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Remembered Today:

S.S. Normandy


Terence Munson

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Hello,

I believe one of the men I'm researching was lost when S.S. Normandy was sunk on 25th Jan. 1918.

Can anyone help with information about her, where she was bound for and if possible, a list of casualties?

Cheers Terry

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Hi, Dictionary of Disasters at Sea is basic .

Owners: London & South Western Railway Co.

Built: 1910

Builders: Earle's Co.

Tonnage: 618 tons gross

Dimensions: 192 X 29.2 X 14.1

Engines: 82 r.h.p. triple expansion

9 knots

The steamship Normandy was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine 8 miles E by N of Cape La Hague on January 25th 1918.

Fourteen men were killed. The captain was among the survivors.

Lloyd's War Losses doesn't give much more.

Normandy, Br., 618 tons, Sunk by sub, 8 miles N.N.W. of Cherbourg Breakwater, Southampton for Cherbourg, general & mails.

I'm sure others will be able to give you more,

Regards,

Donald

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Hello Terry,

The SS Normandy, defensively armed, built 1910, 618 grt, was torpedoed and sunk 8 miles ExN from Cap de la Hague, France 49.46N, 01.44W by German submarine U 90 with the loss of 14 of her crew. She was carrying a general cargo and mail on voyage from Southampton to Cherbourg and was owned by London & South Western Railway Co of Southampton.

12 of the men who died are commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial:

BATTRICK, P, Able Seaman

BUDDEN, F J, FREDERICK JOHN, Chief Engineer

CLOW, W E, WILLIAM ERNEST, Able Seaman

GLOUSKOFSKY, A, ALEXANDER, Able Seaman

HOLLOWAY, B J, BERTIE JOHN, Fireman

INGRAM, J S, Able Seaman

MULGRAVE E, Assistant Steward

OLIVER, T, THOMAS, Fireman

PAGE, S L, SIDNEY LEOPOLD, Fireman

PLEACE, T E, THOMAS EDWARD, Chief Officer

WAUGH, W H, WALLACE, HELIER, Steward

YOUNG, W H, WALTER HENRY, Fireman

Best wishes

David

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Donald and David,

Many thanks for your quick replies and the information posted - My man (RNR) was on board taking passage on return from leave. He was feared to have lost his life when S.S. Normandy was sunk and later that year (Aug), presumed for official purpose that he had on that day (25/1/1918) and noted on his record as "Discharged dead" from another vessel, HMT Daniel Harrington this vessel is listed as his unit text on his CWGC casualty details. He is not one of the twelve listed by David, I had wondered if he would be on the list of lives lost on S.S. Normandy. He served as Charles Edward Orsborn, I think an alias. His CWGC details are to James Arthur Orsborn, and an award of £30 was paid to J.A.s widow H. Orsborn 1/1/23.

A tangled web indeed but another piece in the puzzle.

Cheers Terry

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Hello

Further on NORMANDY's loss casualties. There were two DAMS gunner and a naval officer in passage.

DAWSON GILBERT S. L/SEAMAN, RNVR TYNESIDE Z 9997 S.S. NORMANDY 25/01/18 SUBMARINE ACTION

ENGLISH PATRICK A.B., RNVR MERSEY Z 1108 S.S. NORMANDY 25/01/18 SUBMARINE ACTION

STEVENS JOSIAH H. TY/ASST PAYMASTER, RNR S.S. NORMANDY 25/01/18 SUBMARINE ACTION O/P PRESIDENT

All best

don

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Hello Terry

Just wanted to thank you for the information on Orsborn's death. I had known in he had been killed in action while assigned to DANIEL HARRINGTON, but was never able to determine the exact circumstance.

Thank you again.

All best

don

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David and Don(kin47) - Thanks for the extra information, this one has been a real eye opener.

Don I'm only to pleased to contribute when I can - I've had so much good stuff from the Forum.

Cheers Terry

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Hello everyone,

file ADM 137/4009 from National Archives gives the numbers lost for NORMANDY:

14 crew and 13 passengers dead, 6 crew and 7 passengers rescued

Oliver

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Thanks Oliver,

The detail on S.S. Normandy, received from the Forum members was about as good as it gets!

Thanks everyone,

Cheers Terry

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi

Sorry i am late with this reply.

I am researching a man lost on S.S.Normandy , Walter Waugh.

Just thought you may like to know that U90 also sank the

USS President Lincoln ,32,500 ton American military transport

ship, 600 miles from Brest,France.

Colin

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Colin, your man from the Tower Hill Memorial:

WAUGH,W H, WALLACE HELIER, Steward, Mercantile Marine, Normandy (Southampton.) S.S, 25-Jan-18, aged 45. Drowned, as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine. Son of the late John Wallace Waugh, and Eliza Waugh; husband of Florence Maud Waugh (nee Le Coig), of 9, Suffolk Avenue, Southampton. Born in Jersey, Channel Islands.

Best wishes

David

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Thanks Oliver,

The detail on S.S. Normandy, received from the Forum members was about as good as it gets!

Thanks David.

Is it possable to get a copy of his M/Marine record ? at his age i

feel sure he must have served pre-war.any idea were it will be kept ?.

Also i have not been able to find a photo of the SS Normandy any

help there please.

Colin

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  • 4 weeks later...
Hello

Further on NORMANDY's loss casualties. There were two DAMS gunner and a naval officer in passage.

DAWSON GILBERT S. L/SEAMAN, RNVR TYNESIDE Z 9997 S.S. NORMANDY 25/01/18 SUBMARINE ACTION

ENGLISH PATRICK A.B., RNVR MERSEY Z 1108 S.S. NORMANDY 25/01/18 SUBMARINE ACTION

STEVENS JOSIAH H. TY/ASST PAYMASTER, RNR S.S. NORMANDY 25/01/18 SUBMARINE ACTION O/P PRESIDENT

All best

don

Don,

there were quite a few soldiers too - although 1919 is erroneously recorded as the year of this man's death.

SIBLEY, ARTHUR WILLIAM

Initials: A W

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: London Regiment

Unit Text: 1st/20th Bn.

Age: 21

Date of Death: 25/01/1919

Service No: 632938

Additional information: Son of Benjamin James and Elizabeth Sibley, of 2, Violet Terrace, Colham Green, Hillingdon, Middx.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: "Normandy" Memorial.

Cemetery: STE. MARIE CEMETERY, LE HAVRE

the others are:

CANNELL, GEORGE JOHN

Initials: G J

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Sapper

Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers

Unit Text: 13th Reinforcement Coy. Railway Operating Div.

Age: 26

Date of Death: 25/01/1918

Service No: 256609

Additional information: Son of John and Elizabeth Cannell, of 125 Towson St., Everton, Liverpool.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: "Normandy" Memorial.

Cemetery: STE. MARIE CEMETERY, LE HAVRE

DONOUGHIE

Initials: J

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Lance Corporal

Regiment/Service: Military Police Corps

Unit Text: Military Foot Police

Date of Death: 25/01/1918

Service No: P/9567

Additional information: Husband of Rose Ann McDonough, of Zetland Place, Lumphinnans, Fifeshire.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: "Normandy" Memorial.

Cemetery: STE. MARIE CEMETERY, LE HAVRE

GUBBINS, RICHARD ROLLS

Initials: R R

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Lieutenant Colonel

Regiment/Service: Somerset Light Infantry

Secondary Regiment: General Staff

Secondary Unit Text: attd. to A.A.Q.M.G. Staff

Age: 49

Date of Death: 25/01/1918

Awards: DSO

Additional information: Son of the late Rev. Richard Shard Gubbins; husband of Agnes Edith Gubbins, of The Old Hall, Rockcliffe, Cumberland.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: "Normandy" Memorial.

Cemetery: STE. MARIE CEMETERY, LE HAVRE

HARKER

Initials: E W

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Durham Light Infantry

Unit Text: 1st/5th Bn.

Secondary Regiment: Labour Corps

Secondary Unit Text: transf. to (124604) 196th Coy.

Date of Death: 25/01/1918

Service No: 36700

Additional information: Husband of E. A. Harker, of 2, Campbell Avenue, Brighton St., Hull.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: "Normandy" Memorial.

Cemetery: STE. MARIE CEMETERY, LE HAVRE

JOHNSTONE

Initials: G F

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Sapper

Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers

Unit Text: 13th Reinforcement Coy. Railway Operating Div.

Date of Death: 25/01/1918

Service No: 450011

Additional information: Husband of E. M. Johnstone, of 53, King's Rd., Cardiff.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: "Normandy" Memorial.

Cemetery: STE. MARIE CEMETERY, LE HAVRE

MARSDEN

Initials: H

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Training Reserve

Unit Text: 64th Bn.

Secondary Regiment: Labour Corps

Secondary Unit Text: transf. to (125877) 196th Coy.

Age: 37

Date of Death: 25/01/1918

Service No: TR4/28562

Additional information: Son of Isaac and Ann Marsden, of 95, Bayley St., Stalybridge, Cheshire.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: "Normandy" Memorial.

Cemetery: STE. MARIE CEMETERY, LE HAVRE

MASTERS

Initials: N C

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Sapper

Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers

Unit Text: 13th Reinforcement Coy. Railway Operating Div.

Age: 24

Date of Death: 25/01/1918

Service No: 487092

Additional information: Son of Harry and Emma Masters, of Upper Parkstone, Poole, Dorset.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: "Normandy" Memorial.

Cemetery: STE. MARIE CEMETERY, LE HAVRE

MAYS, CHARLES CECIL WILDMAN

Initials: C C W

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Lieutenant

Regiment/Service: Royal Army Medical Corps

Age: 39

Date of Death: 25/01/1918

Additional information: Son of Charles Albert and Laura Emily Mays, of 182, School Rd., Sheffield. M.R.C.S. Eng., L.R.C.P., Lond. Born at Sheffield.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: "Normandy" Memorial.

Cemetery: STE. MARIE CEMETERY, LE HAVRE

PEARSON

Initials: H

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Sapper

Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers

Unit Text: 13th Reinforcement Coy. Railway Operating Div.

Age: 27

Date of Death: 25/01/1918

Service No: 440097

Additional information: Son of Alfred and Catherine Pearson; husband of Annie Pearson, of 8, Audrey St., Lily Lane, Moston, Manchester.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: "Normandy" Memorial.

Cemetery: STE. MARIE CEMETERY, LE HAVRE

PICKSTOCK

Initials: A E

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Unit Text: 3rd Bn.

Secondary Regiment: Labour Corps

Secondary Unit Text: transf. to (125692) 196th Coy.

Age: 39

Date of Death: 25/01/1918

Service No: 63944

Additional information: Son of Thomas and Hannah Pickstock, of Marple, Cheshire; husband of Sarah Elizabeth Pickstock, of 4, Holme St., Hyde, Cheshire.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: "Normandy" Memorial.

Cemetery: STE. MARIE CEMETERY, LE HAVRE

RATCLIFF, ARTHUR

Initials: A

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Royal Army Ordnance Corps

Age: 27

Date of Death: 25/01/1918

Service No: O/7840

Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Ratcliff, of 120, Moorland Rd., Stockport, Cheshire.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: "Normandy" Memorial.

Cemetery: STE. MARIE CEMETERY, LE HAVRE

SHOWELL

Initials: A R

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Warrant Officer Class I (Superintending Clerk)

Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers

Unit Text: Misc. Establishment (Transportation)

Date of Death: 25/01/1918

Service No: 2315

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: "Normandy" Memorial.

Cemetery: STE. MARIE CEMETERY, LE HAVRE

TAYLOR

Initials: J J

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: The King's (Liverpool Regiment)

Unit Text: 23rd Bn.

Secondary Regiment: Labour Corps

Secondary Unit Text: transf. to (125714) 196th Coy.

Date of Death: 25/01/1918

Service No: 83745

Additional information: Husband of E. Taylor, of 2, Camden House, Blackpool.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: "Normandy" Memorial.

Cemetery: STE. MARIE CEMETERY, LE HAVRE

WILSON, JOHN

Initials: J

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)

Unit Text: "E" Coy. 2nd/7th Bn.

Secondary Regiment: Labour Corps

Secondary Unit Text: transf. to (124120) 196th Coy.

Age: 33

Date of Death: 25/01/1918

Service No: 5127

Additional information: Son of Mrs. G. S. W. Stevenson (formerly Wilson), of 28, Hill Place, Kirkcaldy, Fifeshire, and the late Mr. H. Wilson.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: "Normandy" Memorial.

Cemetery: STE. MARIE CEMETERY, LE HAVRE

Andy.

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Andy,

Were these troops that you have listed part of a larger group?

Best wishes

David

No - they are the ones commemorated on the 'Normandy Memorial' in Ste. Marie Cemetery, Le Havre. I presume that there will have been survivors although I have no idea of numbers or names.

Andy.

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Walter Waugh ,who died on the NORMANDY is remembered on the Tower Hill memoral and not the

Le Havre Memorial ? is this because he was Merchant Navy ,and not in the Army ?. Having said that

there are a number of other Merchant Seaman on the Le Havre Memorial. Strange ,any thoughts :

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No - they are the ones commemorated on the 'Normandy Memorial' in Ste. Marie Cemetery, Le Havre.

Andy.

Andy - I've just made it back to the land of the living! Can you tell me if my man - James Arthur Orsborn / Alias Charles Edward Orsborn is commemorated on the 'Normandy Memorial' in Ste. Marie Cemetery, Le Havre. I have his CWGC Portsmouth Naval Memorial details.

Cheers Terry

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Andy - I've just made it back to the land of the living! Can you tell me if my man - James Arthur Orsborn / Alias Charles Edward Orsborn is commemorated on the 'Normandy Memorial' in Ste. Marie Cemetery, Le Havre. I have his CWGC Portsmouth Naval Memorial details.

Cheers Terry

No, he isn't. Missing Royal Navy men are always commemorated at either Portsmoutrh, Plymouth or Chatham (in WW1). The 'Normandy Memorial' is for the the non-naval fatalities from the sinking. In WW2 such deaths would have led to commemoration on the Brookwood Memorial.

Best wishes.

Andy.

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Andy, thank you for your response.

The men you listed are an assorted bunch, so I assume they were returning from leave.

Best wishes

David

You are welcome. I would guess they were returning from leave although there are a few from the same unit so they could have been replacements.

Andy.

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No, he isn't. Missing Royal Navy men are always commemorated at either Portsmoutrh, Plymouth or Chatham (in WW1). The 'Normandy Memorial' is for the the non-naval fatalities from the sinking.

Best wishes.

Andy.

Thanks Andy - Thought I'd ask, My man was a passenger returning from leave and a Promotion to Second Hand RNR, awarded five days before.

Cheers Terry

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Hello Terry, from Portsmouth Memorial:

ORSBORN, Second Hand, JAMES ARTHUR, 1117DA. H.M. Trawler "Daniel Harrington.". Royal Naval Reserve. Killed in action 25th January 1918. Age 39. Son of John and Marie Orsborn, of 8, Adam and Eve Gardens, Great Yarmouth; husband of Hughina Orsborn, of Cluny Place, 17, Ann St., Aberdeen. 31.

Best wishes

David

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