Boy Westrop of HMS Formidable

[Owenbenfro]

Seeking information on Boy Lewis I. Randleshume Westrop of HMS Formidable who died on August 8th 1918 aged 17 years.

I have his grave, and a good clear metal (from experience known to be naval made) headstone, but not CWGC, so it seemed a very easy search, how wrong I was and have been unable to locate any further information on him.

I've tried as many different and various spellings with no success, unfortunately this is just one of a number of W.W. 1 servicemen in my 5,700 entry database that is not listed CWGC, but for whom I have good family and military histories, but alas not Lewis Westrop.

Any suggestions please.

Rgds

Owen Ap Benfro

[horatio2]

Seems a bit unlikely since HMS FORMIDABLE was sunk on 1 January 1915. There was no ship of that name in commission in August 1918.

[Sandie Hayes]

Are you sure of the date? HMS Formidable sank in January 1915 after being hit by 2 German torpedoes.

http://www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1915-01Jan.htm

He's not in the lists of casualties or survivors.

[horatio2]

Never mind the date. I can find no naval rating of that name, casualty or otherwise.

I think this must have been a boy of the "FORMIDABLE" NAUTICAL SCHOOL, PORTISHEAD. So, not a service casualty at all.

[Sandie Hayes]

I've found a Lewis J R Westrop buried in Llanion Cemetery, Pembroke Dock (July 1913).

Checking the death index, he was born about 1896 and his death registered in Pembroke in July 1913.

The only Lewis Westrop I can find, born in 1896, in the 1911 census is a Page Boy (domestic) from Toft Monks, Norfolk. He was 15 and living with his family in Toft Monks.

Lewis James R Westrop born January 1896, registered in Loddon, Norfolk

[Sandie Hayes]

His details and photo of grave are here: http://www.wwwmp.co.uk/pembrokeshire/pembroke-dock-llanion-cemetery/

He was on HMS Formidable but died on 31st August 1913.

[Owenbenfro]

I had seen thte Norfolk connection, but could not get the years and age to fit. I said I had tried all spelling but did not think to try corrected years.... Hence the reason its not a CWGC headstone.

Sorry do not ever go near the wwwmp website. I have far more servicemen's (and women) correct details, information and headstones on Pembrokeshire than is contained on this website. My books are also a heck of a lot cheaper.

I also do not go near War Memorials, due to the number of errors and ommisions, but anyway all your help has solved my problem and today have spent adding another 40+ ex servicemen of Pembrokeshire to my collection, with another known 150 still to be researched and added.

Once again many thanks for all your assistance.

Rgds

Owen Ap Benfro