DA 4871 G Lees R.N.R. Stonehaven

[little bob]

Has anyone got any information about George Lees. He was born on 26th August 1886 the son of George and Jane Lees of Stonehaven. He was serving in the Royal Naval Reserve and was lost overboard from H M Drifter Comely Bank whilst at MIlford Haven on 25th February 1916 aged 29 years. Naval Casualties 1914-1919 states that his body was never recovered. However I've come across the following entry from a local newspaper.

Bob

[seaJane]

This is his service record, can be downloaded for £3.36

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=D8512412

[little bob]

Thank you for that seaJane, I have downloaded a copy . There is no mention of George's body being recovered.

Bob

[aradgick]

Bob,

Given the number of men involved in the war, it would not be surprising to come across some errors and omissions in the records. Don't forget, there no computers, and most records were hand-written.

I've just been unravelling the mixed-up records of two men of the same name from the same battalion, one of whom was killed, and the other survived the conflict.

Andrewr

[horatio2]

It is certainly strange that such a clearly documented naval funeral should not be reflected in Admiralty and CWGC records. As you are aware, he is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial but appears to be buried at Milford Haven. Perhaps the cemetery records should be explored (In From The Cold??).

[little bob]

Andrewr and Horatio2

Thank you both for your input. George is recorded on the Milford Haven Memorial as are all those Naval personnel lost whilst under Milford Haven command. The town cemetery is under the control of the Urban District Council rather than the County Council , so I'll have to do some digging.

Bob

[Theletterwriter]

Bob

Both the CWGC site and the Scottish Statutory records have George Lees serving on HMS Sabrina. No grave location is recorded in the Scottish records which would suggest that his body was not found. The Marine Register from the Scottish Records would usually record a grave location, if known.

Douglas

[horatio2]

He was only borne on the books of HMS SABRINA, which was the Parent Ship for the COMELY BANK, in which he was physically serving.

[little bob]

Douglas

I agree that the CWGC state that George was serving on HMS Sabrina, Auxiliary Patrol Depot Ship for Milford Haven. Have been looking for evidence to back up the newspaper report.It's interesting to note that his date of death is given as 26th February 1916 but his Death Certificate (which is on order) Haverfordwest April, May, June quarter 1916 Vol11a Page 1322. Which ties in with the body being recovered in April. Will try and find if the local town council holds the cemetery burial records.

Bob

[little bob]

Horatio 2

Thank you for posting that information. Do you have any information about HMDrifter Comely Bank?

Bob

[horatio2]

She was probably a Scottish drifter (Buckie or Banff?) hired by the Admiralty in January 1915 (Admiralty No. 2279) and firsty based on HMS DREEL CASTLE (Falmouth). She then moved to HMS VALIANT II, later HMS HERMIONE, (Larne) in April 1915. She was transferred to HMS SABRINA, later HMS IDAHO, (Milford Haven) in May 1915 and was returned to owners in March 1919.

[little bob]

Horatio2

Many thanks for the information it all adds to the overall picture.

Bob

[Theletterwriter]

Bob

The Scottish Records have his date of death as 25 February 1916.

The British Newspaper Archives have the Aberdeen Daily Journal on 19 April 1916 recording under the headline

STONEHAVEN SEAMAN DROWNED : -

At an inquest held on the body of George Lees, a seaman belonging to Stonehaven, who was drowned while sering on board on of HM Drifters, a verdict of accidental death was recorded. Naval honours were accorded at the funeral at which the deceased's father and sister, who travelled from Scotland, were present.

I would have linked this article but have not a clue how to do so.

Thanks to Horatio2 for explaining the HMS Sabrina / Comely Bank link.

Douglas

[little bob]

Douglas.

Thank you for posting the information from the Aberdeen Journal. It must have been a very long and hard journey for his father and sister to have to make.

Have been in touch with the Town Council and have been given the grave reference. The original ledgers are held at the cemetery so a visit on my next day off work is on the cards.

Bob

[little bob]

Pleased to report that the CWGC has accepted that George is buried in Milford Haven Cemetery, and that they are producing a headstone to mark his grave.

Thanks are due to Terry Denham and the In From the Cold team for their help.

Bob

[little bob]

[seaJane]