Captain Charles Fryatt

[josquin]

I will quote from Simpson, page 128: "Since September 1914 the Admiralty had been in possession of the German naval cyphers and from February 1915 a chain of interception and direction-finding stations established around the English and Irish coasts, had enabled Naval Intelligence not only to read almost every German naval signal but also to pin-point from where it came. Marked on the great map, and changing as each fresh signal was intercepted, located and decoded, were the approximate positions of almost every unit of the German Navy, together with the ships of the Allied navies.This was known as the plot."

On page 127 Simpson explained that something called "the grid" was also laid out; this being a grid used by the German ships to report their position with a cryptic "south east section Square T 14" or the like; this having been dredged up from a sunked German ship on the Dogger Bank. All of this was in the "great map room of the Admiralty".

Page 129 has Admiral Oliver briefing Admiral Fisher on the day before the Lusitania was sunk, in the map room. "Admiral Oliver dealt with each operational area in turn. When he came to the western approaches he pointed out the red squares marking the U-30 and the U-20: the former headed north and by now well to the north of Ireland, and the latter sighted shortly at 9 a.m. a few miles to the north of Fastnet." The text goes on to tell what Oliver told Fisher about the U-20 and how their cruisers were re-deployed because of its activities.

Simpson goes on to say that the Lusitania was directed right over where the U-20 was known to be, the cruiser Juno, which was supposed to escort Lusitania, was sent away, as it was felt to be vunerable in the presence of submarines, and the Lusitania was not warned about the presence of the U-20. I have not looked for it, but my memory from 25 years ago also said that the Lusitania was radioed and told not to zig-zag, and the radio logs were destroyed before the captain was put on trial for not zig-zagging.

Lot of stuff there, other material in this vein, like a Commander Kenworthy of Naval Intelligence, who was present in the briefing in the "great map room" with Oliver, Fisher, and Churchill, and who wrote in 1927 in his book The Freedom of the Seas: "The Lusitania was sent at considerably reduced speed into an area where a U-boat was known to be waiting and with her escorts withdrawn." Simpson went on to say that Kenworthy's draft read "was deliberately sent", but that the Admiralty complained to Kenworthy's publishers, Messrs. Hutchinson, and the offending word was deleted from the published text. This on page 131.

Again, not my area. But I am surprised that this book and its extraordinary assertions has not been carefully assessed and either proven or disproven.

So it seems that the British, in 1915, did have a much better idea about where U-boats were than in WW II.

Gentlemen:

As Per Ardua indicates, Simpson's accuracy appears to be uneven. However, the statement of Commander Kenworthy,

who was definitely an RN insider, is indeed troubling. I am in accord with Per Ardua that a separate thread for this topic

is warranted--Kenworthy's statement, alone, is sufficient cause (or provocation, if you wish). There is much more

at issue than that, of course, as this thread's discussion exemplifies. I might add, there is nothing "gratuitous"

about ANY of the contributions to this thread by my reading!

Regards

Trelawney

[simonharley]

A look at Kenworthy's extremely chequered naval career is sufficient to cast doubts on any statements he may have planned to print. Like Simpson, he certainly had an axe to grind.

Simon

[josquin]

Simon,

Perhaps you are content with the apparent fact of an "extremely chequered naval career" as sufficient grounds to question, or

otherwise discredit, his statements. Rather than simply accept this at face value, I believe that the issues Kenworthy raised

require additional inquiry and investigation. Anyone who has served in the armed forces, or any bureaucracy for that matter,

knows very well the reception accorded subordinates who act against the wishes of their superiors with respect to divulging

information of public importance. The Admiralty would be no exception to the rule; certainly, as much or more than Kenworthy,

the Admiralty and their political superiors had their own axe to grind--or, should I say, conceal? Ad hominem attacks against

the messenger are familiar devices in the historical record, and I am not discounting the possibility here. As an example of how

such things transpire, consider an example from the career of Frederick Marryat recounted by Tom Pocock. In 1834, Marryat

was recommended by Sir James Graham, First Lord of the Admiralty, for a knighthood and the Star of Guelph. When King

William IV learned that Marryat wrote a pamphlet years before condemning the practice of impressment, His Majesty said the

following to Sir James: "Bye the bye, Marryat wrote a work on Impressment, I hear. I won't give him anything. I'll see him

d--d first." His Majesty kept his word and Marryat received no honours from the King; ironically, he was honoured by the French.

I keep this turn of events in mind whenever I hear about reputedly problematic careers in the military and bureaucracies.

As historians, we should seek the facts that all parties are endeavouring to conceal or otherwise hope we overlook--this

particular instance seems to be a fertile field for such investigation, so I do not regard your resolution of this matter as

the final word on the subject. If you meant to refer us to Keith Allen's excellent review, "The Lusitania Controversy" (1999),

presently at gwpda.org, then we would be able to consider more serious questions concerning Simpson's documentation.

Regards

Trelawney

[simonharley]

Pray tell where I said that Kenworthy's account should be dismissed out of hand? Where is the "resolution of this matter" you refer to? As a historian, have you rushed off to download Kenworthy's service record to see whether his career may have any effect on his credibility?

Simon

[pmaasz]

Captain Fryatt is also commemorated at The Tower Hotel in Harwich, with photos and his story. One of the guest rooms is named after him. For Beatles fans the bar has a Beatles theme.

[josquin]

Pray tell where I said that Kenworthy's account should be dismissed out of hand? Where is the "resolution of this matter" you refer to? As a historian, have you rushed off to download Kenworthy's service record to see whether his career may have any effect on his credibility?

Simon

Tossing off a few mordant rhetorical flourishes does this subject no justice; certainly, it fails to offer any useful

knowledge to add to the present thread. Your meaning was clear enough in your prior post and the tone of

your response does not warrant any serious comment. If you know something substantive concerning

Kenworthy's R.N. service, or his service record, of course this would be of considerable interest to the

readers of this thread rather than a few implications painted with remarkably broad strokes.

Trelawney

[Rayessex]

Just watching Ian Hislop in `Not Forgotten` and a part of the program is about Capt Fryatt. Now living in Harwich I`ve always believed he actually rammed a U boat, but according to this program he only attempted to ram it, and it got away. Can anyone comfirm this? As it seems alittle harsh to get shot just for attemping to ram.

Many Thanks

Ray

[dundeesown]

Hi Ray Captain Fryatt of The S.S.Brussels attempted to ram a U-Boat in 1915,he was captured in June 1916 and Court-Martialled in July.

Gary.

[Rayessex]

Thanks Gary.

I best tell the Towns Folk, break a few Hearts. Majority believe he actually rammed the U boat.

Many Thanks.

Ray

[stephen p nunn]

Thanks Gary.

I best tell the Towns Folk, break a few Hearts. Majority believe he actually rammed the U boat.

Many Thanks.

Ray

We often talk about Captain Charles Fryatt on our Harwich History Cruises on Thames Sailing Barges out of Harwich (Halfpenny Pier). He was born in 1872 and was a regular on the Rotterdam/British East Coast route. In March 1915 the Germans made two attempts to sink the SS Brussels - on the 3rd Fryatt dodged a U-Boat attack and on the 28th a U-Boat surfaced but it was forced to crash dive when he bore down on it. So he actually tried to ram it but didn't make contact. Having said that, in his own report he said he was so close that "you could have hung your hat on the periscope"! Fryatt carried on until 23/6/16 when he was trapped by a German flotilla and taken to Zeebrugge. He was tried by Court Martial in Bruges on 27/7/16 and executed that same evening. There is a fascinating memorial to him at Liverpool Street Station.

Regards.

SPN

Maldon.

[Rayessex]

Thanks Mr Maldon,

And a Massive headstone in Dovercourt.

Ray

[chrisharley9]

Must dig out my paperwork on the other casualty from the Brugges; a lad that died in a German internment camp. At present non commemorated but that will change

Chris

We often talk about Captain Charles Fryatt on our Harwich History Cruises on Thames Sailing Barges out of Harwich (Halfpenny Pier).

Any chance of some details please as I not that far away

Chris

[stephen p nunn]

Must dig out my paperwork on the other casualty from the Brugges; a lad that died in a German internment camp. At present non commemorated but that will change

Chris

Any chance of some details please as I not that far away

Chris

Thanks Chris - I'll get told off if I advertise because people will think I am using the forum to become a multi-millionaire! Do a search on Google for Thames Barge Trips organised by a company in Maldon and you will see the Harwich History Cruise advertised. If you come I will welcome you aboard!

Regards.

SPN (very poor)

Maldon

[phil@basildon]

I understand that Captain Fryatt was intered at Harwich, also he left a widow and several children.

[stephen p nunn]

I understand that Captain Fryatt was intered at Harwich, also he left a widow and several children.

Yes and yes - but originally buried in a small cemetery just outside Bruges where the Germans used to bury Belgian "traitors".

SPN

Maldon

[Rayessex]

Hi Phil

Yes, his widow was not too popular in some parts of town, due to her public mourning. Capt Fryatts GGGrand daughter still lives and works in the Town now, as too does His Grandson.

Ray

[museumtom]

Buckingham Palace.

3rd August, ’16.

Madam,--In the sorrow which has so cruelly stricken you, the King joins with his people in offering you his heartfelt sympathy. Since the outbreak of the war his Majesty has followed with admiration the splendid services of the mercantile marine. The action of Captain Fryatt in defending his ship against the attack of an enemy submarine was a noble instance of the resource and self-reliance so characteristic of that profession. It is, therefore, with feelings of the deepest indignation that the King learnt of your husband’s fate, and, in conveying to you’re the expression of his condolence, I am commanded to assure you of the abhorrence with which his majesty regards this outrage.—Yours very faithfully.

(signed) Stamdordham.

Mrs Fryatt.

[DEL1408]

I understand that Captain Fryatt was intered at Harwich, also he left a widow and several children.

[Guest]

The murder of Captain Fryatt.

Mike

[DEL1408]

QUOTE (phil w @ Feb 8 2010, 07:57 PM) I understand that Captain Fryatt was intered at Harwich, also he left a widow and several children.

Yes and yes - but originally buried in a small cemetery just outside Bruges where the Germans used to bury Belgian "traitors".

SPN

Maldon

Capt Fryatt was a local hero, who lived with his wife and children in brooklyn road,dovercourt

This Is Part Of The Article On My web site

On 19th Aprill 1922 Lord Claud Hamilton,Chairman of the G.E.R,Officially opended the Fryatt Memorial Hospital having been given a silver key by 11 year old Charles Fryatt, only son of Captain Fryatt. To the Memory of Capt. Charles Fryatt, July 27th 1916. From the neutral admirers of his brave conduct and heroic death. This memorial has been placed in a prominent position in the main line booking hall at Liverpool Street Station.

[stephen p nunn]

Good one Steve - thanks for the reply.

Best wishes.

SPN

Maldon

[cdr]

http://www.beeldbankbrugge.be/index.php?option=com_memorix&mrx_mod=result&Itemid=28

This should give some fotos concerning Captain Fryatt (tomb, monuments in Belgium)

Carl

[GraemeClarke]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-36745439

[Felix C]

Was it a summary court as with the Virginius affair or did he have legal counsel? 

[Hedley Malloch]

Fryatt was tried by a court martial of the Marine Corps (Flanders) in  Bruges.  They gave ten days' notice of the impending trial.  The German Admiralty and the German Foreign Ministry asked for a postponement to allow the US Ambassador in Berlin to arrange for a special counsel.  The court martial ignored these demands and went ahead anyway.