Angela Measures Posted 8 May , 2008 Share Posted 8 May , 2008 Angela, this is the Admiralty death record for Maybey: MAYBEY, ERNEST, H., P.O. 1c, 181868, H.M. Whaler BLACKWHALE, 11-Feb-17, ILLNESS. Best wishes David David - many thanks Angela Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted Huffman Posted 30 May , 2008 Share Posted 30 May , 2008 I'm new to this site and uncertain about its operation. However, I have a letter of appreciation from the Admiralty to my father, a survivor of the sinking of the Blackwale, Henry Huffman VR3338, for his conduct "...attending the loss of H.M.Whaler "BLACKWALE" on 3rd January last,...." A second survivor is mentioned in the Admiralty letter: Jack Vince. He and my father were both RNCVR. I am anxious to hear from others about this vessel and crew. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted Huffman Posted 4 June , 2008 Share Posted 4 June , 2008 So, given that the crew was only around 12 (see earlier post) that must mean that nearly the entirre crew was lost? Hi Paul Your assumption appears to be correct. From earlier posts I see (i) a list of 12 casualties, (ii) one survivor Lt. James Kennedy, apparently the Blackwhale's Captain. I can add two other survivors: OD Jack Vince, RNCVR, and my father OD Henry Huffman also RNCVR. I have a 9 Apr 1918 letter from the Admiralty written to these two ratings expessing appreciation of their conduct at the time of the sinking. Apparently there is more info out there somewhere about the loss of this ship: an official report of the sinking, a record of interviews with the survivors, and Lt. Kennedy's report. Could you tell me how to access these items, please? I am very anxious to make contact with anyone with info on this incident. Thanks, Ted Huffman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
historydavid Posted 4 June , 2008 Share Posted 4 June , 2008 Ted, David Hepper gives this for Blackwhale's sinking: "Fitted as a patrol vessel, she was part of of an 11 strong escort to a Scandinavian convoy that sailed from the Humber on 1 January, which, after picking up more ships off the Tyne totalled 27 ships. At 3.45 am on 3 January a dark object was seen under the port bow of the whaler, but before any avoiding action could be taken there was a loud explosion. She started settling quickly by the head and attempted to signal other ships in the convoy, but her message was misunderstood and several ships steamed past, unaware of what had happened. The boats were swung out, and efforts continued to signal other ships. Eventually a signal flashed on a hand held torch attracted the attention of the escort destroyers. The trawler Grosbeak then closed and passed a line, but a tow proved impossible because of the damage. The ship continued to settle then suddenly slewed round, broadside on to the sea and sank, forcing the those on board to hastily jump into boats and a raft. Twelve men died in the incident, 10 being killed in the explosion, with a further 2 dying in the sea before being picked up. Her position was then 56.19N, 00.45W. The mine was possibly one of those laid by the submarine UC 49 onin December 1917." [ADM 137/3405] Michael Lowery has confirmed that UC 49 laid the mine. Hope this helps. Best wishes David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted Huffman Posted 6 June , 2008 Share Posted 6 June , 2008 David Many thanks for your reply. As you may have read, I am new to GWF and am having some difficulty navigating the site. I am thrilled to see that information on the Blackwhale is available, as my father spoke very little of its sinking. Reading the account you sent to me, I am not surpised that he was reluctant to recount it. I have seen that Kevin Stillyards has documents associated with this incident and am anxious to make contact with him - so far, unsuccessfully. Your account is from "David Hepper"; would you please tell me how I can access this information? Would you assume from his description that the Grosbeak picked up the survivors? If so would they have continued on their way or returned the survivors to port? If you come across anything else that you suspect might be of interest to me, or if you are aware of any other sources of Blackwhale information, please let me know. I can also be contacted (here in Canada) via email at stonehouse@cogeco.ca. Thanks again for this addition to my research - I appreciate it. Cheers, Ted Huffman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted Huffman Posted 6 June , 2008 Share Posted 6 June , 2008 David Many thanks for your reply. As you may have read, I am new to GWF and am having some difficulty navigating the site. I am thrilled to see that information on the Blackwhale is available, as my father spoke very little of its sinking. Reading the account you sent to me, I am not surpised that he was reluctant to recount it. I have seen that Kevin Stillyards has documents associated with this incident and am anxious to make contact with him - so far, unsuccessfully. Your account is from "David Hepper"; would you please tell me how I can access this information? Would you assume from his description that the Grosbeak picked up the survivors? If so would they have continued on their way or returned the survivors to port? If you come across anything else that you suspect might be of interest to me, or if you are aware of any other sources of Blackwhale information, please let me know. I can also be contacted (here in Canada) via email at stonehouse@cogeco.ca. Thanks again for this addition to my research - I appreciate it. Cheers, Ted Huffman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
historydavid Posted 6 June , 2008 Share Posted 6 June , 2008 Hello Ted, David Hepper is the author of "British Warship Losses in the Ironclad Era 1860-1919," from which I quoted, published in the UK in 2006 by Chatham Publishing, distributed in USA by MBI Publishing Co. The Admiralty death records show the 12 casualties as: ALBERT, THOMAS J., L/TRIMMER, RNR, S T 363 BARLEY, JOHN E., TRIMMER, RNR T S 1018 BERESFORD, ALFRED, C.E.R.A., RNR, E B 444 DALTON, HENRY, L/TRIMMER, RNR, S T 1463 DUNGEY, SAMUEL H., TRIMMER, RNR, S T 2883 ENRIGHT, JOHN F., TRIMMER, RNR, T S 7176 GAGE, GORDON W., O.S., RCNVR, V R 3255 KIRK, TOM , DECK HAND, RNR, D A 15448 LARVIN, HENRY, TRIMMER, RNR, T S 1388 MORRIS, JAMES, S., TRIMMER, RNR, T S 6740 SIM, JOHN F., TRIMMER, RNR, S T 5800 TOULSON, HARRY, P., TRIMMER, RNR, S T 2258 All the casualties are shown as a result of ship loss, so it is not possible to identify those that died in the water. As the GROSEAK was first at the scene I would expect that she would have picked up the men in the water and those in boats etc. I don't know if the casualties were returned to the UK directly or were carried to Scandinavia, then brought home with a returning convoy. Bearing in mind that the RN vessels were escorting a convoy, I suspect that they would have carried on and not sent a ship back with the casualties. Best wishes David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted Huffman Posted 7 June , 2008 Share Posted 7 June , 2008 David Thank you for the Hepper reference. I will start looking for this book here. Hepper's account contains details that would seem to have been available only from an eye-witness from either GROSBEAK or BLACKWHALE. Any ideas on his sources for this? Would Lt. Kennedy have written a report of the incident for his superiors, I wonder? If so, where might that be found? Cheers, Ted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
historydavid Posted 7 June , 2008 Share Posted 7 June , 2008 Ted, Hepper referred to Admiralty file ADM 137/3405, see my reply above. Best wishes David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toofatfortakeoff Posted 6 July , 2013 Share Posted 6 July , 2013 LOng time but here goes. John William Jack Kirk and John Edward Barley both of Barton upon Humber. Report of Kirk aka Jack-according to news report staying on the boat to go down with his ''officer'' Kirk son of Pollyanna and Ira of 19 King St. See my Blog for further details. Kirks brother Tom killed in March-ish 1918 Also there is a Blackwhale name or two on Bridlington memorial if I recall-saw it as I walked by one weekend Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadsac Posted 7 July , 2013 Share Posted 7 July , 2013 KEVIN / PAUL. This info is a long time late, but trust you are still `looking' ! Award to Lt James Kennedy ; KENNEDY James N/E Lt. RNR 87X303 Charge of Admiralty Motor Launch Base Vice Admiral East Coast England 27.06.19 N/E Post War OBE(M) This officer is specially recommended for convoy work between Humber and Lerwick. He commanded H.M.W. "Blackwhale", acted as Leader of Convoy from April, 1917, to the 3rd January, 1918, when "Blackwhale" was blown up by mine.The leading of a convoy of often over 50 vessels, at night, in all sorts of weather, in the Southern part of the North Sea, past lighthouses and unlighted shoals, entails great strain on the officers so employed, and careful navigation. Lt. Kennedy led the convoy in an exceptionally able manner, and it is considered that this work was of an exceptional and arduous nature.After a period in hospital, Lt. Kennedy was appointed in charge of Whitby Motor Launch Base, and it is to a large extent due to his zeal and tact, that this base was so successful in anti-submarine warfare. Sadsac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toofatfortakeoff Posted 8 July , 2013 Share Posted 8 July , 2013 Interesting piece Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadawwi Posted 8 May , 2014 Share Posted 8 May , 2014 This appeared in the Toronto Star 12 January 1918 about Seaman Gordon William Gage. He lived not far from my address in Toronto. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norfolkvic Posted 9 March , 2015 Share Posted 9 March , 2015 Does anyone know please about a seaman called Hall who apparently went back to the stricken sinking Blackwhale and rescued an injured man for which brave action he received the Distinguished Service Medal? Many thanks, Best wishes, Simon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norfolkvic Posted 9 March , 2015 Share Posted 9 March , 2015 He was awarded his DSM in the London Gazette of 20.9.18 and in it cites his gallant act of 3rd January 1918. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norfolkvic Posted 9 March , 2015 Share Posted 9 March , 2015 He was D. McD. Hall, Signaller RNVR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horatio2 Posted 9 March , 2015 Share Posted 9 March , 2015 Signalman Douglas McDonald HALL DSM RNVR, Clyde Z/7. A very early WW1 RNVR volunteer (7 Sep 1914). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norfolkvic Posted 10 March , 2015 Share Posted 10 March , 2015 Thank you. I wonder of a photo of Blackwhale exists? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted 12 November , 2019 Share Posted 12 November , 2019 (edited) This info is late for all posts but Harry Percy Toulson was my dad's uncle , he came from Gravesend in Kent . His death is mentioned in a book called "Gravesend in the Great War" page 142/143. It also contains information about another Gravesend man who also lost his life in this disaster, Thomas James Albert. Edited 12 November , 2019 by Guest Additional information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatchetjack Posted 12 November , 2019 Share Posted 12 November , 2019 On 05/05/2008 at 15:59, historydavid said: Angela, this is the Admiralty death record for Maybey: MAYBEY, ERNEST, H., P.O. 1c, 181868, H.M. Whaler BLACKWHALE, 11-Feb-17, ILLNESS. Best wishes David This is really weird..I joined this forum yesterday and posted on the subject of stokers..checked this am and as a matter of interest opened this post as it was after mine...to my astonishment I saw the name Maybey. I had to wait for my wife to get home before confirming the following;;passed to my wife and follows... Ernest Henry Maybey was my maternal Grandfather. He originally joined the Navy in 1898 and spent time in China during the Boxer Rebellion. He married my Grandmother Charlotte Stevens in 1910 and my mother, Irene Emily - their only child - was born in 1912. When war was about to be declared, he rejoined on 3rd August 1914 as he was in the Reserve but did not disclose a heart condition which should have excused him service. Family legend has it that his ship was in Scotland and the men were mustered for Church parade and Ernest collapsed and died of a heart attack on the quayside. My Grandmother had to appeal the decision that he had not died on active service and it was eventually overturned and she duly received her pension. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Coombs Posted 25 October , 2021 Share Posted 25 October , 2021 On 27/05/2005 at 16:54, Kevin Stillyards said: Hi Paul, Sorry it has taken so long for me to reply. I never put email notification on this topic - must remember to do that!! I have quite a lot of documents relating to the sinking of blackwhale. Including an offical naval report into the ships sinking, minutes of interviews with survivers, Lt Kennedy's report of the ships loss and a letter from the wife of Tom Kirk (see my first Post) to Lt Kennedy - but not his reply. Lt Kennedy was the last man off the ship and interesting he and the surviving crew claim to have morsed a distress signal via lamp to two passing ships in the convoy both replied but never helped. The ships identities were never discovered. Send me an email with your address and i'll post copies of everything I have to you. Kev Hello Kev. It is many years since you posted this but I have just found out that my great grandfather served on HM Trawler Blackwhale but I'm not sure if her was on board when it hit the mine on 3rd Jan 1918. Do you have any records which might show if he was? His name was George Oliver and he was an Engine Room Articifer. Thanks. Mike On 07/06/2008 at 23:21, historydavid said: Ted, Hepper referred to Admiralty file ADM 137/3405, see my reply above. Best wishes David Hello David. It is many years since you posted this but I have just found out that my great grandfather served on HM Trawler Blackwhale but I'm not sure if her was on board when it hit the mine on 3rd Jan 1918. Do you have any records which might show if he was? His name was George Oliver and he was an Engine Room Articifer. Thanks. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Michelle Young Posted 25 October , 2021 Admin Share Posted 25 October , 2021 @Kevin Stillyards and @historydavid haven’t visited for some considerable years. I’ve tagged them so they might see this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Michelle Young Posted 25 October , 2021 Admin Share Posted 25 October , 2021 Can we please keep any replies to @Mike Coombs on the linked thread as multiple enquiries about the same subject cause confusion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Henderson Posted 8 November , 2022 Share Posted 8 November , 2022 Hello from Toronto, Canada. I'm very late to the discussion(!!), but I came across this page whie doing some research and am very grateful for the information found here. To be more specific, I am - as a sort of research project - looking at the lives and service records of people who lived on my street (Saint John's Road in Toronto) and died in the Great War. One was William Gordon Gage. He was a member of the Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve. Unfortunately, while Archves Canada has digitized and put online all the service record files for those who served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, the service files for the RNCVR are not done (and I don't know if there are plans to do so.) So I have no idea how a lad from Toronto managed to find his way to death on a ship in the North Sea, so far from home! If anyone is interested, there is more information about William Gage at the Canadian Great War Project https://canadiangreatwarproject.com/person.php?pid=65689 and the Canadian Virtual War Memorial https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial/detail/4021530, which also has the newspaper article attached below and some other photos. For what it's worth, the most prominent resident of our street who died in the Great War was Major-General Malcolm Mercer, who was killed (likely by friendly fire) while commanding the 3rd Canadian Division at Mount Sorrel in June 1916. General Mercer Junior Public School, built in 1923, is named for him. If anyone sees this and is interested, I'm always happy to connect: (email address removed from public view by moderator) Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seaJane Posted 9 November , 2022 Share Posted 9 November , 2022 15 hours ago, Ian Henderson said: If anyone sees this and is interested, I'm always happy to connect @RNCVR may be interested and I hope will see this flag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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