Mark Hone Posted 31 March , 2005 Share Posted 31 March , 2005 Could a Pal with maritime knowledge please enlighten me about the disappearance of this RN vessel in February 1915? She seems to have vanished without trace off the Hebrides. I have found a couple of references to members of her crew on memorial pages on the internet. The most intriguing was to a Graham Anderson, son of Sir Robert Anderson. Sir Robert was the Secret Service and CID chief who was heavily involved in the investigation of the Fenian 'Dynamiters' terrorist campaign and the Jack the Ripper murders. Unfortunately I can find no trace of Graham Anderson on the CWGC database. Another mystery... Many thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dolphin Posted 31 March , 2005 Share Posted 31 March , 2005 Mark It's not quite my area, but I did try to find out about the loss of HMS Clan McNaughton some time ago, as one of the officers may be a distant relative of my wife. The armed merchant cruiser, from the 10th Cruiser Squadron, sank off the north coast of Ireland on 3 February 1915 with the loss of all 261 on board, including the Captain, Commander Robert Jeffreys RN. The cause doesn't appear to be known, but some wreckage was found and the ship may have struck a mine. I have an idea that the ship went down in a storm, so perhaps enemy action wasn't entirely to blame. The Admiralty announced the loss of the ship on 24 February. With luck, someone else will know more. Regards Gareth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Lowrey Posted 31 March , 2005 Share Posted 31 March , 2005 I can add a little bit of information: Clan MacNaughton was a 4,985 grt steamer built in 1911. British Vessels Lost at Sea lists the loss cause as "believed to have foundered in the North Atlantic" on February 3, 1915. No U-boat claimed to have attached the vessel. There was only one mined area outside of the North Sea at this point of the war: on October 22, 1914 the raider Berlin laid 200 mines off Tory Island. These of, course, accounted for the battle Audacious, and steamer Manchester Commerce in October. The remainig mines were not swept up until well into 1915 (at the earliest) and accounted for additional ships in December, February, and April 1915. In addition, it's believed the armed merchant cruiser Viknor hit one these mines and sank with all hands on January 13, 1915. Unless evidence exists to suggest that the Clan MacNaughton could have been 15 to 20 miles NE of Tory Island when lost, then the loss would not have been caused by enemy action. Best wishes, Michael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Hone Posted 31 March , 2005 Author Share Posted 31 March , 2005 Thanks for that information. A Bury Grammar school old boy, Midshipman William Brown , was one of the crew. Why can't I find this Graham Anderson fellow on CWGC? He's the second 'missing man' I've come across in the last two days! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolm Posted 31 March , 2005 Share Posted 31 March , 2005 Dittmar gives .. mined in the North Atlantic. Aye Malcolm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kin47 Posted 2 April , 2005 Share Posted 2 April , 2005 Hello For what its worth, Graham Anderson also does not appear in the General Registry Office death indices for the Great War. He may very well have served under an alias, but my records do not indicate this. don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Hone Posted 3 April , 2005 Author Share Posted 3 April , 2005 Now this is all very mysterious. I shall check whether they got his first name wrong on the 'Jack The Ripper Casebook' site and report back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest biggsy Posted 19 November , 2005 Share Posted 19 November , 2005 Could a Pal with maritime knowledge please enlighten me about the disappearance of this RN vessel in February 1915? She seems to have vanished without trace off the Hebrides. I have found a couple of references to members of her crew on memorial pages on the internet. The most intriguing was to a Graham Anderson, son of Sir Robert Anderson. Sir Robert was the Secret Service and CID chief who was heavily involved in the investigation of the Fenian 'Dynamiters' terrorist campaign and the Jack the Ripper murders. Unfortunately I can find no trace of Graham Anderson on the CWGC database. Another mystery... Many thanks <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest biggsy Posted 19 November , 2005 Share Posted 19 November , 2005 <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Mark One off the seamen on the clan macnaughton was my great great uncle(I think) before the ship sailed he wrote home a letter saing that the ship had been fitted with more guns and armour and was top heavy as no extra ballast was added and the next time you will hear from me will be from davy jones locker . Hi's name was Percy Biggs and the story has been passed down,Iasked my auntie in England if the letter was still around,but she did not think so,hope this adds to the mystery. Paul Biggs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Hone Posted 19 November , 2005 Author Share Posted 19 November , 2005 Thanks for that. Surprised he didn't absent himself from the final voyage believing that it was doomed. Still no light on the intriguing 'Jack The Ripper' connection to the sinking, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest wrighty Posted 21 November , 2005 Share Posted 21 November , 2005 Hi just a few facts on the ship herself for you. ss CLAN MACNAUGHTON -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- built by Alexander Stephen & Sons Glasgow, Yard No 443 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Port of Registry: Glasgow Propulsion: Steam, triple expansion, 497 nhp, 14 knots Launched: Wednesday, 28 June 1911 Built: 1911 Ship Type: Passenger Cargo Vessel Tonnage: 4985 grt Length: 429.8 feet Breadth: 53.7 feet Owner History: Clan Line Steamers Ltd Glasgow Status: Sunk After - 03/02/1915 Remarks: Whilst on patrol duty as an auxiliary cruiser she was last heard of on the above date under the command of Com Robt Jeffreys. She was never seen again but wreckage was found in the area. Presumed sunk with 20 officers and 261 ratings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robindad Posted 19 January , 2006 Share Posted 19 January , 2006 I have read the contributions about thhe loss of the Clan MacNaughton. My great uncle Arthur GALTRESS was a Royal Marine l/Cpl on this ship. I now have his death plaque and a photograph of him in unuform. Robin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lionboxer Posted 27 April , 2006 Share Posted 27 April , 2006 Can anyone tell me what happened to HMS Clan MacNaughton on 3/2//15? Lionboxer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joseph Posted 27 April , 2006 Share Posted 27 April , 2006 Hi, Clan McNaughton Port of Registry: Glasgow Propulsion: Steam, triple expansion, 497 nhp, 14 knots Launched: Wednesday, 28 June 1911 Built: 1911 Ship Type: Passenger Cargo Vessel Tonnage: 4985 grt Length: 429.8 feet Breadth: 53.7 feet Owner History: Clan Line Steamers Ltd Glasgow Status: Sunk After - 03/02/1915 Whilst on patrol duty as an auxiliary cruiser she was last heard of on the above date under the command of Com Robert Jeffreys. Wreckage was found in the area, presumed sunk with 20 officers and 261 ratings H.M.S. Clan McNaughton which has been missing since Feb. 3rd, and is feared to have been lost during the severe gale experienced at the time. Regards Charles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lionboxer Posted 27 April , 2006 Share Posted 27 April , 2006 Wow that was quick Charles. Many thanks. What area would this have been in and what was she doing at the time, and why would there have been RMLI on board other than just RM? Lionboxer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joseph Posted 27 April , 2006 Share Posted 27 April , 2006 She was on the north coast of Ireland but the exact position is not known. Unless of course a forum member knows different? Im not sure of the crew but it is likely that the RMLI was onboard but maybe someone has the crew list. Regards charles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Roberts Posted 28 April , 2006 Share Posted 28 April , 2006 and why would there have been RMLI on board other than just RM? At that time all Royal Marines were either RMLI or RMA (RM Light Infantry or RM Artillery) Adrian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kin47 Posted 28 April , 2006 Share Posted 28 April , 2006 Hello There were some 37 RMLI on board of a crew of 277 which also included 20 officers and 220 RN, RNR, Newfoundland RNR, and MMR ratings. The RMLI were on the ship as boarding crew. I have the complete list. All best don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisharley9 Posted 28 April , 2006 Share Posted 28 April , 2006 This chap is on March War Memorial here & is also listed on the plaque in the Parish Church of St John the Evangelist, Station Rd, March Name: BRADSHAW, THOMAS Initials: T Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Boy 1st Class Regiment: Royal Navy Unit Text: H M.S. "Clan McNaughton." Age: 16 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: J/29146 Additional information: Son of John Thomas and Sarah Jane Bradshaw, of 13 R, High St., March, Cambs Born at Sutton Bridge, Lincs. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: 10. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL All The Best Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisharley9 Posted 28 April , 2006 Share Posted 28 April , 2006 The Newfoundlanders Name: BUTLER, PETER Initials: P Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 22 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 2174X Additional information: Son of William and Anne Butler, of Harbour Grace. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Name: CHAFE, WILLIAM HENRY Initials: W H Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 21 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 1283X Additional information: Son of Henry and Hannah Chafe, of Forest Pond, The Goulds, St. John's West. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Name: COADY, TIMOTHY FRANCIS Initials: T F Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 30 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 1293X Additional information: Son of Anna Coady, of 22, York St., St. John's. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Name: CROCKER, STANLEY Initials: S Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 19 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 2178X Additional information: Son of John Charles and Jane Crocker, of Heart's Delight, Trinity Bay. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Name: DICKER, STEPHEN Initials: S Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 22 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 1240X Additional information: Son of George and Jane Dicker, of Flat Island, Bonavista Bay. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Name: DYER, WILLIAM GERRARD Initials: W G Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 31 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 2170X Additional information: Son of Mrs. Helen Dyer, of Logy Bay, St. John's East. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Name: HALLETT, ALBERT Initials: A Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 23 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 931X Additional information: Son of Jonas and Sarah Hallett, of Flat Island, Bonavista Bay. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Name: KAVANAGH, THOMAS JOSEPH Initials: T J Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 18 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 2171X Additional information: Son of James and Katherine Kavanagh, of Logy Bay, St. John's East. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Name: KEHOE, WILLIAM J. Initials: W J Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 26 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 2173X Additional information: Son of Michael Thomas and Christina Kehoe, of Riverhead, Harbour Grace. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Name: KNIGHT, THOMAS Initials: T Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 31 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 1297X Additional information: Son of William and Annie Knight, of Pleasant St., St. John's. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Name: MORRIS, WALTER Initials: W Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 19 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 1282X Additional information: Son of Mrs. Amelia Morris, of 63, Field St., St. John's. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Name: O'BRIEN, PATRICK J. Initials: P J Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 19 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 2172X Additional information: Son of Richard J. and Matilda O'Brien. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Name: OSMOND, GERALD AUGUSTUS Initials: G A Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 26 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 1287X Additional information: Husband of Mary Osmond, of 121, Duckworth St., St. John's. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Name: PIKE, FRANCIS Initials: F Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 21 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 2175X Additional information: Son of Mrs. Susan Pike, of Water Street, Harbour Grace. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Name: RANDELL, RALPH Initials: R Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 20 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 2176X Additional information: Son of John and Elizabeth Randell, of Elliott's Cove, Random Island. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Name: SIMMONS, F. EUGENE Initials: F E Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 20 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 1285X Additional information: Son of L. H. and Anne Simmons, of Spruce Brook. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Name: SNOW, RANDELL JOSEPH Initials: R J Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 20 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 1256X Additional information: Son of Mrs. Elizabeth Snow, of Mundy Pond Road, St. John's. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Name: SQUIRES, RICHARD J. Initials: R J Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 21 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 1280X Additional information: Son of Richard J. and Elizabeth Squires, of St. John's. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisharley9 Posted 28 April , 2006 Share Posted 28 April , 2006 Name: STONE, EDWARD Initials: E Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 22 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 1295X Additional information: Son of Edward and Isidorah Stone, of Bell Island. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Name: WATKINS, JONAS Initials: J Nationality: Canadian Rank: Seaman Regiment: Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton". Age: 23 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Service No: 2177X Additional information: Son of Henry and Ellen Watkins, of Summerford, Notre Dame Bay. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Memorial: BEAUMONT-HAMEL (NEWFOUNDLAND) MEMORIAL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lionboxer Posted 28 April , 2006 Share Posted 28 April , 2006 Many thanks for all that everyone. Don or Chris do you have the complete boarding list please? I would just like to confirm that Pte J. Hemsley was there and who his muckers were. Lionboxer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyem1 Posted 28 April , 2006 Share Posted 28 April , 2006 Hi, C.W.G.C. Lists this local boy for my Town. THOMPSON, FREDERICK CHARLES. Boy 1st Class. Royal Navy. H.M.S. Clan McNaughton. Age: 16. Died: 03/02/1915. Service No: J/29148. Son of George Edward and Louisa Thompson, of 30, Dickson Road, Tower Hamlets, Dover Kent. gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dolphin Posted 28 April , 2006 Share Posted 28 April , 2006 This man was one of the officers: Name: GARNSWORTHY, CHARLES STANLEY Initials: C S Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Lieutenant Regiment: Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M.S. "Clan McNaughton." Age: 26 Date of Death: 03/02/1915 Additional information: Husband of Ethel G. M. Garnsworthy. Son of Mrs. Garnsworthy, of Topsham, Devon, and the late Capt. Charles Edward Garnsworthy. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: 13. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL Gareth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisharley9 Posted 29 April , 2006 Share Posted 29 April , 2006 Many thanks for all that everyone. Don or Chris do you have the complete boarding list please? I would just like to confirm that Pte J. Hemsley was there and who his muckers were. Lionboxer Sorry, thats something I dont know - I see the March lads name in church every sunday & remembered that the Newfoundlanders would be on the Beaumont Hamel Memorial Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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