HMS Kent - battle at the Falkland Islands, December 1914

[Chalk]

Apologies if this is placed in the wrong part of the forum...

The photograph below is of a memorial on the north wall of the nave in Canterbury Cathedral

I have been able to find a great deal of information about the individuals, but the question I have relates to the order in which the names are placed on the memorial.

They are, as usual, in rank order, but... Why would those of a particular rank be placed in the order shown above rather than in the more usual alphabetical order?

Can anyone advise what order they are in? I'm one of the volunteer guides in the cathedral and this is a question asked by a visitor and none of us at the cathedral know the answer!

[MikB]

Reports after the battle were of 4 men killed and 12 wounded in Kent, but from this it looks as if another 4 died of wounds. Is it possible the sequence represents that in which they died?

Regards,

MikB

[Joe R]

Per naval-history.net, Tom Spence was the last to die of wounds on 24 Dec. '14,the last to die but is listed first.

Maybe listed by rank or lenght of time in service?

Respectfully,

Joe R

[Chalk]

They seem to be in rank order, but the privates would not apppear to be in order of length of service as the fourth one down was 45 years old while before and after him there are young men barely out of their teenage years. They are not in the order of their service number.

[seaJane]

Could the engraver of the lettering have been aiming for some kind of balance or pattern of line length within the parameters set by the seniority of rank rules?

[Terence Munson]

I think the first six are in rank and RMLI service order, (Titheridge and Kelly [Kelley?], are ex RMR).

Then RN followed by RNR.

Terry

[Chalk]

Certainly rank order, but I do not think it likely that they are then in service order, if only because research show that the third man on the list was 20 years old, and the fourth man was 45 years old. Though at 45 and still a private makes me wonder what his disciplinary record was like!

The information I have got so far on the men is as follows:-

SPENCE, THOMAS. Serjeant, PO/5674.

Royal Marine Light Infantry.

Died Saturday 12 December 1914.

Buried Stanley Cemetery, Falkland Islands. Grave Ref: I. 783.

Thomas was one of the ships six inch gun's crew in A.3 casemate. He is very

severely burnt about the head, fact, trunk and limbs. After being treated for his

injuries on H.M.S. Kent, Tom was taken to the Falkland Islands Hospital at Port

Stanley. His condition on arrival at the hospital was recorded as being of a

serious nature, and his ultimate recovery was doubtful. Whilst being treated at

the hospital, Tom ultimately succumbed to his injuries on Saturday 12 December.

Note: The Commonwealth War Graves Commission records the date of death as 24th December.

KIND, WALTER JAMES. Private, PO/15049.

Royal Marine Light Infantry.

Died Wednesday 9 December 1914.

Born Leicester, Leicestershire.

Son of James and Mary A. Kind (née Makin).

Buried Stanley Cemetery, Falkland Islands. Grave Ref: I. 783.

Walter was one of the ships six inch gun's crew in A.3 casemate. He was very

seriously burnt about the head, face, trunk and limbs. He was put to bed in the

sick bay. Picric acid dressings were applied and morphia administered, but he

died of shock at 1500 hours on Wednesday 9 December.

WOOD, WALTER. Private, PO/16920.

Royal Marine Light Infantry.

Died Tuesday 8 December 1914. Aged 20.

Born Portsmouth, Hampshire.

Son of Charles and Hannah Wood of 1, Clarkes Road, Kingston, Portsmouth,

Hampshire.

Buried Stanley Cemetery, Falkland Islands. Grave Ref: I. 783.

Walter was serving in one of the ships six inch gun's crew in A.3 casemate when

an explosion occurred. He appears to have been killed instantly, his body being

rigid with the hands and arms in the position he would have been in when holding

a cartridge. He was very severely burnt about the face, trunk and limbs.

KELLEY, SAMUEL. Private, PO/3793.

Royal Marine Light Infantry.

Died Tuesday 8 December 1914. Aged 45.

Husband of Kate E. Kelley (née Mayes) of 62, Chevening Road, Kensal Rise,

London.

Buried Stanley Cemetery, Falkland Islands. Grave Ref: I. 783.

Samuel was injured by a shell which took off both his legs below the knees. He

also had a scalp wound and fracture of the occiput. He was attended during the

action and later removed to the sick bay. He was in extremis when seen, and

died about two hours after the action ceased at 2100 hours.

Note: The cathedral memorial shows his name as Kelly, while the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records it as Kelley.

TITHERIDGE, ARTHUR CHARLES. Private, PO/11220.

Royal Marine Light Infantry.

Died Tuesday 8 December 1914.

Buried Stanley Cemetery, Falkland Islands. Grave Ref: I. 783.

Commemorated on the East Meon, Hampshire civic war memorial.

Arthur was Gunlayer of the six inch gun in A.3 casemate. He was very severely

burnt about the head, face, trunk and limbs. He was removed to the Sick Bay

where picric acid dressings were applied and morphia administered, but he died

of shock at 2340 hours the same night.

SNOW, GEORGE. Private, PO/16958.

Royal Marine Light Infantry.

Died Tuesday 8 December 1914.

Buried Stanley Cemetery, Falkland Islands. Grave Ref: I. 783.

George was one of the ships six inch guns crew in A.3 casemate. He is very

severely burnt about the head face, trunk and limbs. He is removed the Sick Bay,

where at the time of receiving treatment for his injuries, his condition was

recorded as being very serious.

Note: The Commonwealth War Graves Commission records his date of death as 20th December.

DUCKETT, GEORGE ALFRED. Officer's Steward 1st Class, L/2428.

Royal Navy.

Died Wednesday 9 December 1914. Aged 21.

Born Brixton, London 22 October 1893.

Son of Alfred and Isabel E. Duckett of 4, Tasman Road, Stockwell, London.

Buried Stanley Cemetery, Falkland Islands. Grave Ref: I. 783.

George was working as one of the ambulance party in A.3 casemate. He was

very severely burnt about the head, face, trunk and limbs. He was conveyed to

the Sick Bay. Picric acid dressings were applied and morphia administered. He

died from shock at 2155 hours on Wednesday 9 December.

YOUNG, WALTER. Seaman, C/2453

Royal Naval Reserve.

Died Tuesday 8 December 1914.

Buried Stanley Cemetery, Falkland Islands. Grave Ref: I. 783.

Walter was injured by a splinter. He received a perforating wound of the chest,

the splinter entered below angle of left scapula behind, perforating pleura lung

and ribs behind and in front and lodged below the outer side of left nipple just

beneath the skin. He was attended to during the action and later removed to Sick Bay.

He was in extremis and died at 2130 hours on 8 December.

[Terence Munson]

And another list!

I still think Titheridge and Kelley are lower down the list because they were RM reserves called up.

Take them out and you will see the other privates are in service number order,

Terry

HMS Kent

Sgt Tom SPENCE RMLI, Po/5674 (R.M.R.,A/811), HMS "Kent" died 24.12.1914 aged 46, Port Stanley Cemetery Falkland Islands

b.30.7.71. Shoriff Hutton, Yorks. Brother, James, 408 New Cross Road, London, S.E.

Pte Walter James KIND RMLI, Po/15039, HMS "Kent" died 09.12.1914 aged 29, Port Stanley Cemetery Falkland Islands

b. 19.7.85. Leicester. Father. James. 104, Wellington St, Leicester.

Pte Walter WOOD RMLI, Po/16920 HMS "Kent" died 08.12.1914 aged 20, Port Stanley Cemetery Falkland Islands

b. 10.5.94. Fratton, Hants. Mother. Hannah, 1, Charles Road, Kingston, Portsmouth.

Pte Arthur Charles TITHERIDGE, RMLI, Po/11220 (R.M.R., Po B.1254), HMS "Kent" died 08.12.1914 aged 33, Port Stanley Cemetery Falkland Islands

b.2.6.81. East Meon Petersfield. Wife:- Bertha 3 Spring Street Forton Road Gosport.

Pte George SNOW RMLI, Po/16958 HMS "Kent" died 20.12.1914 aged 19, Port Stanley Cemetery Falkland Islands

b. 9.4.95. Alverstoke, Hants. Father. Harry; 3, Pelham Rd, Gosport, Hants.

Pte Samuel KELLEY RMLI, Po/3793 (R.M.R., A.566), HMS "Kent" died 08.12.1914 aged 46, Port Stanley Cemetery Falkland Islands

b.6.11.68. Portsea, Portsmouth. Widow, Emma Kate, 64 Chevening Road, Kensal Rise, N.W.

Officers Steward 1st Class George Alfred DUCKETT, R.N. L.2428. HMS "Kent" died 09.12.1914 aged 21, Port Stanley Cemetery Falkland Islands

b. 22.10.93. Brixton, London. Father. Alfred, 184, Leander Rd., Brixton Hill, London, S.W.2.

Seaman Walter YOUNG RNR 2543.C. (Po), HMS "Kent" died 08.12.1914 aged 32, Port Stanley Cemetery Falkland Islands

b. 18.5.82. Poole, Dorset. Wife. Rose, 4, Russell Place, Poole, Dorset.

[Alan Tucker]

Someone who served on the Kent and survived.....

Buried Lodge Hill Cemetery, Birmingham....

Able Seaman William Howman died on July 17 1918, aged 36. He was serving on HMS Kent, an armoured cruiser launched in 1901. It is not totally clear where the ship was located in order that he died ashore and was buried in Birmingham where his parents lived. In June 1918 the Kent was on English Channel convoy escort duty until returning to the China Station in July 1918 so it was likely that he became ill during the former operation. CWGC notes that he served in the successful Battle of the Falkland Islands on December 8 1914 when a British force engaged with Admiral von Spee’s cruiser squadron. Two German ships ran from the British fleet, including the Nurnberg, a light cruiser, at full speed. HMS Kent followed also pushing her boilers and engines to the limit. Needing maintenance the Nurnberg engaged but the Kent was superior in shell weight and armour. After two boiler explosions the German ship sank. HMS Kent then helped to corner the Dresden in the Battle of the Chilean island of Mas a Tierra on March 14 1915 before moving to the China Station. In 1916 HMS Kent was on the Cape of Good Hope Station.

[Chalk]

Thank you Terry!

I'm still missing something here though... I see that the others are in service number order, but why would Titheridge and Kelley be placed in the list in those particular positions. I would have thought that they would have had lower numbers and come first...

[Terence Munson]

I guess you need the service records to be certain but I would have thought the order

would be based on the date when each one joined the RMLI.

Terry

[Chalk]

I am just bringing this thread back to the attention of members to report that on the 8th December this year there will be a Service of Commemoration in Canterbury Cathedral to mark the Battle of the Falkland Islands, and in particular HMS Kent and those of her crew that died.

There will be descendants of two stokers and Midshipman Valentine present, as well as several descendants of Captain Allen and we hope, Commander Danckwerts.

The plans for the day are as follows:

· 1100 Guests and others attend the daily Bell Ceremony in the SW Transept of the quire. This short ceremony starts with the ringing of a ships bell to mark 11am (six bells) and an ex-serviceman turns a page in one of the books containing names of the fallen from all wars and conflicts since 1914.

· 1130 Guests move to the Eastern Crypt for the Service of Commemoration. There will be a service booklet containing readings, a hymn and prayers and we will conclude this part with the National Anthem

· 1200 Move from the Crypt to the North Nave Aisle. Wreath laying at the HMS Kent Memorial, blessing and dismissal.

· 1230 Guests move to the Archives to view the exhibition. This will be open from earlier in the morning until closing time.

We have been loaned a wide variety of memorabilia by families, and a selection will be displayed, including the sword of Captain Allen.

All are welcome to attend - I appreciate that only those within a reasonably short distance of Kent will manage it, but if you will be in the south east, please think about joining us. You will be most welcome.

[bts1970]

I have images for the headstones of the following taken a couple of years ago. If anyone wants copies pm me.

Bob

Duckett, Young, Snow, Titheridge, Kelley, Kind, Wood, Spence & Lovett.

EDIT

Sorry meant to add that LOVETT DOD is recorded much later as the others, 5th April 1916.

[Chalk]

An update, now that the centenary of the battle is a couple of days behind us.

See: http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/2014/12/10/service-held-to-mark-100th-anniversary-of-the-first-battle-of-the-falklands/ for pictures of the commemoration in Canterbury Cathedral.

That link contains a link to another page on the cathedral website where you can download my book on the battle and HMS Kent. It is picture heavy and will eat ink cartridges if you print it!

[bts1970]

Good work, well done with your efforts to commemorate the event.

Bob

[Peter D Beattie]

On 08/11/2014 at 20:45, Chalk said:

I am just bringing this thread back to the attention of members to report that on the 8th December this year there will be a Service of Commemoration in Canterbury Cathedral to mark the Battle of the Falkland Islands, and in particular HMS Kent and those of her crew that died.

There will be descendants of two stokers and Midshipman Valentine present, as well as several descendants of Captain Allen and we hope, Commander Danckwerts.

The plans for the day are as follows:

 

· 1100 Guests and others attend the daily Bell Ceremony in the SW Transept of the quire. This short ceremony starts with the ringing of a ships bell to mark 11am (six bells) and an ex-serviceman turns a page in one of the books containing names of the fallen from all wars and conflicts since 1914.

· 1130 Guests move to the Eastern Crypt for the Service of Commemoration. There will be a service booklet containing readings, a hymn and prayers and we will conclude this part with the National Anthem

· 1200 Move from the Crypt to the North Nave Aisle. Wreath laying at the HMS Kent Memorial, blessing and dismissal.

· 1230 Guests move to the Archives to view the exhibition. This will be open from earlier in the morning until closing time.

 

We have been loaned a wide variety of memorabilia by families, and a selection will be displayed, including the sword of Captain Allen.

 

All are welcome to attend - I appreciate that only those within a reasonably short distance of Kent will manage it, but if you will be in the south east, please think about joining us. You will be most welcome.

 

 

 

[Peter D Beattie]

I remember attending this service of remembrance of the crew of HMS Kent. The Belben family of Alverstoke Hants were represented by me as a maternal cousin as grandfather Charles Stephen Belben was its Chief Sick Berth Attendant at the Battle of Falklands WW1. He was quite busy with the wounded but got misquoted by the Surgion Lt. in his book on the subject. Regretfully there was  little time at this service to meet with other representatives of the families of the crew.

 

Peter D Beattie