RN Subs

E50

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Submarine E50 was a Group 2 E Class Submarine which was ordered in November 1914 as part of the Emergency War Order. The Submarine was ordered from the Clydeside Yard of Messrs. John Brown and Company in Glasgow. Submarine E50 was 'Laid Down' on 15th Mar 1915 and was 'Launched' on 14th Nov 1916. The long period between being 'Laid Down' and 'Launch' was partly the result of the Yard never having built Submarines previously and the high volume of Surface Warship work the Yard was contracted to complete. Submarine E50 was 'Completed' and 'Commissioned' on 23rd Jan 1917.

Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st February 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Bank Light Vessel. There were no survivors of the sinking. Those lost were as follows:

Lieutenant Ralph Edgar Snook Commanding Officer

Ralph Snook was born on 28th Sep 1890 and he joined the Royal Navy as a Cadet at the RN College, Osborne on 15th Sep 1903. He was promoted to Midshipman on 15th May 1908 and, on the same date he was appointed to the Armoured Cruiser HMS Bacchante. An appointment to the Armoured Cruiser HMS Aboukir followed on 6th Nov 1909 and promotion to Sub Lieutenant followed on 15th Jul 1911. Sub Lieutenant Ralph Snook was appointed to HMS Dolphin 'for Submarine Training' on 1st May 1913 and was appointed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Thames 'for Submarine C2' in June 1913. He was promoted Lieutenant on 15th July 1913 then appointed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Bonaventure 'for Submarines' on 25th Aug 1913. His next appointment (recorded on the Nominal List dated 8th April 1915) was to HMS Dolphin 'for Submarine V1 as First Lieutenant' to date 6th Apr 1915. His appointment was changed on 24th May 1915 to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Maidstone (8th Submarine Flotilla) at Harwich 'for Submarine V4 as First Lieutenant'. Five months later the Nominal List for 7th October 1915 notes that he had been appointed to HMS Maidstone 'for Submarine E4 as First Lieutenant' to date 22nd Sep 1915.

The first command for Ralph Snook is recorded in the Nominal list for 1st April 1916 when he was appointed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Forth'); attached to the 9th Submarine Flotilla) at Harwich 'for Submarine C21 in Command' to date 1st Apr 1916. Submarine C21 was transferred to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Arrogant at Dover as shown in the Nominal List for 1st July 1916. His next Command came on 5th Dec 1916 (Nominal List dated 1st Jan 1917) when he was appointed to HMS Dolphin 'for Submarine C20 in Command'. His appointment to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Maidstone 'for Submarine E50 in Command' to date 17th Jul 1917 was reported in the Nominal List of 1st August 1917. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st February 1918. The Submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors.

Ralph Snook was the son of the late F W Snook and Mrs Snook of Castle Grove, Nottingham. His wife was Constance Marjorie Percy Smith whom he married on 17th Apr 1917. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 28.

Lieutenant William Burton Metcalfe First Lieutenant

William Metcalfe joined the Royal Navy as a Cadet on DTBR. He was promoted to Midshipman on 15th Sep 1912 and to Sub Lieutenant on 15th Sep 1914. In December 1914 William Metcalfe was serving in the 23,000 ton Battleship HMS King George V (Captain George H Baird, Royal Navy). He had been appointed to that Ship on 7th Mar 1913. His Submarine career began in 1916 when he was appointed to HMS Dolphin 'for Submarine Training' (Nominal List dated 1st July 1916). A month later he was appointed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Maidstone (9th Submarine Flotilla) at Harwich 'for Submarine duties'. He was promoted to Lieutenant on DTBR.

The Nominal List of 1st Sep 1916 reports an appointment to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Vulcan (3rd Submarine Flotilla) at Immingham 'for Submarine D8 as First Lieutenant'. In April 1917 Submarine D8 was transferred to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Platypus. His appointment to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Maidstone (9th Submarine Flotilla) at Harwich 'for Submarine E50 as First Lieutenant' was reported in the Nominal List of 1st Dec 1917. Submarine E50 was lost with all hands in the North Sea on 1st Feb 1918. It is believed that the Submarine hit a mine.

Twenty three year old William Metcalfe was the son of Mr and Mrs C Percival Metcalfe of 'Sea Breezes', Netley Abbey, Hampshire. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 28.

Lieutenant George Walter Elliott, RNR Navigator

A native of London George Elliott was born in Fulham on 22nd Mar 1894. He was appointed as a Probationary Midshipman, RNR on 20th Jan 1913. He joined the Royal Navy 'for Training' in the 15,000 ton Battleship HMS Bulwark (Captain Guy L Sclater, Royal Navy) on 4th Jul 1914. In December 1914 Midshipman George Elliott (Seniority backdated to 18th Jan 1913) was serving in the Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Alsatian (Captain Valentine E B Phillimore, DSO, Royal Navy) to which he had been appointed on 7th Aug 1914. He was promoted Acting Sub Lieutenant, RNR (Seniority backdated to 18th Oct 1915) on 14th Feb 1916, to Sub Lieutenant, RNR (Seniority backdated to 2nd Apr 1916) on 3rd May 1916 and to Acting Lieutenant on 11th Aug 1916. He was, subsequently 'loaned' to the Patuca (26th Oct 1916), the Orcoma (7th Dec 1916) and to the Orvieto (10th Dec 1916) before returning to Alsatian some time in 1917. George Elliott was appointed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Maidstone (9th Submarine Flotilla) at Harwich 'for Submarine E50 as Navigating Officer' on 29th Dec 1917 (Nominal List dated 1st Dec 1917). Submarine E50 was lost with all hands in the North Sea on 1st Feb 1918. It is believed that the Submarine hit a mine. George Elliott was twenty three years old when he died. He was the son of William George and Caroline Mary Elliott of Fulham, London. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 30.

Ratings:

Archibald Evelyn Brown, DSM O/N 226250 (Dev)

Petty Officer Archibald Brown was born at Wisbech in Cambridgeshire on 25th Sep 1887. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. No Next of Kin or other family detail is available for Archibald Brown. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 26.

Alfred Henry Jewell O/N 236249 (Ch)

Petty Officer Alfred Jewell was born in Waterford, County Waterford in Ireland on DTBR. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Alfred Jewell was the twenty eight year old husband of Mabel Dora Jewell of 31, Hillmarten Road, Camden Town, London. He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 28.

Jonathan Thomas Roberts O/N 234598 (Dev)

Able Seaman Jonathan Roberts was born at Plympton, Devon on 1st Mar 1880. He was the son of William Thomas and Bessie Roberts of Lower Compton, Plymouth, Devon. He was serving in the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Alecto (7th Submarine Flotilla) at Dundee in 1912 'as Submarine Spare Crew' and was employed in the 'working party and for the whalers crew'. He was advanced to Leading Seaman on DTBR and to Petty Officer on DTBR. Jonathan Roberts was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about 1st Feb 1918. The Submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Twenty nine year old Jonathan Roberts was the husband of Lily Roberts of 2, St Mawes Terrace, Keyham Ford, Plymouth, Devon. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 26.

Thomas James Bigsby O/N 237417 (Po)

Leading Seaman Thomas Bigsby was born in Tottenham in London on 1891 and he was the son of Charles Henry and Annie Bella Bigsby of 16, Bell Lane, Hendon, London. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Twenty seven year old Thomas Bigsby was the husband of Mary W Bigsby later of 2538, Greenmount Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 20.

Frank St Clair Holtham O/N 232264 (Po)

Leading Seaman Frank Holtham was born in Cheltenham in Gloucestershire on ** *** 1889 and he was the son of Mrs Mary Ann Holtham of 20, Keynsham Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Frank Holtham was twenty nine year old and he is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 26.

Austin Wilfred Cutting O/N J13934 (Ch)

Able Seaman Austin Cutting was born in Woodbridge in Suffolk on 20th Jun 1894 and he was son of the late James George and Bessie Cutting. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Aged twenty four years old Austin Cutting is commemorated on the Chatham Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 28.

John Raymond Gibson O/N J26864 (Dev)

Able Seaman John Gibson was born in Leeds in Yorkshire on 3rd Oct 1895 and he was the son of Mr J P and Mrs R Gibson - later of 23, Theatre Street, Norwich, Norfolk. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. John Gibson was twenty two years old and he is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 27.

Frederick Charles Haines O/N J20808 (Po)

Able Seaman Frederick Haines was born in Caversham in Oxfordshire on 9th Feb 1895 and he was the son of Mr. C S and Mrs. Fanny M Haines of Chapel Lane, Binfield Heath, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Frederick Haines was twenty two years old and he is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 26.

Farrar Hill O/N J20092 (Dev)

Able Seaman Farrar Hill was born in Dewsbury in Yorkshire on 20th Apr 1897 and he was the son of Farrar and Rachel Ann Hill of 2, Broom Street, Scothill, Batley, Yorkshire. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Farrar Hill was twenty years old and he is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 27.

Norman George Hounsome O/N J19873 (Po)

Able Seaman Norman Hounsome was born in Southampton in Hampshire on 20th Sep 1896 and he was the son of Charles Hounsome of Calmere Road, Totton, Hampshire. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Twenty one year old Norman Hounsome was the husband of the late Annie Hounsome of Calmere Road, Totton, Hampshire. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 29.

William Farquhar Young O/N J12191 (Po)

Able Seaman William Young was born in Glasgow in Lanarkshire on 29th Aug 1895. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. William Young was the twenty four year old husband of Edith Young of 61, Butler Street, Oldham Road, Manchester. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 29.

John Joseph Mulhall O/N J21302 (Dev)

Signalman John Mulhall was born in Balbriggan, County Dublin, Ireland on 7th Aug 1897 and he was the son of Patrick and Catherine Mulhall of 11, Sutton Terrace, Sutton, County Dublin. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. John Mulhall was twenty and he is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 27.

Albert Joseph Miller O/N J19598 (Po)

Leading Telegraphist Albert Miller was born in Parkstone, Poole in Dorset on 20th Oct 1896 and he was the son of Albert and Lillian Miller - later of of Bromley, Hants. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Joseph Miller was the twenty one year old husband of Ethel Maud Palmer (formerly Miller) of 54, The Hundred, Romsey, Hampshire. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 29.

Joseph Pover O/N J35826 (Po)

Telegraphist Joseph Pover was in Barnsley in Yorkshire on 10th Aug 1898 and he was the son of Joseph and Alice Pover of 36, Market Street, Maple, Cheshire. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Joseph Pover was nineteen years old and he is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 29.

Walter Henry Meek O/N 271695 (Dev)

Chief Engine Room Artificer Walter Meek was born in *** on ** *** 1891 and he was the son of Shipwright Lieutenant Frank Meek, RN (Retired) of Plymouth. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Walter Meek was the twenty nine year old husband of Alice Maud Meek of 127, Beaumont Road, Plymouth, Devon. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 27.

Archibald Freebairn Dunn O/N M19524 (Dev)

Engine Room Artificer 4th Class Archibald Dunn was born in Glasgow in Lanarkshire in Scotland on 6th Nov 1894 and he was the son of Mary Freebairn Robb (formerly Dunn) of 7, Gordon Street, Whiteinch, Glasgow and the late John Dunn. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Aged twenty three year old Archibald Dunn is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 27.

Arthur Swinnerton Lee O/N RNR/Dev/1571/EA

Engine Room Artificer 4th Class Arthur Lee was born in *** on ** *** 1892 and he was the son of Frederick and Alice Lee of 110, Clowes Street, West Gorton, Manchester. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The Submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Arthur Lee was twenty six years old and he is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 29.

Norman Tordoff O/N RNR/Dev/2036/EA

Engine Room Artificer Norman Tordoff was born in *** on ** *** 1890 and he was the son of John and Lena who lived in Halifax in the West Riding of Yorkshire. It I understood that his father was a mechanic who worked a gas engine in a worsted mill. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Norman Tordoff married Florence (nee Brown) in 1914 and they had two children - Jack born in 1915 and Norman - born in 1917. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 29.

Frank Brett O/N 307261 (Ch)

Stoker Petty Officer Frank Brett was born in Lower Edmonton in London on 30th Apr 1886. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Frank Brett was the twenty nine year old husband of Agnes Annie Brett of 20, South Park Parade, Seven Kings, Ilford, Essex. He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 29.

Albert Gill O/N K11648 (Dev)

Leading Stoker Albert Gill was born in Manchester in Lancashire on 5th Jun 1893. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Twenty eight year old Albert Gill was the husband of Beatrice Gill of 13, Chelford Street, High Street, Chorlton-on-Medlock, Manchester. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 28.

William Walter Jordan Hards O/N K11357 (Ch)

Leading Stoker William Hards was born in Redhill in Surrey on 24th Aug 1892 and he was the son of Mrs M A King (formerly Hards) of 38, Garibaldi Road, Redhill, Surrey. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. William Hards was twenty five years old and the husband of Florence Mary Chenery (formerly Hards) of 2, Queen's Yard Cottages, High Street, Dovercourt Bay, Essex. He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 29.

John William Hutchinson O/N K13161 (Po)

Leading Stoker John Hutchinson was born in Beverley in Yorkshire on 8th Nov 1893 and he was the son of John Matthew Ardington, Hutchinson of 9, Eastgate South, Driffield, Yorkshire. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Twenty five year old John Hutchinson is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 30.

Thomas Batiste Caudeville O/N K20787 (Po)

Stoker 1st Class Thomas Caudeville was born in St. Peter Port in Guernsey in the Channel Islands on 12th May 1892 and he was the son of Thomas Phillipe Caudeville and Emma Milliere, his wife, of 5, Hauteville, St Peter Port, Guernsey. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Thomas Caudeville was twenty five years old and he is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 30.

William Fairhall Curd O/N K17857 (Ch)

Stoker 1st Class William Curd was born in Rye in Sussex on 30th Apr 1894. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. No Next of Kin of other family detail is available for twenty four year old William Curd. He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 29.

Stanley Emery O/N K19954 (Dev)

Stoker 1st Class Stanley Emery was born in Steyning in Sussex on 24th Jun 1895. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. No Next of Kin of other family detail is available for Stanley Emery. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 30.

Cecil Gent O/N K19924 (Ch)

Stoker 1st Class Cecil Gent was born in Woolwich in Kent on 26th Dec 1894. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. No Next of Kin of other family detail is available for Cecil Gent. He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 29

Wilford Ira Rogers O/N K17348 (Dev)

Stoker 1st Class Wilford Rogers was born in Abertillery in Monmouthshire on 25th Feb 1894 and he was the son of Henry and Emily J Rogers of 5, Woodville Road, Cwm, Newport, Monmouthshire. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Twenty four year old Wilford Rogers is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 28.

Herbert White O/N K17774 (Po)

Stoker 1st Class Herbert White was born in Wokingham in Berkshire on 30th Dec 1894 and he was the son of Albert and Mary Ann White of Ride End, Finchampstead, Berkshire. He was drafted to Submarine E50 on DTBR. Submarine E50 was lost in the North Sea on, or about, 1st Feb 1918. The submarine is believed to have struck a mine near the South Dogger Light Vessel. There were no survivors. Herbert White was twenty three years old and he is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 30.

 

The following personnel are also known to have served in Submarine E50.

Officers:

Lieutenant Kenneth Michell, DSO, MVO, DSC

Kenneth Michell was born at Steyning, Sussex on 27th March 1887. He joined the Royal Navy as a Cadet and was promoted to Midshipman on 30th Jan 1904. He was appointed to HMS New Zealand on 11th Jul 1905 and was promoted to Sub Lieutenant on 30th Mar 1907. He was appointed to the Battle Ship HMS Venerable on 7th Jan 1908. Kenneth Michell joined the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Mercury 'for Submarine training' on 11th Jan 1909 and was appointed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Onyx at Devonport 'for Submarines' on 13th Apr 1909. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 1st Oct 1909. His appointment was changed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Forth at Devonport 'for Duties in Submarine Boats' by December 1910. On 24th Apr 1911 he was appointed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Rosario 'for Submarines' on the establishment of the 'Hong Kong Flotilla'. He returned home on 15th Aug 1912 when he was appointed to HMS Onyx at Devonport 'for Command of Submarine A10 in Command' and this was followed by an appointment to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Pactolus (Lamlash Flotilla) 'for Command of Submarines'on 24th Sep 1912. Another move - to HMS Forth (2nd Submarine Flotilla) at Devonport 'for Command of Submarines' followed on 15th Oct 1912. Kenneth Michell was appointed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Vulcan (7th Submarine Flotilla) at Dundee 'for Submarine C28 in Command' on 14th Nov 1912. Submarine C28 was transferred to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Forth (10th Submarine Flotilla) on 8th Nov 1914. He was still in command of Submarine C28 in December 1914. He then sent to the Mediterranean and appointed to the Italian Depot Ship Marco Polo at Venice 'for Submarine B10 in Command' in June 1916 (see Nominal List dated 1st Jul 1916) and then to 'Submarine B7 in Command' on 18th Aug 1916. The appointment to Submarine B7 came after Submarine B10 was sunk at Venice by Austrian aircraft on 9th Aug 1916. He was next appointed to 'Submarine E50 in Command' on 1st Dec 1916. Submarine E50 was built at the John Brown Shipyard at Clydebank and was 'Laid Down' on DTBR, launched on 13th Nov 1916 and 'Commissioned' on 23rd Jan 1917. On 29th Jan 1917 Submarine E50 was in the Gareloch for trials when Submarine K13 sank in the Gareloch. Kenneth Michell noted that Submarine K13's dive was unusual and when K13 failed to surface he raised the alarm. Kenneth Michell appears to have reverted to General Service after his Command of Submarine E50. He was appointed to HMS Vivid (the Barracks at Devonport) 'for Special Service with Minelayers at Newlyn' on 30th Jul 1917. He was promoted Lieutenant Commander on 1st Oct 1917 and he was awarded the DSC - see London Gazette of 16th Nov 1917. He was awarded the Italian Silver Medal for Military Valour - see London Gazette dated 17th Nov 1917. In December 1918 he was serving in the 965 ton Torpedo Boat Destroyer HMS Landrail 'as Commanding Officer' having been appointed on 11th Jan 1918. After the War he was appointed to the Monitor 'HMS M33 in Command' on 17th Apr 1919 and then to HMS Egmont at Malta 'for HM Motor Launch 210 in Command' to date 24th Nov 1919. On 22nd May 1920 he was appointed to the 'Inter-Allied Danube Commission' and, three weeks later to 'HM Motor Launch 504 in Command' to date June 1920. From 22nd Sep 1920 to 1st Aug 1923 he served in the 25,750 ton Battle Ship HMS Revenge. This was followed by an appointment to the twin screw Mine Sweeper HMS Truro 'in Command' to date 6th Sep 1923. He was then appointed to HMS Victory (the Royal Naval Barracks) at Portsmouth 'for the Signals School' on 31st Dec 1925. He was appointed a Member of the Royal Victorian Order - see London Gazette dated ** *** 1925. Whilst serving in Dolphin he was awarded the Bronze Medal of the Royal Humane Society 'for the rescue of a woman from the Thames' on 18th Nov 1926. In the June 1927 he is listed as the 'Instructor Officer' for the London Division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve - attached to HMS President to which he had been appointed on 24th Jan 1926. Kenneth Michell appointed Lieutenant Commander, Permanent Naval Forces was 'loaned to the Royal Australian Navy' and appointed to the London Depot on 16th Jan 1928. He was appointed to HMA Cerberus on 21st Jan 1928 'for Passage' (in the Ormonde) and was approved to make his own arrangements for passage to Fremantle. He was promoted to Acting Commander, PNF on 21st Feb 1928 and was appointed to the Sloop HMAS Marguerite' in Command' on 28th Feb 1928. An appointment to HMAS Penguin followed on 23rd Jul 1929 and he was appointed to HMAS Franklin 'for the Royal Australian Naval College' on 23rd Aug 1929. He was appointed to the London Depot on 11th Jul 1930 and was, again approved to make his own arrangements for passage home in the SS 'La Perouse'. His appointment to the RAN was terminated on 25th Sep 1930 on his reversion to the Royal Navy. Whilst serving with the RAN his Next of Kin was listed as his wife - Mrs H B Michell and they lived firstly at 'Clifford', Potto Point, Sydney, New South Wales and then at 102, Hopetoun Road, Vacluse, Sydney. He was transferred to the Retired List with the rank of Commander on 3rd Apr 1931. No further information is currently available.

Lieutenant Kenneth Maximilian Wilkinson

Kenneth Wilkinson was born at *** on ** *** 18**. He joined the Royal Navy as a Cadet on ** *** 19** and was appointed to the 14,100 to Armoured Cruiser HMS Good Hope (Captain Richard F Phillimore, MVO, Royal Navy) - the Flag Ship of the Mediterranean Fleet on 16th Feb 1911. He was promoted to Midshipman on 15th Sep 1912 and to Acting Sub Lieutenant on 15th Jan 1913 gaining one and a half months Seniority from his Sub Lieutenants Courses. On 28th Feb 1915 (Nominal List) he was appointed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Arrogant (4th Submarine Flotilla) at Dover 'for Submarines'. On 16th May 1915 (Nominal List) he was reported to be appointed to HMS Arrogant 'for Submarine C17 as First Lieutenant'. He was promoted to Lieutenant on ** *** 191* and, on 1st Jan 1917 (Nominal List) he was appointed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Maidstone (9th Submarine Flotilla) at Harwich 'for Submarine E50 as First Lieutenant - Standing By whilst Completing at Jon Browns Shipyard on the Clyde'. On 1st Feb 1917 (Nominal List) Submarine E50 joined the 9th Submarine Flotilla at Harwich. On 11th Dec 1917 (Nominal List) he was appointed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Thames (the Periscope School) 'under Training' and, on 8th Jan 1918 he was appointed to HMS Research at Portland 'for Submarine C24 in Command and for Experimental Duties'. No further information is currently available.

Temporary Lieutenant Robert Adam, RNR

Robert Adam was promoted to Temporary Lieutenant, RNR on 27th Nov 1916. He was appointed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Lucia (10th Submarine Flotilla) at South Bank, Middlesbrough 'for Submarines' on 1st Dec 1916 (Nominal List) and this was followed by an appointment to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Maidstone (9th Submarine Flotilla) at Harwich 'for Submarine E50 as Navigating Officer - standing by whist completing at John Brown's Yard at Clydebank' to date 1st Jan 1917 (Nominal List). He left Submarine E50 on 27th Dec 1917 when he was relieved as Navigation Officer by Lieutenant George Walter Elliott, RNR. He was then sent to India and served in the Royal Indian Marine Ship RIM Dalhousie to which he had been appointed on 13th Jul 1918. Robert Adam had been demobilised by July 1920.

Ratings:

Joseph Delves O/N 222127 (Ch)

Able Seaman (ST) Joseph Delves was born in Heathfield, Sussex on 25th Dec 1886. He joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class at HMS Impregnable (the Training Ship for Boys) at Devonport on 18th Aug 1902 signing on for a twelve year Continuous Service engagement starting on 25th Dec 1904. On joining he was noted as being 4 feet 11 inches tall with fair hair, blue eyes and with a fair complexion. He also has a scar on the back of his right hand. He was rated Boy 1st Class on 4th Jun 1904 and was drafted to HMS Boscawen III (the Boys Depot Ship) at Portland on 25th Jan 1904. His first sea draft was to the 3,400 ton Twin Screw Protected Cruiser HMS Terpsicore (the Flag Ship at the Cape of Good Hope) at Simonstown on 15th Mar 1904. HMS Terpsicore was 're-commissioned' at Simonstown on 25th Apr 1904. Joseph Delves was rated Ordinary Seaman on 25th Dec 1904 (at which time it was noted that he had grown taller to 5 feet 4¾ inches tall) and, having qualified as a Torpedoman was advanced to Able Seaman on 29th Jul 1906. He returned home on 19th Nov 1906 with a draft to HMS Penmbroke (the Royal Naval Barracks) at Chatham followed by a draft to the 10,000 to the Twin Screw Protected Cruiser HMS Endyimon (the Gunnery Training Ship) at Sheerness on 2nd Jan 1907. He served in this ship until 22nd Sep 1908 when he was drafted to the 5,600 ton Twin Screw Protected Cruiser HMS Minerva at Chatham - 'on commissioning for service on the Mediterranean Station'. On 18th Oct 1910 he returned to HMS Penmbroke I at Chatham before being drafted to HMS Vernon (the Torpedo School) at Portsmouth on 26th Nov 1910 for his 'Seaman Torpedoman Training Course' from which he qualified on 14th Apr 1911. He returned to HMS Penmbroke on the following day. His next draft was to the 10,000 ton Twin Screw Protected Cruiser HMS St George - the Depot Ship of the Third Destroyer Flotilla, Home Fleet on 17th May 1911 and, on 7th Aug 1911 he was drafted to the 9,000 ton Twin Screw Protected Cruiser HMS Blenheim - the Depot Ship of the First Destroyer Flotilla, Home Fleet. Joseph Delves returned to HMS Penmbroke I on 24th Oct 1911 and was then drafted to the 16,350 ton Battle Ship HMS Hibernia on 22nd Jan 1912. This was a short draft as, on 10th Apr 1912 he returned to HMS Penmbroke I. Joseph Delves joined Submarines on 20th May 1912 with a draft to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Thames (5th Submarine Flotilla) at Portsmouth 'for Submarine Training'. A draft to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Bonaventure (6th Submarine Flotilla) at Portsmouth 'for Submarines' followed on 10th Oct 1912. HMS Bonaventure was the Depot Ship for D Class Submarines. Eighteen months later, on 24th Apr 1914, he was sent to the Mediterranean to join the Gibraltar Submarine Flotilla based on HMS Cormorant - the Flag Ship of the Admiral Commanding at Gibraltar. The Gibraltar Flotilla consisted of Submarines B6 (Lieutenant Phillip E Phillips), B7 (Lieutenant Thomas C A Ouchterlony) and B8 (Lieutenant Eric E C Tufnell). After the outbreak of war in 1914 (on 1st Apr 1915) the three Submarines were sent to join Special Service Flotilla I based on the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Adamant at Mudros Harbour on the Island of Lemnos - close to the Dardanelles. After Submarine E15 ran aground in the Dardanelles on 17th Apr 1915 (and the crew were either killed or became prisoners of war) Submarine B6, with Lieutenant Colin G Macarthur 'in Command' was sent into the Straits to torpedo the stricken Submarine and, although he fired two torpedoes, both missed. On 13th Sep 1915 Joseph Delves was drafted to HMS Egmont (the Depot Ship at Malta) and, on 1st Oct 1915 to the Battle Ship HMS Queen. This was followed by a draft to Submarine B11 (Lieutenant Kenneth Michell) on 1st Jan 1916. Joseph Delves returned home on 29th Aug 1916 when he joined HMS Dolphin (5th Submarine Flotilla) at Gosport and a draft to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Vulcan (7th Submarine Flotilla) followed on 16th Sep 1916. He returned to HMS Dolphin on 5th Dec 1916 - probably 'for Submarine E50 - standing by whilst completing' at the John Brown Shipyard on Clydeside. Submarine E50 which was launched on 15th Nov 1917 was 'Commissioned' on 23rd Jan 1917 under the command of Lieutenant Kenneth Michell. On 29th Jan 1917 Submarine E50 was in the Gareloch for 'Trials' when Submarine K13 (Commander Godfrey Herbert) was also on 'Trials'. Kenneth Michell raised the alarm when K13 was accidentally sunk off Shandon Hydro and he 'stood by' the sunken Submarine until rescue forces arrived. On 16th Mar 1917 Submarine E50 joined the 9th Submarine Flotilla based on the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Maidstone at Harwich and was then employed on North Sea patrols. There appears to be an error in Joseph Delves' Service Record at the National Archive as, although it is known that Submarine E50 was lost with all hands on 31st Jan/1st Feb 1918, he is still listed as attached to Submarine E50 until 1st Apr 1918 when he was drafted to HMS Maidstone. On 1st Jul 1918 he was drafted to HMS Maidstone 'for Submarine E55' although he only served in this Submarine until 31st Jul 1918. He then appears to have left Submarines as he returned to HMS Penmbroke I on 1st Aug 1918 before returning to the Mediterranean on 19th Nov 1918 having been drafted to HMS Egmont 'for Torpedo Boat No. 29'. He returned home on 11th Jun 1919 when he was drafted to HMS Penmbroke I at Chatham from where he was 'demobilised' on 29th Jul 1919 and was transferred to the Royal Fleet Reserve on 25th Apr 1920 for six years with the new Official Number RFR/Ch/B/15689. For his WWI Service Joseph Delves was awarded the 1914/15 Star, The British War Medal and the Victory Medal. He completed his RFR Drill at Chatham in 1921, 1923 and 1925 and was discharged from the RFR on 25th Dec 1926 being awarded his RFR Gratuity of £100 in January 1927.

Joseph Delves was recalled for further service during WWII and was drafted to HMS Badger (the Naval Base) at Harwich as an Ordinary Seaman with a new Service Number of C/JX 283074 on 25th Apr 1941 being advanced to Able Seaman (Temporary) on 26th Apr 1941. He was released as surplus to L.D.D. requirements on 21st Apr 1945.

(Information on Joseph Delves, his date of birth, his Rating, Official Number and service on Submarines E50 and E55 was provided by Steven Delves (Grandson) in November 2008. The rest of the information has been derived from his Service Record and the National Archives Website.)

William Frederick Burgess O/N 271123 (Po)

Engine Room Artificer William Burgess was born at Shoreham in Sussex on 11th Feb 1880. He joined the Royal Navy at Portsmouth as an Artificer Apprentice on 6th Jul 1901. No information is available for his early career in General Service. He joined Submarines as an Engine Room Artificer 2nd Class on 7th Nov 1911. After Submarine Training Class he was drafted to HMS Bonaventure 'for Submarine D4' in January 1912. Submarine D4 had been built at the Vickers Yard at Barrow in Furness (Yard No. 404) and was 'Laid Down' on DTBR, launched on 27th May 1911 and arrived at Portsmouth to join 'Submarine Section V' on 2nd Dec 1911. The Commanding Officer was Lieutenant Commander Martin E Nasmith, Royal Navy. In July 1914 William Burgess was drafted to HMS Maidstone (8th Submarine Flotilla) at Portsmouth 'for Submarine E10'. Submarine E10 had been built by Vickers at Barrow (Yard No. 431) and was 'Laid Down' on 10th Jul 1912, was launched on 29th Dec 1913 and had 'Commissioned' on 10th Mar 1914. In January 1915 he was drafted to HMS Maidstone (8th Submarine Flotilla) at Harwich as 'Spare Crew'. A draft to HMS Maidstone 'for Submarine E50' followed on 28th Jun 1917 but this was only for a short period as he was drafted back to 'Spare Crew' on 15th Jul 1917. His next sea going draft was to HMS Maidstone 'for Submarine E41' on 20th Jan 1919 and Submarine E41 was transferred to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Forth on 2nd Feb 1919. After four months in Submarine E41 he was further drafted to HMS Dolphin 'for Charge in Submarine L32 - completing at Barrow in Furness' on 29th May 1919. Again this was a short draft as construction on Submarine L32 (Yard No. 547) was halted after it was launched on 23rd Aug 1919 and the Submarine was scrapped shortly after it was 'sold incomplete' on 1st Mar 1920. On 23rd Jun 1919 he was drafted inboar to HMS Dolphin 'for Spare Crew'. Three days later, on 26th Jun 1919 he was drafted to HMS Dolphin 'for Charge in Submarine R4'. Submarine R4 was built at the Royal Naval Dockyard at Chatham and had been 'Laid Down' on 4th Feb 1917, was launched on 8th Jun 1918 but did not 'Commission' until 23rd Jan 1919. This was, again a short draft as he returned to HMS Dolphin 'Spare Crew' on 25th Nov 1919. His movements after Submarine R4 are unclear but he may have been to HMS Dolphin 'Ships Company' until he left Submarines (possibly on 14th Jan 1921). He was released to Pension on 15th Aug 1922 although his papers indicate that his Continuous Service expiry date was 6th Jul 1925.

(Information on William Burgess provided by Eric B Andrews in a letter received on 21st July 2003. The information was mostly confirmed by Harvey Mitchell in an email on 16th Mar 2004.)

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