The Live Bait Squadron Bulletin Bulletin- 7 May 2014 1
INTRODUCTION, BY YOUR VIRTUAL CHAIRMAN Dear Friends, First of all we d like to welcome you all to this new Bulletin, the May- Bulletin. The next Bulletin issue is planned for July/August, shortly before the September Commemoration ceremonies that will take place in Chatham (22 nd ) and The Hague (24 th ) respectively. At present several Live Bait Squadron followers already signed up for tickets in order to attend the ceremonies. For anyone still interested, the invitation is repeated below. A detailed confirmation will be communicated to every applicant in the early part of August. The Live Bait Squadron Society Special Bulletin Dear all, Many of you have probably been looking forward to receiving more information regarding the commemoration of the disaster of 22 nd September 1914, which is due to take place September next. We are therefore glad to be able to put forward more specific information on that subject in this bulletin. In close co-operation with the staff of the Lord-Lieutenant to the Queen in Kent and the Royal Navy, The Historic Dockyard Chatham have drawn up an excellent programme for Monday the 22 nd of September, Centennial Day. 2
In the following paragraphs you will find a full account of it, including guidance about how to participate. Furthermore, your chairman has drafted a number of items, to be included in the programme, scheduled for the afternoon of the preceding day, Sunday 21 st of September. Additional ceremonies are planned to take place in Holland on Wednesday, the 24 th of September, 2014. Listed below is a first outline September 21, Sunday - first performance in Great Britain of the Documentary (film) about the three cruisers, and directly after - an informal meeting between all descendants and relatives of the men who served on the cruisers, and other interested parties. Time and venue yet to be determined; the idea is to let those events take place in Chatham, too. September 22, Monday Official Commemoration, see the programme below. September 23, Tuesday, travelling day to Holland for those who wish to be present at the ceremonies to be conducted there. September 24, Wednesday, official commemoration in The Netherlands, The Hague area. In the morning visitors will be given the opportunity to visit the special exhibition dedicated to the Cruisers, displayed in The Hague (Scheveningen seaport) museum Muzee. In the afternoon, between 2 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. a memorial service will be held at the Kerkhoflaan 12, a Cemetary in The Hague, while the Documentary will have his Dutch premiere later that day. In The Hague too, venue to be decided. 3
It goes without saying that it is essential for the organizing parties, viz. both The Historic Dockyard Chatham and our Association, to timely get an insight into the attendance. In the Dockyard message below you will find all data needed to apply. As far as the Association is concerned we would like you to inform us - if you want to take part in the Sunday afternoon activities and if so, with how many adults, how many children, - and the backgrounds of your participation (HMS Aboukir, Cressy, Hogue, or SS Titan, Flora, or otherwise) - If you are considering taking part in the ceremonies in Holland; and if so, with how many adults, how many children? Kindly send your applications for Sunday afternoon and trip to Holland via e-mail to h.van.der.linden@tip.nl With kind regards, also on behalf of The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Henk van der Linden First World War Commemoration Event at The Historic Dockyard Chatham Afternoon of Monday 22 nd September 2014 As part of The Historic Dockyard Chatham s First World War Centenary commemorations, this event of national significance, will commemorate the three Royal Navy Cruisers (HMS Aboukir, HMS Hogue and HMS Cressy) which were sunk by enemy submarine action on 22 nd September 1914 off the Dutch coast in the North Sea with a total loss of life of 1,459 men. The event will consist of: A Commemorative Drumhead Service at 2.00pm A plaque unveiling and hand-over of a wreath to Henk van der Linden for a commemoration event on 24 September in Holland Fall of 1459 poppy petals (one for every life lost) Refreshments in the Steam Steel and Submarines Gallery Royal Marines Band marching and a musical afternoon Beat Retreat performance with the Salute taken by a VIP Guest. The opportunity for the collection of family recollections. Tickets for admission to both the Commemorative Drumhead Service and The Historic Dockyard Chatham site itself (including all the galleries and attractions) for the day are free of charge. 4
However, as numbers for the Drumhead Service are limited, they will be available on a first come, first served basis. Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust is giving members of the Live Bait Squadron Society the opportunity to register for tickets ahead of general release. Tickets for this commemorative event are free of charge but must be applied for in advance. Members of the Live Bait Squadron Society are encouraged to do so by the latest date of 30 th May 2014 Applications for Tickets Applications can be made via an email addressed to: threecruisers1914@chdt.org.uk in c.c. to h.van.der.linden@tip.nl with the heading: First World War Commemorative Event - 22.9.14. 1. Please state how many tickets you require (adults and children) for: Entry into The Historic Dockyard (including all galleries and attractions) Entry into The Commemorative Drumhead Service 2. Your link or connection to the story. Priority will be given to descendants and families of those who had a direct involvement with the action of 22 September 1914 Over the weekend immediately preceding the event, The Historic Dockyard Chatham is running its annual Salute to the 40s event. A nostalgic look at life on the home front during the 1940s with vehicles, fashion and entertainment. We would be delighted to offer members of the Live Bait Squadron Society the special rate of 10 per person for this event tickets do not need to be purchased in advance for this, however proof of your membership of the Live Bait Squadron Society and/or a copy of this bulletin should be presented on arrival at the ticket desk to obtain this special rate. Further information about The Historic Dockyard Chatham can be found at www.thedockyard.co.uk OUR NEW SOCIETY MEMBERS 5
This time again we re happy to welcome a number of new Society Members, HMS Aboukir: Mr William Frederick Everitt. Mr Stanley Charles Kennard. Mr Patrick Scamaton. Mr Thomas Gerard King. Mr Horace Bramall. Mr William Pointer. HMS Cressy Mr George Frederick Middleton. Mr Walter Charles Nelson Hall. Mr Richard Attwater. Mr Walter Henry. Mr Jeremiah McCarthy. Mr James Frederick Wootton. Mr John Wright. Mr Henry Langrish. Mr John James Miller. Mr Alfred Paddy. Mr Frank Vieland Parker. HMS Hogue Mr George Michael Slater. Mr William Wright. Mr John Brading. Mr Glen Kidston. Mr Lt Ingham. Mr Tom Bellerby. JGC (fishing trawler from Lowestoft, who saved a lot of men) Mr George Edward Jacobs. and their relatives and family members. MEMORIALS AND MONUMENTS 6
As this Bulletin has over 40 pages, no monuments this time. FROM HENK s TREASURE CHEST For the same reason: my Treasure Chest keeps shut this time. THE DOCUMENTARY The Documentary work is right on schedule and is expected to come out next September in Chatham and in The Netherlands. ABOUT THE MEN 7
About Hugh Leonard Hopps (HMS Aboukir) Mr Christopher (Chris) Richford presents Hugh Hopps. He writes me this: My father's uncle, Hugh Leonard Hopps, his mother's brother, was Surgeon Commander on HMS Aboukir and was one of those lost in the action. In my boyhood (1950/early 60s) I recall reading an account of the action, possibly from a newspaper of the time, which made mention that Surgeon Commander Hopps had ensured that as many sailors reached safety as possible. His body was never found, but my sister still has his wooden trunk. His brother, Lt Leonard Hopps 25th Northumberland Fusiliers, was also killed in 1916. My grandmother Frances Nina (née Hopps) also served as a nurse in France, where she met my grandfather, Sgt Christopher Richford (Seaforth Highlanders). My father, born 30/08/1923, was christened Hugh. He died in 2007 at Staplehurst, Kent. He was an RAF pilot both during and after the 2nd world war. Hugh and Leonard Hopps are also recorded on the Burntisland, Fife, Great War memorial, the reason being that their father, James, was a senior Excise officer and moved to Edinburgh in the 1890s. Years ago I bought my father Three Before Breakfast, an account of the action. Information about Hugh Hopps is on the web. http://www.chippingnortonbritishlegion.com/surgeon-hughjames-hopps.php. His photo is there too. About George William Dobinson (HMS Aboukir) Mrs Claire Atkinson sent me this email: My name is Claire Atkinson and I am the Great- Great Grandaughter of George William Dobinson who was the Chief Carpenter on The Aboukir when it perished on 22/09/1914. I have a photograph I can email if you would find it useful. There are 4 generations of George's relatives living today. One surviving Granddaughter, 6 Surviving Great- Grandchildren, 9 Great- Great Grandchildren and 2 Great- Great- Great Grandchildren (my daughters). Most of the family are based in Whitstable so we are local. It would also be fantastic to find more out about George. This was my answer: Dear Claire, Thank you for this. Yes I would be very pleased with the photo. This morning I received your email and this afternoon I have searched my archives if I could find something about him. I am afraid I just have details you already have, but nevertheless, here they are. Dobinson, Chief Carpenter, George William, Royal Navy, Age 47, Husband of Phoebe I.S. Dobinson, of 439, Canterbury Road Gillingham, Kent. And: from Alan Coles'book 'Three before breakfast' (1979) I quote: (page 59) 8
"The Aboukir was just torpedoed, the engineer lieutenant commander Percy Huxham was approached by Chief Engine Room Artificer Bill Smith, who knew more about the lay out of the Aboukir than most of the officers as he had been in charge of the ship's working party when they were in dockyard. 'What about flinging the wings sir', Smith suggested. 'The ship is going to port. Can I flood the starboard wings to right her?' 'That's what I thought of doing' answered Huxham. He looked across the deck, over which water was lapping, and watched an argument between Lieutenant Commander Jim Parker and George Dobinson, the Carpenter. 'The captain wants the starboard wing compartments flooded', shouted Parker. The old Carpenter refused to leave the quarter- deck. 'That's engineers' work' he protested. Huxham ended the conversatioon by assuring them, 'we're trying to do all we can, Jim, but first we've got to get the compartment keys from the sentry'. And this is all I have got. About George William Waterworth (HMS Aboukir) He is presented by Mrs Kathleen Stewart, nee Wilkinson. 9
My grandfather. George William Waterworth, my mothers father, was serving on board HMS Aboukir, when it was torpedoed off the Dutch coast. My mother, Catherine Waterworth, was only 5 years old when the Aboukir was sunk, she remembered her mother telling her how her father spent eight hours in the sea after the Aboukir had sunk. When he was picked up he was taken to Chatham. He returned to Hartlepool after he was invalided out of the Royal Navy. Shortly after that he joined the Army, the Durham Light Inf. and was killed in France on 31st December 1917. 23years later in the retreat of Dunkirk his son, Joseph, passed the cemetery where is father was buried. He tried to see his fathers grave but because the retreat was underway his officer advised against it. Since doing research we have found my grandfathers grave is in the Canada Farm Cemetery, Ieper, Belgium. 10
My grandfather was 26 years old when he survived the sinking of the Aboukir and was 29 years old when his life was taken. His name is commemorated on the headland war memorial in Hartlepool. George W. Waterworth was born at 34 The Shambles, York. in 1882, where his father had a butchers shop. He moved to Hartlepool with his family at the age of 7 years. About Harry Wilkins (HMS Aboukir) Mrs Veronica van Zyl, from Canada, writes me about her relative. I am most interested in your work on the sinking of the Aboukir, for my mother's great uncle died on that ship. His name was HARRY WILKINS born in 1867 in Chatham, Kent, son of Cornelius William Wilkins who in the 1901 English Census is listed as "a retired inspector of shipwrights". I believe Harry Wilkins was a ships engineer, so I am surprised that he is not on the list of the crew, on your website. After my reply: Thank you for your very kind letter, and I would be very pleased to have Harry Wilkins remembered as a "Member of the Society". Unfortunately I know very little about him and I do not have a photograph. If you ever find one, I'd be very happy to see it. Some years ago I started investigating my family history as my mother died when I was too young to ask her very much; her father died before I was born so I could not ask him either, so all that I know is from my own research. What I have found about Uncle Harry Wilkins is this: Born about 1869 (no christening or birth certificate yet found) According to the 1871 English Census: place of birth Chatham, Kent, England According to the 1881 English Census: scholar Not found with his family in the 1891 English Census According to the 1901 English Census: a crew member aboard the Thetis, in the [British] Royal Navy, at St Helena on the night of the census taking. And this I found yesterday: (Accessed 3 Feb 2014) WILKINS, Harry, Engine Room Artificer 1c (Pens), 152465 (Ch), Aboukir, 22 September 1914, ship lost http://www.naval- history.net/xdkcas1003- Intro.htm#WW1Name As far as I know he did not marry. It is most likely that he attended the school attached to the dockyards in Chatham as I have been told that many of the family members were trained there, for several generations. He had 3 older brothers, and one younger, who were all shipwrights, most likely all trained at the Chatham dockyard school, too. Sadly that is all I know about him 11
How dearly I would like to be able to attend the centenary memorials, but it is unlikely that it will be possible. My grandfather Wilkins went to live in South Africa about 1903 and only visited his home in England once before he died, which is partly why we know so little of the Wilkins family story. My married name is of Afrikaans descent. My husband s ancestor with the Van Zyl name (which was van Zijl back then) was born in Delft, and went to to work for the VOC (Dutch East India Company) in South Africa in 1698, so yes, it is a Dutch name, but a long time ago. About Walter Ernest Murgatroyd (HMS Aboukir) Mrs Lynne Wilson writes me: My Great Uncle, Walter Ernest Murgatroyd was a stoker on HMS Aboukir and went down with the ship. I have been researching our family history and there are only a few of us left to remember Walter's name and none of us knew him. His parents died young some years before him in Portsmouth. I would like to thank you for keeping the memory of this terrible incident alive and not letting the names of those young men disappear forever. Lynne Wilson. Sussex. Walter Ernest Murgatroyd was born in Portsea, Hampshire on 09 November 1892. He is the 6. Child of Henry Murgatroyd (19 September 1853) and Lucy Elizabeth Parmiter (03 September 1858). Harry Edwin (21 April 1882), Ethel Lucy (1884), Mabel Rose (1886), Louisa Mary (13 August 1888), Emily (03 February 1890), Amy (25 February 1894) Gertrude Elsie (09 May 1895), Albert Edward (1897), Edith May (14 December 1897) and Arthur Leslie (04 February 1901) are his siblings. When Walter Ernest was 12 years old, his father died on 15 March 1905. When he was 14 years old his mother died, 16 December 1906. 12
About Charles Alfred Larking (HMS Cressy) Mr Christopher Spurling, from New Zealand, is the great grandson of Charles Larking. This is what he knows about him: Here are the details I have about my Great Grandfather who was lost on the Cressy. Charles Alfred Larking was born in the village of Bramford Near Ipswich, Suffolk, England on 23.10.1882, he was the son of a farmer. Charles joined the Royal Navy on 23.10.1900 for a 12 year engagement and signed on at Chatham. Charles had 3 other Brothers who also joined the R.N. and served during the First World War. Having completed his 12 year engagement Charles was placed on the reservist list and went to work on his father s farms. Charles married a girl from Kent called Lilly and had 2 daughters; Alice and Violet (my grandmother). unfortunately when war broke out Lilly was still pregnant with Violet, and Charles was 'called up' for service in the RN before seeing his second daughter born. Lilly was left a widow at the age of 25 with two young girls, However Charles' Brother Jim (my Great uncle) an Officer in the navy himself married my Great Grandmother a few years later and had another daughter. I have attached a picture of Charles in his seaman's uniform. The other is a picture of 13
Charles' brother Jim and Charles' wife Lilly with her 2 girls taken around 1918. 14
About Arthur Alfred Gaiger (HMS Cressy) Mrs Caroline Gaiger sends this email: My great uncle was one of those who went down in the Cressy in 1914. His name was Arthur Alfred Gaiger and I believe he was an able seaman. My father and I would be very interested in joining the society and in marking the centenary in September with other relatives. I have visited Chatham and the war memorial nearby.. Indeed, Arthur Alfred was an Able seaman, 212286. RFR/CH/B/8458. A pity we do not know more about him. About James Frederick Wootton (HMS Cressy) Mr Nigel Wootton presents his great grandfather: James Frederick Wootton, 2522B Royal Naval Reserve, age 29, son of Mr and Mrs Wootton, of Folkestone, husband of F. Wootton of 20, Middle Wall Whitstable, Kent. 15
In a way, it is a shame that only now in my 60th year am I finding out more about my great grandfather, James Frederick Wootton (known as "Fred" Wootton). I recall as a small boy lingering at the war memorial in Whitstable, looking at the inscription "J.F.Wootton Royal Naval Reserve" and feeling what then seemed a rather odd sense of pride that my paternal ancestor, somebody that I would never know, had played a part and paid the ultimate price in a war fought a long, long time ago. (Of course, he died only 40 years before I was born, but at the age of 8 or 9, 10 years is an eternity.) I think it was difficult keeping Fred's name alive mainly because his children were very young when he died e.g. my grandfather, Fred's second Son James ("Jim"), was only around 5 years of age in 1914. This was compounded by other circumstances including the fact that Fred's wife, Alberta, died also at a very young age, as did my grandfather Jim in 1959 aged only 50 (though I can clearly remember him). Also, Jim was a prisoner- of- war from the Narvick campaign in Norway in 1940 until the cessation of hostilities in 1945, thus missing many of my father's formative years in which he could have passed on family stories & histories. So what have I found out? There are still many gaps, which I am endeavouring to fill, but here goes: Fred was born in Folkestone in 1885, the eldest child of William Wootton (born in Sandwich in 1864). At the time of the 1901 census, William was a 37 year old widower and a labourer at the Folkestone Gas Works. He had three other children: William (b.1889), Annie (b.1892) & Arthur (b.1896). The 1901 census described Fred as a "mariner". Sometime between then and the 1911 census he moved to Whitstable, possibly to look for work. In any event, he was working as an oyster dredger for the Seasalter & Ham Oyster Company at the time he was mobilised in 1914. My grandfather Jim eventually worked for the rival Whitstable Oyster Company. As an aside, I was given free entry to the Seasalter & Ham Oyster Company Museum (no longer there) around 20 years ago when I pointed out that the name of my great grandfather was on the company's roll of honour. In 1914, Fred lived at 20 Middle Wall (now demolished), Whitstable with his wife Alberta (I am not yet sure where her initial "F" comes from) and 5 children: in order from eldest to youngest, Frederick, James, Lilian, Anne & Marjory. A family mystery hangs over Marjory (or "Marg") because it is rumoured that Fred was not her father. Following Fred's death on HMS Cressy, Alberta married again to a member of Whitstable's largest family, the Shillings, eventually bearing another son, Albert Shilling. Alberta died before she reached 40 years of age from cervical cancer. Continual child bearing must have wreaked havoc on the women of this country before the advent of modern birth control. The final piece of information comes from a report in the Whitstable Times of 3 October 1914, which Brian Baker has kindly sent to me and, I believe, to you. The transcript details the exploits of James Rowden & Alfred Stroud in a 17ft whaler and mentions the final sighting of Fred: "When the whaler had returned with her boat load, Wootton was the sailor who threw down a rope to Rowden, who states that he 16
never saw him again". This is very significant and most poignant as it places my great grandfather in the thick of things doing his duty at a time of great stress & fear. This simple piece of information has also put me in firm contact with an important figure from the family past, somebody who has been very indistinct until now. My firmer picture of Fred has been helped by the fact that I believe I have identified him in a photograph. He is pictured outside of the Custom House in Gladstone Road during the call- up of the RNR In August 1914 (I think you have seen a copy of the photograph). Although I cannot be 100% certain it is him, a process of elimination, helped by a postcard published in Whitstable after the disaster & showing pictures of the Cressy dead and survivors, makes me as sure as I can be that it is him. There is also the little matter that the man wearing the sailor suit could be a younger version of my father! A scanned and enlarged photograph of Fred is attached. It is not the best quality but you do get a strong sense of the man. I am guessing that he has a cigarette in his right hand. That is all from me for the moment but I promise to write again if I do find out more about J.F.Wootton RNR. Best wishes, Nigel. 17
About Percy Henry Catt (HMS Cressy) Percy is presented by Mrs Deborah McStay. He was an Able Seaman, 33 years old when he died on the Cressy. He was the husband of Ethel Mary Catt, of 14 Raglan Road, Plumstead, London. Native of New Romney, Kent. 198317. RFR/CH/B/9112. Deborah writes: This is a photo of my great grandad Percy Henry Catt. I'm afraid I have very little other information about him. His daughter was Marjorie Catt born in 1909. She married Stanley Nicklin and my father is Peter Nicklin, one of their 2 sons. Percy and Ethel also had a son also called Percy. I am also attaching a picture of Ethel, pictured in the wheelchair taken in 1976, the baby is my brother Gareth Nicklin, the little girl is me, my mum Anita Nicklin is pictured on the right and behind the wheelchair is my grandma, Ethel's daughter Marjorie Nicklin nee Catt. 18
About George Palmer (alias George Lowin) (HMS Cressy) George Palmer died on the Cressy, but served under the name George Lowin. Why he did so, Mrs Mavis Allam cannot tell, just that it was his mother s name. But he did, see below. 19
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About Harold Ozanne (HMS Cressy) Mrs Tessa McKenzie writes about her Grandfather: My grandfather Harold Ozanne was Capt of Marines on HMS Cressy and was one of the lucky ones who survive. His career in the Royal Marines is recorded at www.ozanne.co.uk. Harold Ozanne, portrait 1917 About Arthur Hands (HMS Cressy) Mr David Hooke writes about Arthur I just came across your society when researching info about my great grandfather Arthur Hands who was serving on the Cressy on that day in september 1914. He was 46, a reservist and I believe a stoker. My information about him says: Arthur Hands, Able Seaman, 126838. RFR/CH/B/1393. Royal Navy. Age 48. Son of T. Hands, of Birmingham, husband of Maria Hands, of 509, Slade Rd. Erdington, Birmingham. About Walter Ansell (HMS Cressy) (7 August 1882 to 22 September 1914) Mr Ian Ansell did some wonderful research about his Great Great Uncle. Walter was born as the youngest son to James and Amelia Ansell into a family of four sisters and two brothers at Moushill, Milford, Surrey. At the age of 3 his mother died and the family moved to 30 Eashing Lane, Godalming and in November 1896 his father also dies. It is most likely that Walter left school at the age of 11 and went into one of the numerous Tanneries in Godalming but he left to join the Navy in April 1898. 21
Military Record for Walter Ansell: 4 th April 1898 Joined the Royal Navy as Boy 2 nd Class (Aged 15) HMS St Vincent: This ship was moored at Haslar (southern tip of Gosport) as the boy entrant training establishment. The ship was 120 gun ship of the line and was launched 11 th March 1815, she was finally decommissioned in1905. 22
26 January 1899: Promoted to Boy 1 st Class (Aged 16) HMS St Vincent, until 1 st August 1899. HMS Agincourt: 2 nd August 1899. Training Ship at Portland, she would later be renamed as Boscawen III and then as Ganges II. She was finally stripped and used as a coal ship and scrapped in 1960 at Sheerness. Posted 8 th September 1899 (Age 17). HMS Australia in 1896 HMS Australia: 9 th September 1899. Royal Naval Coastguard ship, she was decommissioned in 1905. Posted 22 nd November 1899 (time onboard 2 months 12 days) to HMS Revenge which was going out to the Mediterranean. 23
HMS Revenge in 1897 HMS Revenge: 23 rd November 1899. On 15 December 1899, Revenge was re- commissioned at Malta to continue Mediterranean Fleet service. In April 1900, battleship HMS Victorious relieved her and she returned to the United Kingdom, paying off into Fleet Reserve at Chatham. Posted 15 th May 1900 to HMS Victorious. 24
HMS Victorious in 1898 HMS Victorious: 16 th May 1900. The third ship to be named HMS Victorious had the most quiet of careers. She was one of nine Majestic- class pre- Dreadnought battleships, that had an armament of 4 12 inch guns and 12 6 inch guns. She was built at Chatham Dockyard. She had a displacement of 14,900 tons with a length of 421 feet. The Majestic's were a template for many successor pre- dreadnought classes. Victorious had her obligatory service in the Mediterranean Fleet in early 1898 and from 1900 to 1903. After this, she was transferred to the Channel Fleet. She never saw combat service in World War I, becoming a dockyard repair ship until her eventual scrapping in 1923. Posted to HMS Caesar on 7 th July 1900. 25
HMS Caesar in 1898 HMS Caesar: 8 th July 1900. In May 1898, Caesar departed the UK for her Mediterranean service, undergoing a refit at Malta in 1900 1901. She ended her Mediterranean service in October 1903, paying off at Portsmouth on 6 October 1903 to begin a refit. Promoted to Ordinary Seaman 7 th August 1900 and joined the adult Royal Navy for a term of 12 Years. At this time Walter was aged 18, he was 5 foot 7.5 inches tall and had a Woman tattooed on his Left Forearm. Posted to HMS Victorious on 8 th November 1900. HMS Victorious: 9 th November 1900. Second tour aboard HMS Victorious in the Mediterranean, on the 1901 Census the ship is at Malta and he is recorded as being on- board at midnight 31 st March 1901, Rank was recorded as Ordinary Seaman. Promoted to Able Seaman 19 th January 1902, posted to HMS Duke of Wellington on 7 th August 1903. 26
HMS Duke of Wellington HMS Duke of Wellington: 8 th August 1903. It is remarkable that so many hundreds should have been compelled to live in such undesirable quarters for so long. The Portsmouth Evening News, 30 September 1903. Posted to HMS Fire Queen 30 th September 1903. 27
HMS Duke of Wellington in 1900 The Receiving ship for Stokers, Seamen, Artisan Ratings (ship s company) and domestics. HMS Fire Queen HMS Fire Queen: 1 October 1903: Tender ship for HMS Victory with a small crew of about 43. Posted 30 th October 1903 to HMS Vernon. 28
HMS Vernon as Mining and Torpedo School HMS Vernon: 10 th November 1903. This was the Naval Mine and Torpedo School, it is possible that Walter was on a course here; HMS Vernon at this time was moored in Portchester Creek. He was posted from HMS Vernon to HMS Pembroke on 19 th February 1904. 29
HMS Pembroke: 19 th February 1904. Building works commenced in May 1897 by Holloway Brothers of London to the design of Colonel Henry Pikington on the site of Chatham Convict Prison. First to be complete was the parade ground and Drill Hall on 26th March 1902 with the development of the swimming baths, bowling alley and other facilities complete by December the same year, with the barrack blocks, Anson, Blake, Drake, Granville, Hawke and Nelson being completed soon after. The Navel barracks finally opened on 30th April 1903 with 5000 Naval personnel marching from the hulks within the basin, led by the Depot (Blue Jacket) Band, to the 425,000 buildings. HMS Pembroke took its name from the 3rd rate HMS Pembroke built in 1812 that had become the base ship in 1873. This hulk was one of three, the other two named Royal Adelaide and Forte, situated in the newly built basins at St Mary's Island, having previously been moored in the River Medway to house the reserve fleet awaiting to be appointed to ships. During the years up to 1906 a large house was constructed for the commodore and St Georges Church was constructed. Once complete HMS Pembroke boated accommodation, a gunnery school that had been moved from Sheerness, a new training centre, church, cinema, canteen, infirmary, gymnasium, swimming baths and a large parade ground and drill shed. A time ball was installed upon the central tower of the wardroom, this was dropped daily at 10am and 1pm except for Sundays giving the exact time to the ships on the Medway. Sundays would see all personnel attend the church parade, this entered the arch at the eastern end of the parade ground and march past the central steps holding the PO's and Master at Arms and into the drill shed where they would 'fall out'. On 2nd November 1905 the Boys Brigade was formed at the barracks for the sons of RN and RM personnel, except commissioned officers. On 19th December 1906 the Bishop of Rochester performed an opening ceremony and dedication of St Georges Church. On 18 th September 1912 Chatham sailors opened Pembroke House Girls Orphanage on Oxford Road, the orphanage was financed and managed by the Chatham Sailors. The years leading up to the First World War saw the drill hall used as an exhibition centre, Naval store (of rum, clothes and general supplies), a building materials warehouse and as an overflow barracks with the court martial room situated on an upper floor near the rear of the building. Also during this time Chatham had become one of three Royal Navy's manning ports with the area holding over a third of the Navy and 205 ships manned by the Chatham Division. Walter was posted from Chatham to HMS Andromache on 4 th October 1904. 30
HMS Andromache HMS Andromache: 5 th October 1904. 2 nd Class Cruiser, which was considered to be very poor. The ship was laid up in 1906 and was converted in 1907 to a minelayer. Walter was posted to HMS Scylla on 23 rd January 1905. HMS Scylla 31
HMS Scylla: 24 th January 1905. The Scylla was sent to Newfoundland in 1905 to protect Newfoundland fishing vessels. Things had turned ugly with American fishermen at the time due to the Bond Fishing Act, which prevented Americans from obtaining bait and other supplies at Newfoundland ports. The Act had been put in place as a response largely to the US not ratifying the Blaine- Bond agreement, which was a very early free trade agreement. Fortunately cooler heads prevailed. Posted 31 st March 1905 to HMS Sappho. HMS Sappho HMS Sappho: 1 st April 1905. Walter spent just one month on Sappho and left the ship shortly before it left for South Georgia, posted to HMS Dryad 30 th April 1905. 32
HMS Dryad HMS Dryad, 1 st May 1905. This ship would become the tender to the navigation school, but at this time it was being used for taking soundings through the hull. Lord Kelvin experiments. HMS Dryad was a torpedo class gunship, Walter was posted 17 th November 1905 to HMS Hussar. HMS Hussar 33
HMS Hussar: 18 th November 1905. Hussar was a Dryad class torpedo gunship and from 1905 onwards was used as fisheries protection ship. In 1907 Hussar had her armaments removed and she became a yacht for the Admiral. Walter was posted around this time on 13 th May 1907 to HMS Pembroke I. HMS Pembroke I on 14 th May 1907 Chatham dockyard and naval barracks, joined HMS Actaeon 16 th August 1907. HMS Actaeon 17 th August 1907. HMS Actaeon was the name of the Torpedo training school at Sherness. It is now almost certain that Walter was involved with Torpedoes. He was posted back to HMS Pembroke (Chatham) on 16 th August 1907. HMS Pembroke (Chatham dockyards and Naval Barracks) from 17 th August to 17 th February 1908. Posted to HMS Cochrane. HMS Cochrane HMS Cochrane: 18 th February 1908. This ship was attached to the Fifth Cruiser Squadron that formed a part of the Atlantic Fleet. Walter spent just over a year on board and was posted just before the ship transferred to the Second Cruiser Squadron. He was posted to HMS Berwick on 31 st March 1909. 34
HMS Berwick HMS Berwick: 1 st April 1909. After a complete refit Berwick joined the 4 th Cruiser Squadron (North America and West Indies). The 1911 census return identifies Walter Ansell as being on- board HMS Berwick at midnight on 2 nd April 1911, the ship was at Gibraltar and Walter was an Able Seaman. Walter was posted to HMS Pembroke (Chatham Naval Dockyard) 14 th May 1911. HMS Pembroke: 15 th May 1911 to 5 th June 1911, then joined HMS Forward. 35
HMS Forward HMS Forward: 6 th June 1911. Forward was a part of the 3 rd Destroyer Flottilla of The Nore command. She patrolled the North Sea, (then known as the German Sea), this was the last ocean going vessel Walter served in before being discharged into the Navy Reserves. He was transferred to HMS Pembroke on 1 st August 1912. HMS Pembroke: 2 nd August 1912. Walter had completed his 12 years of Military Service on the 6 th August 1912. He was discharged with a Very Good conduct record that he had maintained throughout his entire career. He would have applied to join the Royal Fleet Reserve Chatham at Class B, this was granted on 31 August 1912. He was recalled to Active Service (mobilization of the RFR) on 2 nd August 1914 and joined HMS Cressy on this day. The 4 th August 1914 was the day that the British Government declared war on Germany. August 1912 to August 1914 Between January 1913 to March 1914 Walter married Gertrude Amy Hook and they moved to 26 Holloway Hill, Godalming. Walter became a Bus Conductor but joined the Royal Fleet Reserve with a commitment to one weeks drill training per year. 36
HMS Cressy HMS Cressy: 2 nd August 1914. Cressy was considered to be an old outdated and slow Cruiser that was crewed by Royal Fleet Reserve personnel, raw recruits and cadets. On the 28 th August 1914 Cressy as part of Cruiser Force C took part in the Battle of Heligoland Bight, Cressy along with her sister ships was kept at range (around 100 Nautical Miles) west of the action. The only mention of Cressy in dispatches was that she was used to transfer wounded and prisoners to the Naze. This action was considered a total victory for the RN but on subsequent review was carried out, at best, in a slapdash manner and it was fortunate that the outcome was not a disaster. However, as a result of this action the German Navy spent most of World War 1 in port, requiring the Keizer s permission to engage the British Navy. However, Cressy along with Aboukir and Hogue was engaged by a German Submarine U- 9 on the morning of 22 nd September 1914 when all three cruisers were sunk, Cressy being the last to be torpedoed and the only one of the cruisers to open fire on U- 9. During this action Walter Ansell was listed as missing, presumed drowned in the North Sea. His name is listed on the Chatham Naval Memorial for Seamen lost at sea. 37
Painting by Reuterdahl HMS Cressy Sinking Afterwards Gertrude Ansell must have been beside herself with worry about her husband, she would have know around this time that she was expecting their first child and would have been waiting for news of Walter. The following article was published on 28 th September: Surrey Advertiser, Monday, September 28, 1914 (Page 4) The Sunken Cruisers Feared Loss of local Men Amongst those on H. M. S. Cressy, which was sunk in the North Sea, was Able- Seaman Walter Ansell, a Godalming man, whose wife has been spending a few weeks with his brother and sister- in- law, Mr and Mrs John Ansell of 14, Eashing Lane, Godalming. Up to Friday no news had been heard that he was amongst the saved, and it is feared that he must be amongst those who lost their lives. Ansell had served twelve years in the Navy, and had been two years on the reserve. He has latterly been a Bus Conductor, and had lived with his wife at Hanwell. He had only been married about two years. Walter was never found and Gertrude gave birth in early 1915 to a boy, which she called Walter in memory of his lost father. Gertrude lived with her son and sister at 26 Holloway Hill until her death. She died on the 17 th June 1965 and is buried in Eashing Cemetery near Godalming. Her son Walter (jr) is last recorded as living at 26 Holloway Hill in 1945, his whereabouts after this date is not currently known, nor is it known if he married or if he has any descendants. 38
About Percy Bland Junior (HMS Cressy) Mr Peter Bland writes: My great uncle was Percy Bland Junior Sick Berth Reserve Attendant M8633. Aged 31. He was born on 27th March 1883 in Kendal, Westmorland. He is mentioned in De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour. My late father was born on the 29th September 1914 was named after him. I have no pictures or any other information about him. Any information would be appreciated. About James Conder (HMS Cressy) Mrs Sandra Squire writes: Hi, I came across your website when researching my family history. My great grandfather was on HMS Cressy when she was sunk. Thankfully for me, he survived or I wouldn't be here today! I was told the story of the three ships by my father when I was a child and never really believed him or took much notice. It was only when I started researching my family tree now I have children of my own and came across my Great Grandfather's Naval record, that I remembered the story by father told me. I look forward to seeing your documentary and will be watching for updates. Sandra Squire (formerly Conder, great grand- daughter of James Conder, Stoker on HMS Cressy) About William Richard Medhurst (HMS Cressy) Mr Roy Long sends this about his Grandfather, Leading Stoker, born 18 April 1880. 39
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About Joseph E. Blackburn (HMS Hogue) Mrs Francesca (Fran) Mileman sent me this: I have just discovered that my half uncle lost his life in service on HMS Hogue on 22nd September 1914. His name was Joseph E Blackburn. He was a Leading Seaman. I have the brass plaque, scroll plus medals that in 1922 were sent to his father (my Grandfather) Joseph Blackburn of Ramsgate Kent. All very poignant and at the same time interesting. After my answer she writes: Delighted to hear that you are interested. I intend to find out a little more about Joseph - I do have a family tree for his side of the family. I actually knew some of his brothers and sisters very well (although very elderly when I was little) but of course was totally unaware of any family history. I am trying to ascertain which of the many naval photos I have of the family is in fact Joseph. I do have a very early one of a young man who may be him but he is wearing a hat with the band HMS Service on it - so not sure. There is also a later one of him in Naval uniform but no hat!! 41