majorsam Posted 25 August , 2007 Share Posted 25 August , 2007 I am researching the following seaman. Robert Henry Gunther of Goole, Yorkshire, was a Donkeyman (engine maintenance) on HMS Brilliant, and was wounded in action in 1914. He drowned at age 40, on 26th February, 1918 as a crew member of the Mercantile Marine vessel ("SS Greaveash", Newcastle). Any information on his service and the ships he sailed on would be gratefully received. Regards Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clio Posted 26 August , 2007 Share Posted 26 August , 2007 UB 74 (Steindorff) sank Greaves Ash. See Silent Warriors vol 2 for details inc crew list Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esskay Posted 26 August , 2007 Share Posted 26 August , 2007 The website www.worldwar1atsea.net lists: Greavesash, 1,263grt, defensively-armed, 26 February 1918, 10 miles NE from Cape Barfleur, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, 8 lives lost and BRILLIANT, 6th © or 7th (Co) commissioned since 1696, blockship, ex-depot ship, ex-light cruiser, lost 1918, April 23 - 6th RN vessel at Zeebrugge, W Europe A quick google search found this interesting link too http://www.infonet.st-johns.nf.ca/green/hmsbrilliant.html and another one with some pictures http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aeol...HMS%20Brilliant Cheers Sue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majorsam Posted 26 August , 2007 Author Share Posted 26 August , 2007 Thanks Clio and Sue, you have been most helpful. Regards Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
historydavid Posted 27 August , 2007 Share Posted 27 August , 2007 HMT (da) Greavesash, built 1917, was torpedoed by UB 74. She was a hired Admiralty collier in ballast. Best wishes David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majorsam Posted 28 August , 2007 Author Share Posted 28 August , 2007 "She was a hired Admiralty collier in ballast" Thanks David. What exactly does that mean please? Regards Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
historydavid Posted 29 August , 2007 Share Posted 29 August , 2007 Peter, The Admiralty hired thousands of vessels during the war and used them in various roles. The SS Greavesash, a privately owned steam ship, was employed as a collier (she may even have been used in that role privately before the war). Coal was required almost everywhere to fuel most of the navy ships and many vessels were employed in this role. When a ship sails(ed) without a cargo it is termed as "in ballast", meaning that a dummy cargo has been taken on board (rocks, sand etc) to ensure that the ship does not ride too high in the water, thus making her unsafe whilst at sea. Hope that helps David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majorsam Posted 29 August , 2007 Author Share Posted 29 August , 2007 Many thanks once again David. You've been a great help. Regards Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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