vickersms Posted 25 May , 2005 Share Posted 25 May , 2005 For many years I have had in my possession a small ships bell from "Gloucester Castle" whch served as a hospital ship in 1914-1918. This bell is approx 13 cm tall and is marked as follows: Front - S.S. Gloucester Castle London Rear - War Service 1914-1918 with a cross indicating hospital ship Top - Commander Henry Meredyth Cruise I have done lots of research over the years concerning the ships commercial service, Great War service and subsequent sinking by a German Raider in 1942. I would welcome any additional information about the ship..... But what I really want to know is - has anyone seen one of these bells before or know anything about it. Presumably awarded as a form of "medal". Thanks in advance for any assistance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joseph Posted 25 May , 2005 Share Posted 25 May , 2005 Vickersms, All ships have a bell its the way old sailors got the time. one bell every half hour 8 bells end of watch. Seems like some sort of commemoration piece, the ships bell would be at least 30cm tall. In the RN it was also used as a font and the childrens names engraved on the lip. Nice to have I wonder if it was presented to Cdr. Cruise? Charles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
historydavid Posted 25 May , 2005 Share Posted 25 May , 2005 vickerms, The FWW HMHS 'Gloucester Castle' 7,999grt was struck and damaged by a torpedo on the night of 30/31st March 1917 from UB 32. Best wishes David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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