midshipmanrayley Posted 6 November , 2014 Share Posted 6 November , 2014 William Robert Harper Trett 1902-1919 was a resident of Great Yarmouth. Served as Boy 1st Class J/86811 aboard HMS Dragon. Sadly killed in action 17th October 1919. HMS Dragon was part of the task force aiding Latvia and Estonia against Bolshevik and German forces during the Russian Civil War. She was hit by 3 shells fired from shore batteries off Lett whilst taking part in operations against German forces attacking Riga. HMS Dragon suffered 9 killed and 5 wounded. Can any member access young William's date of joining the Royal Navy? Any help most appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little bob Posted 6 November , 2014 Share Posted 6 November , 2014 It's a bit of an odd one. His papers state; Date and period of engagement, 9th October 1920. Strange because as you know he was killed in 1919.However he served on Impregnable as a Boy Second Class from 15 March 1918. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horatio2 Posted 6 November , 2014 Share Posted 6 November , 2014 Not odd at all. His "Date and period of engagement" was not due to start until his 18th birthday, which he never reached. Boy's time does not count towards engagement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midshipmanrayley Posted 6 November , 2014 Author Share Posted 6 November , 2014 William's date of birth 9th October 1902. Thanks Bob and horatio2. Just had an e-mail from Ancestry saying they are providing free access to military records for a limited period. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little bob Posted 6 November , 2014 Share Posted 6 November , 2014 Thank you Horatio 2, a very useful piece of information. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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