Milford Haven on 15 October 1917. William was 28 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Robert F. Pirrie, Deck Hand, 12025DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Robert was the Son of William and Margaret Pirrie, of 21, Shorehead, Stonehaven, and the husband of Jane Pirrie (formerly Craig), of 72, High Street, Stonehaven. He was a salmon fisher prior to the war, and then served as Deck Hand aboard HM Trawler Loch Eye. Robert was drowned when Loch Eye struck a mine and sank off Dunmore, Ireland, on 20 April 1917. Robert was 36 years old, and is buried at Dunnottar Cemetery, Stonehaven, Scotland. Many thanks to Jim Allan for the photograph.

 

Henry Herbert Portch, Lieutenant, Royal Navy. Henry was the Son of Samuel Henry and Sarah Elizabeth Portch. He served aboard the Q-Ship HMS Prize, and was killed when Prize was destroyed by U-48 on 14 August 1917. Henry was 34 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

W. B. Potter, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

Josiah Pratt, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Josiah was the Brother-in-law of S. M. Pratt, of 4, Milton Terrace, Pill, Milford Haven. He served as Skipper aboard HM Trawler Lobelia II, and was killed when she struck a mine off Lough Swilly on 19 April 1917. Josiah was 48 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

H. Rackley, Seaman, 3128B, Royal Naval Reserve. Very little is known of this man, but he served aboard HMS Europa, a Diadem Class cruiser, which saw service during the Gallipoli campaign. He died on 22 July 1915, and is buried at Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta.

Archibald Radmore, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Archibald served as Skipper aboard HM Trawler Blacklyn. Very little can be found on Blacklyn, but Archibald died on 11 May 1917 aged 41, and is buried at Lowestoft (Beccles Road) Cemetery.

Charles Ralph, Trimmer, TS/2041, Royal Naval Reserve. Charles was the Son of Charles Ralph and Jane McLeod Ralph, of 13, John Street, Lossiemouth, Morayshire. Charles served as Trimmer aboard HM Drifter Ferndale, and drowned when she was sunk on 21 December 1915. Charles was just 17 years old, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

Henry James Revell, Deck Hand, 8061DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Henry served as one of the crewmen aboard the Q-Ship HMS Prize. He was killed when Prize was destroyed by U-48 on 14 August 1917, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

Thomas Ravey, Deck Hand, 2513SD, Royal Naval Reserve. Thomas was another of the crewmen aboard the Q-Ship HMS Prize. He was killed when she was sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917. He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

William Richards, Petty Officer Stoker, K/4163, Royal Navy. William was the Son of Edmund Maline Richards and Susan Richards, of 2, Oak Villas, West End, Lower Richmond Road, Mortlake, Surrey. He served aboard HMS P.60, which was another of the Milford based Q-Ships, and died when a depth charge exploded whilst P60 was attacking a German submarine on 4 January 1918. William was 27 years old and is buried at Pembroke Dock (Llanion) Cemetery.

James Rimmer, Deck Hand, 8735DA, Royal Naval Reserve. James was serving aboard HM Drifter Pearl III. Little is known of him, but he died on 17 December 1915, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Alexander Ritchie, Royal Naval Reserve. Alexander lived at 37, Waterloo Road, Hakin, and served aboard HMS Idaho. Nothing else is presently known of him, as there were four men of that name killed during the course of the war, and none are obviously identifiable as him.

James David Rees Roberts, Petty Officer 2nd Class, 147492, Royal Navy. James was the Husband of Mary Roberts, of 41, Shakespeare Avenue, Milford Haven. He was a long serving regular in the Royal Navy, being awarded the China Medal, for the 1900 campaign, and was the holder of the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. James was posted to HMS Laurentic during the Great War, and was sadly among the men drowned when she struck a mine of the North Irish coast on 25 January 1917. He was 43 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. 

Henry Rooke, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Henry was the Husband of Mary Elizabeth Rooke, of 35, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Dragon II, and died on 8 October 1918 whilst at Dublin. Henry is buried at Dean's Grange Cemetery, Dublin.

Wilfred John Salisbury, Telegraphist, Bristol/Z/9620, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Wilfred was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Salisbury, of 17, Clifton Road, Rugby. He served as Telegraphist aboard HM Trawler Evangel, and was drowned when she was sunk off Milford with all hands on 25 March 1917. Wilfred was 18 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

William Edward Sanders, V.C., D.S.O., Lieutenant Commander, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of Edward Helman Cooke Sanders and Emma Jane Sanders, of Russell, Bay of Islands, New Zealand. He had worked his way swiftly through the ranks of the Mercantile Marine at an early age, and held the Extra Master's Certificate, before serving with the RNR, aboard various Q-Ships based at Milford. His story is told in more detail on the Pembrokeshire Heroes page of this site, but William had gained the Victoria Cross and Distinguished Service Medal by the time of his death, when his Q-Ship, HMS Prize was sunk by the German submarine U-48 on 14 August 1917. William was 34 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

William Albert Shoebottom, Trimmer Cook, 500TC, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of William and Harriett Shoebottom, of Birmingham, and the husband of Helen Shoebottom, of 6, Wellington Avenue, Hakin, Milford Haven. He served as Trimmer Cook aboard HM Trawler Merse, and was killed when she struck a mine of the West Coast of Scotland on 22 May 1917. William was 35 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Harry James Smith, Second Hand, 1231SA, Royal Naval Reserve. Harry was the Son of Edward Smith, of 15, New Street, Plymouth, and the husband of Frances M. M. Dyson (formerly Smith), of Guardy Loop, Black Bridge, Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Senator, and was killed when she struck a mine off the North coast of Ireland on 21 May 1917. Harry was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Robert Strachan Smith, Engineman, 2298ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Robert was the Son of Walter and Helen Smith, of 100, Bon-accord Street, Aberdeen, and was a native of Fraserburgh. He served aboard HM Drifter Ferndale, and was drowned when she was lost with all hands on 27 December 1915. Robert was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Benjamin Arthur James Stanfield, Deck Hand, 2767DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Benjamin was the Son of James and Mary A. Stanfield, of 34, St. Annes Road, Hakin, Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Evangel, and was killed when she struck a mine in the English Channel on 25 March 1917 and was lost with all hands. Benjamin was 18 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Walter Percy Stobart, Mechanician, MB/1991, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Walter was the Son of T. C. Stobart and Emily Stobart, of 6, Minstead Road, Gravelly Hill, Birmingham, and was the husband of R. E. Stobart, of Penns Lane, Erdington, Birmingham. He served as Mechanician aboard HMS Prize, and was killed when she was sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917. Walter was 31 years old and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Sidney Stratford, Deck Hand, 2929DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Sidney was serving aboard HM Trawler Lobelia II, and was drowned when she sank on 19 April 1917. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Arthur Laing Tait, Deck Hand, 1142SD, Royal Naval Reserve. Arthur was born in 1895 at Lerwick, the son of Andrew and Mary Tait, and was serving aboard HM Trawler Emley. He drowned when she was lost with all hands on 28 April 1918, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Robert Tarraway, Petty Officer, 153498, Royal Navy. Robert was the Son of Harry Tarraway, and the husband of Lillie Tarraway, of 31, Blight's Row, Redruth, Cornwall. He was among the crewmen of HMS Prize, and was killed when she was sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917. Robert was 41 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

T. V. Taylor, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

Tom Thacker, Deck Hand, 8060DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Tom was the Son of Mrs. J. Thacker, of White Horse Corner, Carlton Colville, Suffolk. He was another of the crewmen aboard the Q-Ship HMS Prize, and was killed when she was sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917. Tom was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

Charles Edward Thomas, Petty Officer Stoker, 1356U, Royal Naval Reserve. Charles was the Son of Daniel H. and Sarah E. Thomas, of Milford Haven, and the husband of Harriet Ann Thomas, of 3, Concrete Cottages, Pill, Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Helgian, and was killed when Helgian struck a mine in the Aegean and sank on 6 September 1917. Charles was 38 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

John Thomas, Second Hand, 2295SA, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Husband of Mrs. L. T. Thomas, of 126, Severn Grove, Canton, Cardiff, and had been born at Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Drifter Boy Harold, and was killed aboard her when she was lost on 3 March 1916. John was 39 years old, and is buried at Bari War Cemetery, Italy.

John Thomson, Deck Hand, Royal Navy. John was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Thomson, of 27, High Street, Burntisland, Fifeshire. He served as Deck Hand aboard HM Drifter Ladysmith, and was drowned when she was lost in a gale off the Welsh coast on 27 December 1915. John was 39 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

William Herbert Vincent, Deck Hand, 681DA, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of Alice Knight (formerly Vincent), of Lower Drang, Hakin, Milford Haven. He served as Deck Hand aboard HMS Prize, a 'Q-Ship' commanded by William Sanders, VC. William was killed when Prize was sunk in action against a German submarine in the Atlantic, on 14 August 1917. He was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Harold Leslie Watson, Mechanician, MB/1904, Royal Naval Reserve. Harold was the Son of John Henry and Annie Watson, of Broadmoor, Crowthorne, Berks., and was another crewman aboard HMS Prize. Harold died aboard Prize when she was sunk in action against a German Submarine in the Atlantic on 14 August 1917. He was 18 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

James Watt, Deck Hand, Royal Naval Reserve. James was the Son of James and Barbara Watt, of 112, Main Street, Gardenstown, Banffshire. He was among the crew of HM Drifter Speedwell V, and drowned when she was lost with all hands on 28 October 1916. James was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Albert George Wiles, Trimmer Cook, 4773TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Albert was the Son of George and Gertrude Wiles, of 4, Warwick Road, Milford Haven. He served as Trimmer Cook aboard HM Trawler Lord Airedale. Albert lost his life when Lord Airedale struck a mine and sunk off Harwich on 29 November 1916. He was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.              

W. J. Williams, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

Alexander Williamson, Deck Hand, 4819DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Alexander was the Son of Alexander and Susan Williamson, of 154, Harmony Row, Govan, Glasgow. He served as Deck Hand aboard HMS Prize, and was killed when Prize was sunk in combat with a German submarine in the Atlantic on 14 August 1917. He was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

C. Wilson, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

Gilbert John Wilson, Deck Hand, 15235DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Gilbert was the Son of Gilbert John Wilson, of Brixham, Devon, and the husband of Gertrude Wilson, of 15, Albion Street, Milford Haven. He was another of the crew of HMS Prize, and died when she was sunk in action against German submarine U-48 in the Atlantic on 14 August 1917. Gilbert was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

William James Winchester, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Husband of Elizabeth Winchester, of 43A, Penny Lane, Wavertree, Liverpool. He was Skipper aboard HM Trawler, Evangel, and died on 25 March 1917 aged 39. William is buried at Liverpool (Toxteth Park) Cemetery.

James Wiseman, Deck Hand, TS/3159, Royal Naval Reserve. James was the Son of Mrs. Mary Wiseman, of I, Donald Place, Forbes Street, Aberdeen. He served as Deck Hand aboard HM Drifter Progress, which was a patrol boat. James died at Milford on 24 July 1915 aged 41, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

William Wiseman, Trimmer Cook, 313TC, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of James Watt Wiseman and Elizabeth Wiseman, of 110, Main Street, Gardenstown, Banff. He served as Trimmer Cook aboard HM Drifter Speedwell V, and was drowned when she sank on 28 October 1916. William was just 18 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

John Wood, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Husband of Helen Donaldson Wood, of 21, Reidhaven Street, Portknockie, Banffshire. He served as Skipper of HM Drifter Ladysmith, and was drowned when she was lost on 27 December 1915. John was 51 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

William George Wood, Second Hand, 1898SA, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of John and Jessie Wood, of Portknockie, and the husband of Beatrice Wood (nee Mair), of 16, Park Street, Portknockie, Banffshire. He served as Second Hand aboard HM Drifter Ladysmith, and was drowned when she was lost on 27 December 1915. William was 49 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

William Young, Engineman, 2031ES, Royal Naval Reserve. William was another of the crew of Speedwell V, serving as Engineman. He died on 28 October 1916, some ten months after the loss of the vessel, and is buried at Kilscoran Church of Ireland Churchyard, Ireland.

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Casualties of the Royal Navy, World War Two, 1939-1945

George Allen, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX399421, Royal Navy. George served with the Royal Navy, and died on 4 May 1945. Little else is known of him, but he is buried at Cobh (St. Patrick's) Catholic Cemetery, Ireland.

George Patrick Allen, Chief Engineman, LT/X 363ET, Royal Naval Reserve. George served aboard HM Trawler Laertes, a Shakespearean class trawler, ordered in December 1939, and launched October 1940. She was completed as A/S in 1941 and joined 1st M/S-A/S Group at Freetown as convoy escort. George was killed when she was torpedoed by U-201 off Freetown on 25 July 1942. He is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

 

 

Thomas George Andrew, Chief Engineman, LT/X 5991ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Thomas was the Son Of William Frederick And Mary Andrew, and the Husband Of Elizabeth Alice Andrew, Of Milford Haven. He served in the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard HM Trawler Waterfly. She was requisitioned in September 1939 and converted for minesweeping, based at Kirkwall for sweeping in Scapa Flow. In 1941 she transferred to Dover, to 46th Minesweeping Group, and Thomas died aboard her when she was sunk by air attack off Dungenness, English Channel, on 17 September 1942. Thomas was 30 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Thomas George Edward Apter, Able Seaman, D/SSX 26860, Royal Navy. Thomas was the Son Of George And Alice Gertrude Apter, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard the destroyer HMS Fearless. Thomas was killed when Fearless was bombed and sank in the Mediterranean on 23 July 1941. He was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Dimmock William Barker, Able Seaman, D/JX 175659, Royal Navy. Dimmock was the Son of William and Betsy Barker, of New Clee, Grimsby, Lincolnshire. He served aboard H.M.M.L.B. 5. This was a Landing Barge, which was used as a light support vessel during seaborne landings. Dimmock died on 7 August 1942, and is buried at Dover (St. James') Cemetery.

Leonard Herbert Bean, Second Hand, LT/JX 215858, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Leonard was the Son Of John James Bean And Agnes Bean, and the Husband Of Olwen Maud Bean, Of Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Cobbers, and drowned when she was sunk by German bombers off Lowestoft on 3 March 1941. Leonard was 30 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Albert James Beckett, Boom Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Albert was the Son Of James And Sarah Beckett, and the Husband Of Margaret Elizabeth Beckett, Of Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Boom Defence Vessel Chorley. Albert was drowned when Chorley foundered off Start Point on 25 April 1942. He was 50 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Frederick George Blockwell, Lieutenant Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Frederick was the Son of William and Rhoda Blockwell, and the husband of Evelyn Blockwell, of Gorleston, Norfolk. He served aboard HM Trawler Tervani, which was requisitioned in October 1939 as an auxiliary patrol vessel. In 1941 she converted to a minesweeper. Frederick was killed when Tervani was sunk by the Italian Submarine Acciaio off Algiers on 7 February 1943. He was 31 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

 

William Roy Cherrington, Seaman, LT/X. 21521A, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son Of William And Dora Cherrington, Of Hakin, Milford Haven. He served in the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard HM Trawler Botanic. William died on 15 September 1940, aged just 19, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Botanic was later sunk by German aircraft in the North Sea on 18 February 1942.

 

Vivian R.D. Clarke, Paymaster Lieutenant-Commander, Royal Naval Reserve. Vivian was the Son of William Henry and Lucy Maud Clarke, of Cardiff, and the husband of Elsa Dora Clarke, of Whitchurch. He served aboard HMS Peewit, which was an RNAS station. Vivian died on 16 March 1944, aged 32, and is buried at Cardiff (Cathays) Cemetery.

Ernest Warald Newlands Codd, Able Seaman, D/SSX 18007, Royal Navy. Ernest was the Son Of Ernest And Mary L. Codd of Bunkers Hill, and the Husband Of Olwen Lilian Rose Codd, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard the destroyer HMS Ardent. Ernest was killed when Ardent was sunk while escorting the aircraft carrier Illustrious back from Norway, while gallantly attempting a torpedo attack on the might German Battleship Scharnhorst on 8 June 1940. He was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

George Joseph Durkin, Ordinary Telegraphist, D/JX 578987, Royal Navy. George was the Son Of John Joseph And May Durkin, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard the frigate HMS Nith. He died when Nith was attacked by a remote guided German JU88 on 24 June 1944. He was aged just 17, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Ivor Ronald Evans, Able Seaman, D/J 114032, Royal Navy. Ivor was the Son Of George H. And Elizabeth A. Evans, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard the destroyer HMS Matabele. Ivor was killed on 17 January 1942, when Matabele was forming part of the destroyer screen on Convoy PQ-8, from Iceland to Murmansk, and she was torpedoed and sunk by U-454. Ivor was aged 33, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Ronald George Foster, Seaman, LT/X 21614A, Royal Naval Reserve. Ronald was the Son Of John And Elizabeth Jane Foster, Of Milford Haven, and served in the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard HM Trawler St. Achilleus. She had been requisitioned in August 1939 and converted for anti-submarine duties, and joined the 12th A/S Group at Grimsby, and in 1940 the 11th A/S Group at Harwich. After the German invasion of France, the BEF retreated to Dunkirk, where the Royal Navy evacuated the battered remnants of the British Army in Operation Dynamo. Ronald was killed here when St. Achilleus struck a mine off Dunkirk on 1 June 1940. He was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

George Richard Gale, Chief Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the Son Of James George And Margaret Ellen Gale, Of Milford Haven, and the Husband Of Elizabeth Ann Gale, Of Hakin. He served aboard HM Trawler Topaze, which had been purchased into the Royal Navy in November 1935 for anti-submarine duties, and in 1940 was based at Portland. She took part in Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of the BEF from Dunkirk, in 1941, and George was killed when she sunk after a collision with the battleship HMS Rodney off the Clyde on 20 April 1941. He was 45 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Percy Edwin Gammer, Engineman, LT/X. 595, Royal Naval Reserve. Percy was the Son Of Phillip And Helen Gammer, Of Milford Haven, and the Husband Of Edith Winnifred Gammer, Of Milford Haven. He served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard the minesweeping trawler HMS Eday. Percy died on 30 May 1944, aged 40, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

Albert Edward Gillard, Able Seaman, C/SR.67717, Royal Navy. Albert was the Son of John Henry and Mary Gillard, and served aboard the boom defence vessel, HMS Barsound. He died in Scotland on 1 December 1941, aged 23, and is buried at Sandwick Cemetery, Ross and Cromarty.

William John Gwilliam, Engineman, LT/KX 99971, Royal Naval Patrol Service. William was the Son Of Thomas And Alice Gwilliam, and the Husband Of Beatrice Elizabeth Gwilliam, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard HM Trawler Tervani. She had been requisitioned in October 1939 as an auxiliary patrol vessel, and in 1941 was converted to a minesweeper. William was killed when she was sunk by the Italian Submarine Acciaio off Algiers on 7 February 1943. He was 35 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Ernest William Hawkings, Second Hand, LT/X. 10253B, Royal Naval Reserve. Ernest was the Son Of Francis Moxey Hawkings And Lilian Grace Hawkings, Of Milford Haven, and the Husband Of Gladys Rosina Maud Hawkings, Of Hakin. He served in the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard HMS Oku. Ernest died on 3 July 1943, aged 31, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

Michael Joseph Hennessy, Leading Seaman, LT/JX. 224445, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Michael was the Son Of James And Ellen Hennessy, and the Husband Of Annie Elizabeth Hennessy, Of Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Motor Minesweeper 38. She had been attacked and sunk on 18 August 1942 in the Channel, and Michael must have been wounded then, as he died on 16 February 1943, aged 35, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

William Percy High, Chief Petty Officer, C/J 29145, Royal Navy. William was the Son Of Robert Haydon High And Emma High, and the Husband Of Daisy V. High, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard the minesweeper HMS Niger. William died on 6 July 1942 after Niger struck a mine off Iceland. He was 45 years old, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

Harry Albert Holder, Seaman, LT/JX 222282, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Harry was the Son Of Henry Howe Holder And Agnes Gwendoline Holder, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard HM Yacht Viva II. She had been hired in September 1939 as an anti-submarine vessel. Harry was killed when she was sunk by air attack off the north coast of Cornwall on 8 May 1941. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Ernest Horn, Leading Telegraphist, D/J 106419, Royal Navy. Ernest was the Son Of Alfred George And Sarah Ann Horn, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard HMS Venetia. Ernest lost his life when Venetia was mined and sunk about 12 nautical miles north-east of Margate, Kent on 23 May 1940. He was 34 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Reginald John Mantell Jenkyn, Chief Engine Room Artificer, D/MX 54353, Royal Navy. Reginald was the Son of Richard and Pheobe Sarah Jenkyn of Milford, and the husband of Alice Thora Jenkyn, of Rugby, Warwickshire, and served aboard the cruiser HMS Penelope. She saw action during the evacuation of Allied troops from Crete in 1942, and at Malta later that year, and supported the allied invasions of North Africa and Italy. Reginald died when she was sunk in the Bay of Naples by U-410 on 18 February 1944. He was aged 33, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Hugh Victor Reuben Jones, Chief Engineman, LT/203EV, Royal Naval Reserve. Hugh was the Son Of Hugh Morris Jones And Augusta Minnie Jones, Of Milford Haven, and the Husband Of Martha Evelyn Jones, Of Milford Haven. He served in the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard HM Trawler Fleming. She had been hired for minesweeping duties in August 1939. Hugh was killed aboard her when she was sunk by an air attack in the Thames Estuary on 24 July 1940. He was 43 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Rupert Joy, Seaman, LT/X 7899C, Royal Naval Reserve. Rupert was the Son Of Henry And Elizabeth Joy, Of Milford Haven, and served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard HM Trawler Fort Royal. She had been hired for minesweeping duties in August 1939, and later purchased by the Admiralty. Rupert was killed when she was sunk by an air attack off Aberdeen on 9 February 1940. He was 35 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Cornelius Walter King, Petty Officer, P/JX 139263, Royal Navy. Cornelius was the Son Of Albert Walter And Elizabeth King, and the Husband Of Mary Joan King, Of Hakin, and served aboard HMS Cairo. He was drowned when she was attacked and badly damaged during the evacuation of Norway on 28 May 1940. Cornelius was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Arthur Abel Leggett, Lieutenant Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Arthur was the Son Of Thomas And Charlotte Leggett, and the Husband Of Hilda May Leggett, Of Hakin, and served aboard HMS Lucifer, the Royal Naval base at Swansea. He died on 7 March 1943, aged 37, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

Joseph Thomas Leggett, Seaman, LT/JX 195758, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Joseph was the Son of William Thomas Leggett and Edith Rosina Louise Leggett, of Hakin, and served aboard HM Trawler St. Apollo. She had been purchased into the RN in February 1940, and converted for anti-submarine duties, joining the 3rd Escort Group based at Greenock, employed on Atlantic convoy escort. Joseph died when she was sunk in a collision with the destroyer HMS Sardonyx off the Hebrides on 22 November 1941. He was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Arthur Lewis, Leading Seaman, LT/X 19275A, Royal Naval Reserve. Arthur was the Son Of A. And Sarah Lewis, Of Milford Haven, and served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard HM Trawler Marsoma. She had been hired for minesweeping duties in August 1939. Arthur was killed when she was sunk by a mine off Cromarty on 4 August 1940. He was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Sidney James Lloyd, Seaman, LT/JX. 200851, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Sidney was the Husband Of M. Lloyd, Of Hakin, Milford Haven, and served aboard HM Trawler Lord Plender. He died on 27 October 1941, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

James Donald McKay, Chief Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. James served aboard HM Trawler Lord Stamp. She had been hired for anti-submarine duties in August 1939. James was killed when she was sunk by a mine in the English Channel on 14 October 1940. He is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

 

Samuel Garfield Memery, Seaman, LT/X 19673A, Royal Naval Reserve. Samuel was the Son of William Samuel and Gertrude Cathrine Mary Memery, of Hakin, and served aboard HM Trawler Pyrope. She had been requisitioned in August 1939 and converted to a minesweeper, joining the 2nd Minesweeping Group at Sheerness. Samuel was killed when she was sunk by an air attack in the Thames Estuary on 12 August 1940. He was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Ernest Ralph Morgan, Chief Stoker, D/K 62331, Royal Navy. Ernest was the Husband of Gwendoline Morgan, of Barry Docks, Glamorgan, and served aboard the cruiser HMS Galatea. He was killed when Galatea was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-557 off Alexandria, Egypt.on 15 December 1941. He was aged 36, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Patrick Edward Musson, Petty Officer Stoker, D/K 62417, Royal Navy. Patrick was the Son Of Henry And Rose Anne Vicary Musson, and the Husband Of Maisie Hardcastle Musson, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard the frigate HMS Mourne. He was killed when Mourne was torpedoed by German submarine U-767 whilst patrolling off the Lizard in the English Channel on 15 June 1944. He was aged 38, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

John Henry Picton, Second Hand, LT/X 21109A, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Son of David Henry and Alice Picton of Milford, and the husband of Dorothy Louise Picton, of Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire. He served aboard HM Motor Minesweeper 101, which had been built by Wagstaff & Hatfield, Port Greville, Nova Scotia. John was killed when she was sunk by a mine off Salonika, Greece on 29 November 1944. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Albert Ernest Price, Petty Officer Airman, FAA/FX. 79387, Royal Navy. Albert was born on 23 October 1919, the youngest son of Herbert Sidney and Margaret Price of Glebelands, Milford Haven. He served with 700 Squadron, Fleet Air Army aboard HMS Dorsetshire. Dorsetshire was a County Class Heavy Cruiser, and was heavily armed, including in her arsenal two Supermarine Walrus aeroplanes, one of which was crewed by Albert. Dorsetshire had been sent to South America at the outbreak of war, to aid in the sinking of the Graf Spee, but arrived after she had been scuttled. She then served in the Atlantic, before moving to the Indian Ocean. In 1942, the Dorsetshire was assigned to the Eastern Fleet in the Indian Ocean. In the Imperial Japanese Navy's Indian Ocean raid on 5 April 1942, the Dorsetshire and her sister ship Cornwall were attacked by Japanese Navy dive-bombers, which sank both ships. Albert died in the sinking of Dorsetshire that day. He was 22 years old, and is commemorated on Lee-On-Solent Memorial, Hampshire.

Francis Victor Richards, Seaman, LT/JX 242672, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Francis was the Son Of Frank And Kate Richards, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard HM Trawler Horatio. She had been built for minesweeping and anti-submarine duties, and launched in August 1940. Francis was killed when she was sunk by an Italian MTB in the western Mediterranean on 7 January 1943. He was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Frank Joseph Rowland, Leading Seaman, LT/X 21432A, Royal Naval Reserve. Frank was the Son Of Frank Cecil And Ellen Rowland; Husband Of Gwendoline Mary Rowland, Of Milford Haven, and served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard HMS Van Meerlant. She was an ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer that had been taken over by the Royal Navy in March 1941, and was in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader. Frank died when she struck a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel on 4 June 1941. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Oliver Tucker Burman Sayers, DSM, Second Hand, LT/X 302SA, Royal Naval Reserve. Oliver served aboard HM Trawler Force, which had been hired for minesweeping duties in February 1940. He had been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal on 3 September 1940, for skill and enterprise in Minesweeping operations off the Coasts of Holland, Belgium and France, but was killed when Trawler Force was sunk by an air attack off the Norfolk Coast on 27 June 1941. He is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

William Richard Setterfield, Chief Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Husband Of Winifred Setterfield, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard HM Trawler Roche Bonne. She had been requisitioned in February 1940 and converted to a minesweeper. William was killed when she was sunk in an air attack off the Lizard on 7 April 1941. He was 44 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial. 

Albert Edward Simmonds, Able Seaman, D/JX 157997, Royal Navy. Albert was the Son Of Albert John And Mabel Simmonds, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard the cruiser HMS Gloucester. He lost his life aboard Gloucester when she was sunk off Crete on 22 May 1941. Albert was aged 19, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Richard Smith, Seaman, LT/JX 400443, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Richard was the Son of Percy Sydney and Alice Maud Smith, of Hakin, and served aboard HM Trawler Cap D'Antifer. She was an ex Belgian trawler, converted by the French Navy to a minesweeper, and was seized at Southampton in July 1940 and converted to an auxiliary patrol vessel. In 1941 she was converted back to a minesweeper and based on the Humber, and in 1943 joined 19th M/S Group at Grimsby. Richard was killed when she was torpedoed by an E-boat off the Humber on 13 February 1944. He was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

James Snelling, Able Seaman, D/SSX 17740, Royal Navy. James was the Son Of James And Kate Snelling, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard the battleship HMS Valiant. He died aboard Valiant on 16 February 1940, aged 22, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. His brother Thomas also died.

Thomas Henry Snelling, Seaman, LT/JX 219627, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Thomas was the Son Of James And Kate Snelling, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard HMS Hannibal, the Royal Naval Base at Algiers. He died in North Africa on 20 June 1943, aged just 19, and is buried at La Reunion War Cemetery, Algeria. His brother James also died.

Ladner Summers, Second Hand, LT/JX. 241895, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Ladner was the Son Of William And Clara Summers, Of Milford Haven, and the Husband Of Elizabeth Myfanwy Summers, Of Goodwick, and served aboard HM Yacht Tyrant. Ladner died on 23 February 1944, aged 28, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

Bernard Spencer Taylor, Ordinary Seaman, LT/JX. 228027, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Bernard was the Son Of Mabel Taylor, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard HM Trawler Silicia. He died on 18 February 1941. Bernard was aged 17, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Silicia was later lost when she struck a mine in the Humber on 8 May 1941.

 

Charles Henry Taylor, Stoker 1st Class, C/KX 152886, Royal Navy. Charles served aboard the submarine depot ship HMS Adamant, stationed in the Pacific. He died on 20 December 1943, and is buried at Trincomalee War Cemetery, Sri Lanka.

William Henry Taylor, Able Seaman, P/JX 167937, Royal Navy. William was the Son Of Mr. And Mrs. T. H. Taylor, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard the sloop HMS Egret. Egret had the dubious honour of being the first ship ever to be sunk by a guided missile when she was destroyed by a Henschel glider bomb on 27 August 1943. William was among the 194 crewmen of Egret killed. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, England.

Frank Ronald Thomas, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX. 167938, Royal Navy. Frank served aboard HMS Royal Arthur, the training base at Skegness. He died ashore on 30 November 1939 aged just 20, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

George Henry Thomas, Seaman, LT/6939C, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the Son Of Jack And Elizabeth Thomas, Of Milford Haven, and the Husband Of Annie Elizabeth Thomas, Of Milford Haven. He served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard HM Trawler Benvolio, which had been hired for minesweeping duties in September 1939. George was killed when Benvolio was sunk after hitting a mine off the Humber on 23 February 1940. He was 35 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Herbert Paxton Thomas, Telegraphist, D/WRX 1264, Royal Naval Volunteer (Wireless) Reserve. Herbert was the Son of Charles Paxton Thomas and Laura Thomas of Milford, and the husband of Esther Gwyneth Thomas, of Dale. He served aboard the frigate HMS Gould. Herbert died when Gould was torpedoed and sunk south-west of Ireland by the German submarine U-358 on 1 March 1944. He was 28 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

William Henry Thomas, Leading Seaman, LT/JX 265225, Royal Naval Patrol Service. William was the Son Of Richard And E. Phoebe Matilda Thomas, Of Milford Haven, and the Husband Of Edith Ellen Thomas, Of Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Flotta. William died when Flotta was lost on 6 November 1941. He was aged 34, and is buried at Wick Cemetery, Caithness-Shire.

Robert Eric Thompson, Petty Officer, D/JX 152250, Royal Navy. Robert was the Son of Robert and Emily Robina Thompson, and the husband of Phyllis Joan Thompson, of Paignton, Devon, and served aboard HMS Assegai, a shore based in South Africa. Robert was killed on 12 February 1942. He was 27 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Albert Henry Tucker, DSC, Lieutenant Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Albert was the Son Of Albert Henry And Miriam Berry Tucker, and the Husband Of Frances Mary Elizabeth Tucker, Of Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Motor Minesweeper 168, and was killed when she struck a mine in Genoa Harbour on 25 June 1945. Albert was 38 years old, and is buried at Staglieno Cemetery, Italy.

Ernest Percy Tucker, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Ernest served aboard HM Trawler Stonefly. He died on 10 February 1945, and is buried at Reading (Henley Road) Cemetery.

Fred James Sturdee Tucker, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Fred was the Son Of Albert Hendry Tucker And Marion Berry Tucker, Of Milford Haven, and the husband Of Virtue Louise Tucker, Of Hakin. He served at HMS Stag, which was the Naval shore establishment at Port Said, Egypt, with several satellite bases in the area. Fred was killed on 20 April 1941. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Ernest Charles Underwood, Engineman, LT/X 5919ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Ernest served aboard HM Trawler Fleming, which had been hired for minesweeping duties in August 1939. He was killed when Fleming was sunk by an air attack in the Thames Estuary on 24 July 1940, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

William Lewis Union, Second Hand, LT/JX217803, Royal Naval Patrol Service. William was the Son of James John and Margaret Ellen Union, and the husband of Gwendoline Maud Union, of Pill, Pembrokeshire. He served aboard HM Trawler Abronia. William died on 7 September 1940 aged 33, and is buried at East London Cemetery, Plaistow.

Thomas George John Warlow, Stoker, LT/KX 109957, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Thomas was the Son of Thomas and Alice Warlow, and the husband of Sarah Ellen Warlow, of Tier's Cross. He served aboard HM Trawler Almond, which was a Tree class admiralty trawler, taken into service May 1940 as a minesweeper. Thomas died when Almond was sunk by a mine off Falmouth on 2 February 1941. He was 28 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

George Alfred Whichello, DSC, Lieutenant Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the Son of George and Edie Whichello, and the husband of Lilian Elizabeth Whichello, of Milford Haven, and served aboard HM Trawler Orfasy. He had been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross on 11 June 1942 for a rescue mission whilst escorting a convoy, which was attacked by German aircraft. One ship was lost [probably SS Ratula], and a difficult rescue was initiated by Whichello, in launching a small boat to rescue sailors from the burning ship loaded with aviation fuel which was about to explode at any time. He was killed when Orfasy was sunk after being torpedoed on 22 October 1943. George was 36 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

 

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