HMS Myrmidon

[Guest AndrewL]

I have been doing some research on my grandfathers naval career (Alfred Ernest Lacey). Family 'folklore' tells me that he was one of three survivors from a naval ship sunk in a colllision- he was on the bridge. From his officer service record, it seems he was serving on HMS Mymidon at the date of the sinking. Is there any further information about where this wreck is located, or how it was found? Some of the 'searches' indicate Mymidon was mined- is there any evidence either way?

Is anyone aware of any other sources with regard to this ship, or the sinking?

[ionia]

I have been doing some research on my grandfathers naval career (Alfred Ernest Lacey). Family 'folklore' tells me that he was one of three survivors from a naval ship sunk in a colllision- he was on the bridge. From his officer service record, it seems he was serving on HMS Mymidon at the date of the sinking. Is there any further information about where this wreck is located, or how it was found? Some of the 'searches' indicate Mymidon was mined- is there any evidence either way?

Is anyone aware of any other sources with regard to this ship, or the sinking?

MYRMIDON was badly damaged by collision with a merchant ship HAMBORN on the evening of 26th March, 1917 off Dungeness. She stayed afloat for long enough for her crew to be taken off by HMS MERMAID and ss TAMBOUR. Only one man was lost.

[historydavid]

Andrew, welcome to the forum.

I can confirm ionia's account. The only man lost was:

NUNN, HENRY W.G., L/STOKER, 306552 (Po), MYRMIDON, 26-Mar-17, SHIP LOSS.

The Myrmidon was a destroyer, 370 tons, built 1900, armed with 1x 12 pdr, 5x6 pdr and 2 torpedo tubes. She was commanded by Lt Oscar James Prosser, RNR, at the time of the collision.

Best wishes

David

[Guest AndrewL]

Many thanks for this information- shows how reality can get distorted over the years!!

A post script to this topic is that my grandfather had, of course, lost his possessions in the sinking, and arrived back at home in Portsmouth with no keys in the middle of the night. The first my granny knew of his arrival was a window opening and a pair of shoes appearing under the curtains- much to her consternation!

The service record also indicates he shipped out from HMS Bulwark just before the catastrophic explosion in Sheerness- so he escaped twice.

He came back from retirement and served in Portsmouth during WW2.

Many thanks again