Milford Haven Trawlers (WW2)

Milford Haven was an important Royal Naval base during both World Wars, but was also a very important base for the Fishing Fleet. Several trawlers which were based at Milford were lost due to enemy action during both wars. This page commemorates the brave men lost aboard these trawlers, many of whom lived locally but are not commemorated on any local war memorials.

For any further information about any of the Milford Trawlers, I would recommend a good look through the Milford Trawlers website, which is packed full of information about all of the trawlers that have sailed from the port over the years: http://www.milfordtrawlers.org.uk/

Milford Haven based trawlers lost during World War Two, 1939-1945.

Fishing Fleet, Fishing Vessel Bass Rock (A759)

The Milford based trawler Bass Rock was a 169 gross ton vessel which had seen service during WW1 as a minesweeper. She was bombed and sunk by a German Dornier aircraft off the Old Head of Kinsale, Ireland, on 24 September 1940. Four of her crew were killed, while another four survived. Those rescued were C. Mantripp, of Milford; F.G. Collyer, of Milford; F. Foster, of Milford; T.J. Rees, of Johnston; and J. Mason, of Neyland.

John Hext, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. John was the son of John and Hannah Hext, of Dawlish, Devon. He lived at Milford prior to the war and served aboard Fishing Trawler Bass Rock, an Aberdeen registered trawler, which was based at Milford. He was 53 years old when Bass Rock was bombed and sunk by German aircraft off the Old Head of Kinsale, Ireland on 24 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. He lost four brothers during WW1: George Hext was lost at sea on 13 January 1915;  Frank was killed in Salonika on 27 February 1916; Samuel was killed in France on 25 September 1916; and William was killed in France on 2 November 1916.

William Hubert Ernest Mills, Fireman, Fishing Fleet. William was the son of Mary Annie Mills, of Haverfordwest, and lived at 12, Corporation Road. He was a fisherman, and worked aboard the Fishing Vessel Bass Rock. He was 32 years old when Bass Rock was bombed and sunk by German aircraft off the Old Head of Kinsale, Ireland on 24 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Alfred Skewis, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. Alfred was born at Trimley St Mary, Suffolk on 13 September 1890, the son of Daniel and Sarah Skewis. His mother was from Milford and by the turn of the century the family had returned there. Alfred married Edith Alice Hughes in 1913 and the couple resided at 13, Dartmouth Gardens, Milford Haven. He had served with the Royal Naval Reserve on minesweepers during the Great War, and was Skipper of the Steam Trawler Bass Rock, an Aberdeen registered trawler. He was 50 years old when Bass Rock was bombed and sunk by German aircraft off the Old Head of Kinsale, Ireland on 24 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

John William Tobutt, Third Hand, Fishing Fleet. John was the son of Maurice and Mary Jane Tobutt, of Lowestoft. He married Florence Louisa King in 1926 and the couple lived at 2, Mindon Row, Lowestoft. John served as Third Hand aboard the Fishing Vessel Bass Rock. He was 36 years old when Bass Rock was bombed and sunk by German aircraft off the Old Head of Kinsale, Ireland on 24 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Fishing Fleet, Steam Trawler Bianca (H907)

The Milford Haven based trawler Bianca was a 174 gross ton vessel which was sunk with the loss of five men on 20 March 1941 in the Irish Sea, off Holyhead.  Five survivors were rescued by another Milford trawler. There are several possibilities for her loss, the most likely being after she had caught a mine in her nets, but another report states that she may have been sunk by a torpedo fired by an enemy aircraft.

Jabez George King, DSC, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. Jabez was born on 23 September 1882, the son of Jabez King, and of Martha King, of Gorleston-On-Sea. He lived with his wife Alice King, at 9, Starbuck Road, Milford Haven prior to the war. He was Skipper of the Steam Trawler Bianca, which had been registered at Hull, and was based at Milford, where she had been converted into a minesweeper. Jabez had won the Distinguished Service Cross for his work at sea during the Great War, which was gazetted on 14 July 1916. The award was for; ‘The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have received with much satisfaction from the officers in charge of the Auxiliary Patrol areas at home and abroad reports on the services performed by the officers and men serving under their orders during the period 1st January, 1915, to 31st January, 1916. These reports show that the officers and men serving in Armed Yachts, Trawlers and Drifters of the Auxiliary Patrol during the period in question have carried out their duties under extremely arduous and hazardous conditions of weather and exposure to enemy attack and mines with marked zeal, gallantry and success.’ He survived the Great War, and became Skipper of the Fishing Trawler Bianca. He was 59 years old when Bianca blew up and sank in the Irish Sea on 20 March 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. His brother Cornelius also died in the loss of Bianca.

Cornelius Jabez King, Mate, Fishing Fleet. Cornelius was born on 31 December 1878, the son of Jabez and Martha King, of Gorleston, Suffolk. He lived with his wife Mary Anne Veale Bonney King, at 51, Dewsland Street, Milford Haven prior to the war. Cornelius served aboard the Steam Trawler Bianca, a Hull registered trawler. He was 62 years old when Bianca blew up and sank in the Irish Sea on 20 March 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. His brother Jabez also died aboard Bianca.

Edwin Stanley Thomas, Boatswain (Bosun), Fishing Fleet. Edwin lived at 10, Greville Road, Milford Haven, and was Bosun aboard the Hull registered Steam Trawler Bianca. He was 23 years old when Bianca blew up and sank in the Irish Sea on 20 March 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Robert Ward, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Robert was the son of Robert and Elizabeth Ward, of Norfolk, and the husband of Daisy Blanche Ward, of Pakefield, Suffolk. He was 61 years old when Bianca blew up and sank in the Irish Sea on 20 March 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

William John Trevor Watkins, Third Hand, Fishing Fleet. William was the son of William John Watkins, and of Margaret Anne Watkins (nee James), of 7, Brooke Avenue, Milford Haven. He served aboard the Steam Trawler Bianca, a Hull registered trawler. He was 21 years old when Bianca blew up and sank in the Irish Sea on 20 March 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Fishing Fleet, Fishing Vessel Charmouth (M242)

The Milford based trawler Charmouth was a 195 gross ton steam trawler, which had served as a minesweeper during WW1. She had been damaged on 27 November 1940 after being attacked and bombed by German aircraft, but had managed to bring one aircraft down before returning to Milford. She sank on 14 November 1946 after hitting a mine at a position twenty miles off  Ballycotton.

William James Boast, DSM, MID, Chief Engineer, Fishing Fleet. William was born on 5 June 1881, the son of William and Mary Ann Boast, of Yarmouth. He married Sarah Susannah Willgrass at Yarmouth in 1903, and by 1910 the couple had moved to 45, Great North Road, Milford Haven. He had served with the Royal Naval Reserve during WW1, and was mentioned in despatches on 27 June 1917 as well as being awarded the Distinguished Service Medal on 31 December 1917. He lived at Neyland after the war, and his wife Sarah died there in 1933. During WW2 William served as Chief Engineer of the Fishing Vessel Charmouth. He was 65 years old when Charmouth struck a mine and sank on 14 November 1946, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. A note on the Milford Haven Trawlers website says that William’s body was brought to Milford Haven for burial.

Edward Vernon Dyble, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Edward was born in Yarmouth, the son of Edward James Dyble and Iris Elsie Dyble. The family later resided at Hakin, Milford Haven. He worked as a Deck Hand aboard the Fishing Vessel Charmouth, a Milford Haven trawler. He was 19 years old when Charmouth struck a mine and sank on 14 November 1946, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Dennis Charles Harries, Fireman, Fishing Fleet. Dennis was the son of Thomas Harries and Ruby Francis Harries (nee Farmer), and the Grandson of Ada Honeybourne, of Pembroke Dock. He served in the Fishing Fleet aboard the Fishing Vessel Charmouth, which was based at Milford Haven. He was 28 years old when Charmouth struck a mine and sank on 14 November 1946, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Richard William John, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Richard was the son of Edward John and Mary Ann John (nee Tucker), of Pontypridd. He married Ivy Maud Lloyd in 1929, and the couple moved to Haverfordwest so that Richard could work aboard the Fishing Vessel Charmouth, which was based at Milford. He was 28 years old when Charmouth struck a mine and sank on 14 November 1946, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

William Robert Jones, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. William was the son of Robert and Elenor Jones. He married Florence Doreen Irvin of Hakin, Milford Haven in the summer of 1945. He served as a deck hand aboard the Fishing Vessel Charmouth, which was based at Milford. He was 22 years old when Charmouth struck a mine and sank on 14 November 1946, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Ernest Frederick Olney, Mate, Fishing Fleet. Ernest was born in Ireland in 1909. He married Ida Magdalene Reynolds, of 17, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven in 1942 after having recovered from wounds suffered at Dunkirk. Ernest served as Mate aboard the Fishing Vessel Charmouth, which was based at Milford Haven. He was 37 years old when Charmouth struck a mine and sank on 14 November 1946, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

William Frederick Reid, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. William was the husband of Alice Anne Reid, of Hakin, Milford Haven. He was the skipper of the Fishing Vessel Charmouth, which was based at Milford Haven. He was 49 years old when Charmouth struck a mine and sank on 14 November 1946, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

George Alfred Thomas Scriven, Third Hand, Fishing Fleet. George was the son of George Scriven, and of Victoria May Scriven (nee Davies), of Hakin, Milford Haven. He worked as third hand aboard the Fishing Vessel Charmouth, which was based at Milford Haven. He was 21 years old when Charmouth struck a mine and sank on 14 November 1946, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Richard Sharp, Cook, Fishing Fleet. Richard was the husband of Mrs C.E. Sharp, of Hull. He served as Cook aboard the Fishing Vessel Charmouth. He was 54 years old when Charmouth blew up after pulling up a mine in her nets on 14 November 1946, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Fishing Fleet, Fishing Vessel Craigewan (M122)

The Milford based trawler Craigewan was a 204 gross ton steam trawler. She went missing with the loss of twelve men on 12 October 1945 whilst fishing South of Ireland in a thick fog.

William Thomas Ernest Carsey, Fireman, Fishing Fleet. William was the son of William Thomas Carsey and Agnes Carsey, of Lowestoft. He married Faith Alice May Ayers of 19 Alma Road Lowestoft in 1939. William served as Fireman aboard the Fishing Vessel Craigewan, a Milford Haven registered trawler. He was 39 years old when Craigewan was lost at sea on 12 October 1945. He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

James Henry Forrest, Second Engineer Officer, Fishing Fleet. James was the husband of Martha Elizabeth Forrest, of 80 Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven. He was the Second Engineering Officer aboard the Fishing Vessel Craigewan, a Milford Haven registered Trawler. James was 60 years old when Craigewan was lost at sea on 12 October 1945. He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Hector Henry Frost, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Hector was born in Norfolk in 1906. He lodged at 90, Priory Road, Milford Haven and served as Deck Hand aboard the Fishing Vessel Craigewan. He was 39 years old when Craigewan was lost at sea on 12 October 1945. He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Charles William Gwilliam, Chief Engineer, Fishing Fleet. Charles was born on 6 January 1894, the son of Richard Gwilliam and Martha Gwilliam (nee Absalom), of St. Ishmaels. He married Edith Julia Edwards of Milford Haven in 1918, and the couple lived at 27, Prioryville, Milford. He was Chief Engineer aboard the Fishing Vessel Craigewan, a Milford Haven registered Trawler. He was 50 years old when Craigewan was lost at sea on 12 October 1945. He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. His nephew John Gwilliam was also lost at sea.

George Robert Hastings, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. George was born on 9 January 1888, the son of Robert and Anne Marie Hastings, of Milford. He married Elizabeth Green of Milford Haven in 1912, and the couple lived at 30, Dewsland Street, Milford. He was Skipper of the Fishing Vessel Craigewan, a Milford Haven registered Trawler. George was 57 years old when Craigewan was lost at sea on 12 October 1945. He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. His brother William Ronald Hastings died as a result of his service during WW1 and his nephew Frank died during WW2.

William Edward Houghton, Boatswain, Fishing Fleet. William was born on 11 August 1902, the son of William and Margaret Houghton, of 74 Waterloo Road, Milford. He was the husband of L. G. Houghton, of Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire. He was boatswain aboard the Fishing Vessel Craigewan, a Milford Haven registered Trawler. He was 42 years old when Craigewan was lost at sea on 12 October 1945. He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Harry White Howlett, Fireman, Fishing Fleet. Harry was the son of Charles and Catherine Howlett of 2, The Avenue, Crescent Park Street, Hull. He married Edith Gay of Hull in 1939. He served as Fireman aboard the Fishing Vessel Craigewan, a Milford registered trawler. He was 52 years old when Craigewan was lost at sea on 12 October 1945. He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. Edith later emigrated to Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa.

Charles Wilfred Humphries, Cook, Fishing Fleet. Charles was the husband of Scyllia Elizabeth Humphries (nee Perrett), of 17 Albion Street, Milford. He was the cook aboard the Fishing Vessel Craigewan, a Milford Haven registered Trawler. He was 37 years old when Craigewan was lost at sea on 12 October 1945. He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. His widow Scyllia died in 1979.

Percival Parkinson, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Percival was the son of James and Agnes Parkinson, of Northern Ireland, and the husband of Charlotte Parkinson (nee Whelton), of 10, Cromie Terrace, Haverfordwest. He was a fisherman, and worked aboard the Fishing Vessel Craigewan, which was based at Milford Haven. Percival was 21 years old when Craigewan was lost at sea on 12 October 1945. He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. His widow gave birth to their son Michael two days after Craigewan had sailed, on 5 October.

William John Rice, Mate, Fishing Fleet. William lived at 37, Dartmouth Street, Milford. He served as Mate aboard the Fishing Vessel Craigewan, a Milford  registered trawler. He was 54 years old when Craigewan was lost at sea on 12 October 1945. He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

William Reid Sandy, Third Hand, Fishing Fleet. William was born in Peterhead, Aberdeen on 11 June 1891, the son of Robert and Lily Sandy. He was based at Milford with the Royal Naval Reserve during the Great War and married Agnes Maud Curtis there in 1919, but Agnes sadly died in 1921. He remained single for many years, and married Sophia Annie Thomas of Milford Haven in 1943. William served aboard the Fishing Vessel Craigewan, a Milford Haven registered Trawler. William was 54 years old when Craigewan was lost at sea on 12 October 1945. He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Samuel Young, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Samuel was from County Down, but had lodged at 42, Owen Street, Pennar for several years. He served as Deck Hand aboard the Fishing Vessel Craigewan, a Milford registered trawler. He was 50 years old when Craigewan was lost at sea on 12 October 1945. He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Fishing Fleet, Fishing Vessel Cresswell (M129)

The Milford based trawler Cresswell was a 275 gross ton steam trawler that was sunk on 12 November 1939 by gunfire from German submarine U-41 whilst fishing eighteen miles off the Flannan Isles, Outer Hebrides. Five men were initially drowned and eight survivors were picked up by the U-Boat, but one died and was buried at sea.

George Thomas Andrews, Third Hand, Fishing Fleet. George was the son of Henry and Sarah Anne Andrews of Sholing, Hampshire, and the husband of Mrs. G. Andrews. He served as Third Hand aboard the Fishing Vessel Cresswell, a Milford registered trawler. He was 37 years old when Cresswell was sunk on 12 November 1939, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Thomas Gately, Fireman and Trimmer, Fishing Fleet. Thomas served as Fireman and Trimmer aboard the Fishing Vessel Cresswell, a Milford registered trawler. He was 40 years old when Cresswell was sunk on 12 November 1939, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Phillip Killey, Chief Engineer, Fishing Fleet. Phillip was an Irishman who served as Chief Engineer aboard the Fishing Vessel Cresswell, a Milford registered trawler. He was 48 years old when Cresswell was sunk on 12 November 1939, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Frederick Kirby, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Frederick was the son of Matthew and Sarah Ellen Kirby of Hull and the husband of Harriet Kirby, of Hull.     He served as Deck Hand aboard the Fishing Vessel Cresswell, a Milford registered trawler. He was 45 years old when Cresswell was sunk on 12 November 1939, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

James Larter, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. James was the son of John and Fanny Ellen Larter and the grandson of Maria Leftley, of 27, West Parade, Hull, Yorkshire.            He served as Deck Hand aboard the Fishing Vessel Cresswell, a Milford registered trawler. He was 36 years old when Cresswell was sunk on 12 November 1939, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Stanley Lazenby, Fireman and Trimmer, Fishing Fleet. Stanley was the son of Joseph Lazenby, and of Margaret Lazenby, of Hull. He served as Fireman and Trimmer aboard the Fishing Vessel Cresswell, a Milford registered trawler. He was 26 years old when Cresswell was sunk on 12 November 1939, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Fishing Fleet, Trawler Ely (M85)

The Milford registered trawler Ely was a 183 gross ton vessel, built at Govan in 1903. She had been part of the Hull fleet before transferring to Milford in 1930. On 14 January 1945 Ely was en route to fishing grounds and was about fifty miles north-east of the Bishop’s Rock Lighthouse when the Canadian Corvette H.M.C.S. Trillium collided with her, and sunk Ely with the loss of six men. The loss of Ely is not seen as being war related, for some strange reason, and so the men are not commemorated by the CWGC.

William Ayles, Fireman, Fishing Fleet. William lived with his wife and five children at 19, Clarence Street, Pembroke Dock. He served as Fireman aboard the Fishing Vessel Ely. He was 42 years old when Ely was sunk after colliding with H.M. Canadian Corvette Trillium on 14 January 1945. His wife was expecting another child.

Jonathan William James Bullen, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Jonathan, known as Billy, was born in Kirkley, Suffolk, the son of William George and Charlotte Ann Bullen. He became a fisherman at Lowestoft and married Florence Elizabeth Killen in 1935. During the war he lived with his wife at 21, Starbuck Road, Milford. He served as a Deck Hand aboard the Fishing Vessel Ely. He was 55 years old when Ely was sunk after colliding with H.M. Canadian Corvette Trillium on 14 January 1945. His death was recorded in Suffolk, so his body must have been recovered there, and he is buried in Wrentham Municipal Cemetery.

Frederick James Dawes, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. Frederick was son of William and Rosa Dawes, of Ramsgate. He worked in Suffolk as a fisherman and married Bettie Beatrice Bowler in 1934. During WW2 Frederick and Bettie lived at 5, Wellington Road, Hakin, Milford Haven. He served as Skipper of the Fishing Vessel Ely. He was 45 years old when Ely was sunk after colliding with H.M. Canadian Corvette Trillium on 14 January 1945. He is buried at Lowestoft cemetery, so his body must have been recovered from the sea.

Stanley John Edwards, Fireman, Fishing Fleet. Stanley lived at 47, Robert Street, Milford Haven. He served as Fireman aboard the Fishing Vessel Ely. He was 30 years old when Ely was sunk after colliding with H.M. Canadian Corvette Trillium on 14 January 1945.

Charles William Hare, Second Engineer, Fishing Fleet. Charles was born on 4 April 1903, the son of Charles William Hare and Evelyn Mary Hare (nee Price). He married Edith Vera Annie Lloyd in 1938 and the couple lived at 19, Clarence Street, Pembroke Dock. Charles served as an engineer aboard the Fishing Trawler M85 (Ely). He was 41 years old when Ely was sunk after colliding with H.M. Canadian Corvette Trillium on 14 January 1945.

Francis Ernest Hawkins, BEM, Fisherman, Fishing Fleet. Francis was the son of Francis Moxey Hawkings and Lilian Grace Hawkings, of Milford Haven, and lived at 87, Shakespeare Avenue, Milford Haven. He had been awarded the British Empire Medal early in the war, for his courage in action against enemy aircraft while aboard Trawler P & Y in 1941. He was 35 years old when Ely was sunk after colliding with H.M. Canadian Corvette Trillium on 14 January 1945. His brother Ernest also fell during WW2.

Jacob Emil Luyoens, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Jacob was a Belgian fisherman who had fished from Milford during WW1. He returned to Milford to work after the liberation of Belgium in 1944, leaving his family behind. He lodged with Mr Gwilliam at 5, Priory Road. He was 65 years old when Ely was sunk after colliding with H.M. Canadian Corvette Trillium on 14 January 1945.

Fishing Fleet, Fishing Trawler Exeter (LT139)

The Milford based trawler Exeter was a 165 gross ton trawler which had been built in Govan in 1897, and was initially registered at Grimsby as GY426. In 1917 she was requisitioned into the Fishery Service as HMT Exeter, and was released back into civilian use in 1919. She was sunk five miles south of the Bally cotton Light Vessel, off Ireland after being bombed by German aircraft on 29 March 1941 with the loss of nine lives.

William George Aldous, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. William was born at Syleham, Suffolk on 26 December 1895, the son of William and Betsy Aldous. He served in the Fishing Fleet aboard the Fishing Vessel Exeter, a Lowestoft registered trawler. He was 46 years old when Exeter was lost at sea on 29 March 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Sydney Beare, Cook, Fishing Fleet. Sydney was born on 26 October 1884, the son of Robert and Bertha Beare of Gorleston. He married Caroline Maud Shreeve, of Yarmouth in 1904. He had served during WW1 with the Royal Naval Reserve, and the family had moved to Neyland at some time, where Sydney became Cook aboard the Fishing Vessel Exeter, a Lowestoft registered trawler. He was 60 years old when Exeter was lost at sea on 29 March 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. Caroline died at Neyland in 1951.

Walter Henry Chaney, Second Hand, Fishing Fleet. Walter was the son of Walter Henry and Martha Chaney of Great Yarmouth. He served as Second Hand aboard the Fishing Vessel Exeter, a Lowestoft registered trawler. He was 60 years old when Exeter was lost at sea on 29 March 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

John Henry Chapman, Boatswain, Fishing Fleet. John was the son of John and Alice Chapman and the husband of Hilda Chapman of Somerleyton, Suffolk. He served as Boatswain aboard the Fishing Vessel Exeter, a Lowestoft registered trawler.              He was 41 years old when Exeter was lost at sea on 29 March 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Thomas Johnson Coverdale, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Thomas married Violet Thor of Hull in 1935. He served as Deck Hand aboard the Fishing Vessel Exeter, a Lowestoft registered trawler. He was 39 years old when Exeter was lost at sea on 29 March 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

David Evans, Third Engineer, Fishing Fleet. David was the son of Will and Annie Evans, of Pill, Milford Haven, and the husband of Beatrice Evans, of 83, Military Road, Pennar, Pembroke Dock. He served as Third Engineer aboard the Fishing Vessel Exeter, a Lowestoft registered trawler. He was 50 years old when Exeter was lost at sea on 29 March 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Benjamin Griffiths, Chief Engineer, Fishing Fleet. Benjamin was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Griffiths, of 1, Water Street, Honeyborough, Neyland. He served aboard the Fishing Vessel Exeter, a Lowestoft registered trawler. He was 50 years old when Exeter was lost at sea on 29 March 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

David George Spindler, Third Hand, Fishing Fleet. David was born on 27 March 1898, the son of David and Ellen Spindler. He married Ethel Ruth Howlett in 1923, and the family moved to 35, Shakespeare Avenue, Milford at the outbreak of war. David was a former Royal Naval Reservist and served aboard the Steam Trawler Exeter. He was 43 years old when Exeter was lost at sea on 29 March 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. Ethel moved the family back to Lowestoft after the war and died in 1981, aged 79.

Henry Sugden, Second Engineer, Fishing Fleet. Henry was the son of David and Mary Elizabeth Sugden of 122, Oxford Street, Hull. He married Elizabeth McGowan of 19, Beach Street, Hull in 1937. He served as Second Engineer aboard the Fishing Vessel Exeter, a Lowestoft registered trawler. He was 33 years old when Exeter was lost at sea on 29 March 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Fishing Fleet, Fishing Vessel Grenada (H947)

The Milford based trawler Grenada was a 183 gross ton steam trawler that sank on 3 October 1945 at a position thirty miles south of the Old Head of Kinsale. There was just one survivor and it is believed that she was lost as a result of an explosion after bringing up a mine in her trawl.

Frederick Bryan, Mate, Fishing Fleet. Frederick was the son of William Henry and Martha Elizabeth Bryan, and the husband of Emily Bryan, of Hull. He served as Mate aboard the Fishing Vessel Grenada, a Hull registered trawler. He was 40 years old when Grenada was lost on 3 October 1945, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Walter Parkin Harrison, Boatswain, Fishing Fleet. Walter was born in Hull on 20 July 1902. He had served with the Royal Naval Reserve during WW1. He served as Boatswain aboard the Fishing Vessel Grenada, a Hull registered trawler. He was 44 years old when Grenada was lost on 3 October 1945, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Thomas Hill, Cook, Fishing Fleet. Thomas was the son of Fred and Ethel Hill, and the grandson of Mr and Mrs Thomas Henry Langler, of Hull. He served as Cook aboard the Fishing Vessel Grenada, a Hull registered trawler. He was 25 years old when Grenada was lost on 3 October 1945, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. (The CWGC incorrectly records his date of death as 30 October).

Rene Lusyne, Third Hand, Fishing Fleet. Rene was probably a Belgian refugee and served as Third Hand aboard the Fishing Vessel Grenada, a Hull registered trawler. He was 33 years old when Grenada was lost on 3 October 1945, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Sydney Morgans, Second Engineer, Fishing Fleet. Sydney was the son of John and Alice Morgans, and the husband of Martha Morgans, of Marloes. He served as Second Engineer aboard the Fishing Vessel Grenada, a Hull registered trawler. He was 51 years old when Grenada was lost on 3 October 1945, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Charles Henry Smith, Chief Engineer, Fishing Fleet. Charles was born on 30 March 1909, the son of John Robert Smith and Amy Smith, of Hakin. He followed his father into the fishing trade and became a fisherman after leaving school. Charles lived with his wife, Ivy Maud Smith, at 2, Hakinville, Milford prior to the war, and was serving as Chief Engineer aboard the Fishing Vessel Grenada, a Hull registered trawler. He was 36 years old when Grenada was lost on 3 October 1945, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

David Smith, Second Engineer, Fishing Fleet. David lived at 13, Warwick Road, Milford Haven, and was Second Engineer aboard the Fishing Vessel Grenada, a Hull registered trawler. He died aboard the Grenada after suffering a heart attack on 14 April 1943, aged 50.

Maurice Verhaeghe, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Maurice served as Deck Hand aboard the Fishing Vessel Grenada, a Hull registered trawler. He was 23 years old when Grenada was lost on 3 October 1945, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Frederick Wright, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. Frederick served as Skipper of the Fishing Vessel Grenada, a Hull registered trawler. He was 53 years old when Grenada was lost on 3 October 1945, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Thomas Young, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Thomas served as Deck Hand aboard the Fishing Vessel Grenada, a Hull registered trawler. He was 18 years old when Grenada was lost on 3 October 1945, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Fishing Fleet, Fishing Vessel John Baptish (M275)

The Milford trawler John Baptish had been built in 1918. In 1938, she was transferred and registered at Milford Haven. She was a 290 gross ton steam trawler that was sunk on 9 September 1940 after hitting a mine at a position south of the Coningbeg Light Vessel with the loss of thirteen lives.

Hubert Anson, Sailor, Fishing Fleet. Hubert was the husband of Muriel Maud Anson, of 2, St Georges Grove, St Georges Road, Hull. He served as a Sailor aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel John Baptish. He was 28 years old when John Baptish was lost on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Albert Leslie George Badham, Fireman, Fishing Fleet. Albert was the son of Thomas and Emily Badham and the husband of Ellen Badham, of 19, Merlin’s Crescent, Haverfordwest. He served as a Fireman aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel John Baptish. He was 35 years old when John Baptish was lost on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. (The CWGC incorrectly show his date of death as 7 September).

Alfred Leslie Bird, Sailor, Fishing Fleet. Alfred was the son of Albert Victor Bird and Ellen Bird (nee Catchpole), of 64, Pharos Street, Fleetwood. He served as a Sailor aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel John Baptish. He was 20 years old when John Baptish was lost on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. (The CWGC incorrectly show his date of death as 7 September).

James Wynford Eynon, Fireman, Fishing Fleet. James was the son of William H. Eynon and Selina Eynon (nee Rees), of Hillblock, Picton, Haverfordwest. He served as a Fireman aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel John Baptish. He was 26 years old when John Baptish was lost on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

John Robert Freeman, Third Hand, Fishing Fleet. John was the son of Robert Freeman and Mary Jane Freeman (nee Llewellin), of 21, Greville Road, Milford Haven. He served as Third Hand aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel John Baptish. He was 28 years old when John Baptish was lost on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

John Henry Wayman Garton, Boatswain, Fishing Fleet. John was the son of John Henry and Caroline Garton and the husband of Nellie Garton, of 1, Canopus Avenue, Hessle Road, Hull. He served as Boatswain aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel John Baptish. He was 53 years old when John Baptish was lost on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. (The CWGC incorrectly show his date of death as 7 September).

William Henry Hughes, Chief Engineer, Fishing Fleet. William was the son of William Walter and Elizabeth Hughes, of Hill Crescent, Merlins Bridge. He served as Chief Engineer aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel John Baptish. He was 41 years old when John Baptish was lost on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. (The CWGC incorrectly show his date of death as 7 September).

Robert Jordan, Cook, Fishing Fleet. Robert was the son of Thomas and Margaret Jordan, and the  husband of Elizabeth Jordan, of The Strand, Rosslare, County Wexford. He served as a Cook aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel John Baptish. He was 52 years old when John Baptish was lost on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

William James McLean, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. William was born at Brixham on 9 March 1885, the son of James and Emma McLean. The family had moved to Milford by 1911. He married Matilda Gladys Davies of 22, Shakespeare Avenue, Milford Haven. He had served with the Royal Naval Reserve during the Great War and had been mentioned in despatches. During World War Two he was Skipper of the Milford registered Fishing Vessel John Baptish. He was 55 years old when John Baptish was lost on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. (The CWGC incorrectly show his date of death as 7 September).

Samuel Nelson, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Samuel was the son of George William and Agnes Rebecca Nelson, of 35, Midway Grove, Gipsyville, Hull. He served as a Deck Hand aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel John Baptish. He was 26 years old when John Baptish was lost on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Arthur Edward Pritchard, Second Hand, Fishing Fleet. Arthur was the son of Edith Ester Pritchard of Cardiff, and the husband of Nellie S. Pritchard, of 50, Priory Road, Milford. He served as Second Hand aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel John Baptish. He was 44 years old when John Baptish was lost on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

James Edward Thomas, Second Engineer Officer, Fishing Fleet. James was the son of Job and Mary Thomas, and the husband of Margaret Elizabeth Thomas, of 39, Portfield, Haverfordwest. He served as Second Engineer Officer aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel John Baptish. He was 46 years old when John Baptish was lost on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Henry Wordsworth, Sailor, Fishing Fleet. Henry was from 10, Appleby Terrace, St. Paul Street, Hull. He served as a Sailor aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel John Baptish. He was 47 years old when John Baptish was lost on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. (The CWGC incorrectly show his date of death as 7 September).

Fishing Fleet, Fishing Vessel John Dunkin

The Milford registered trawler John Dunkin was a 202 gross ton steam trawler that was sunk on 11 February 1941 by aircraft bombing at a position thirteen miles east of Buckie, with the loss of just one man.

Alexander Gordon Will, Second Engineman, Fishing Fleet. Alexander was the son of Peter and Mary Will, and  the husband of Helen Will (nee Minelas) of Aberdeen. He served as a Second Engineman aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel John Dunkin. He was 69 years old when John Dunkin was lost on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Fishing Fleet, Fishing Vessel Loch Awe (M166)

The Milford registered trawler Loch Awe was a 216 gross ton vessel which had been built in 1909. She had originally been registered at Aberdeen and had served during WW1 as a minesweeper, returning to the Aberdeen fishing fleet before moving to Milford in 1943. On 24 February 1943 Loch Awe had left Milford and was never seen again. She is presumed to have been lost with all hands around 28 February 1943 near Chicken Rock, Isle of Man. Her crew are not commemorated by the CWGC as she is not deemed to have been a war loss, but she more than likely was.

James Bird, Second Engineer, Fishing Fleet. James was born at Treherbert on 20 June 1890, the son of Thomas and Eliza Bird. He came to Milford to work on the fishing fleet and resided at Winch Lane, Haverfordwest. James served as Second Engineer aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Loch Awe. He was 52 years old when he died during the loss of Loch Awe after leaving Milford on 24 February 1943.

William Thomas Daniel Dieby, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. William, known as Danny, was born in Islington, London in 1924. He resided at Hull as a young man and worked on the fishing fleet. William came to Milford after the outbreak of war to serve as a Deck Hand aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Loch Awe. The 19 year old was lost when Loch Awe went missing after leaving Milford on 24 February 1943.

Robert Cyril Goldspink, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. Robert was born on 24 August 1889, the son of Cyril Goldspink and Ellen Goldspink (nee Bedingfield), of 1, The Hollies, London Road, South Lowestoft. He worked on the fishing fleet and married Cecilia Freeman at Lowestoft in 1911. Robert had served with the Royal Navy during the Great War, then moved with his wife and three daughters to Milford Haven at sometime prior to the Second World War, settling at 45, Robert Street, Milford Haven. Robert served with the Royal Naval Reserve during the early months of the war, on the Boom Defences at Milford Haven, then became Skipper of the Trawler Loch Awe. He was 54 years old when Loch Awe went missing after leaving Milford on 24 February 1943.

John Gwilliam, Chief Engineer, Fishing Fleet. John was born in St. Ishmaels on 30 March 1906, the son of Mary Ann Gwilliam. He married Mabel Emma Wigg of Milford Haven in 1935. John joined the fishing fleet as a young man and became Chief Engineer aboard the Trawler Loch Awe. He was 37 years old when Loch Awe was lost with all hands after leaving Milford on 24 February 1943. John is commemorated on a family gravestone at Milford Haven Cemetery. His uncle Charles William Gwilliam was also lost at sea during the war.

Edward Hogg, Cook, Fishing Fleet. Edward was born on 27 April 1893, the son of John Hogg and Emma Hogg (nee Simmons), of Great Yarmouth. He married Dora Emily Twitchett at Yarmouth on 19 March 1915. Edward had served during WW1 with the Royal Naval Reserve, and after the war moved to 35, Cromwell Road, Milford Haven with his wife. Edward then gained work as a Cook aboard the Fishing Vessel Loch Awe. He was 50 years old when she was lost with all hands after leaving Milford on 24 February 1943.

Fred Jeffries, Fireman, Fishing Fleet. Fred was born in 1905, the son of Frederick Jeffries and Belle Jeffries (nee Stinson), of 53, Priory Road, Milford Haven. He joined the fishing fleet as a young man and resided at Shakespeare Avenue, Milford. Fred served as a fireman aboard the Fishing Trawler Loch Awe. He was 38 years old when Loch Awe was lost with all hands after leaving Milford on 24 February 1943.

Joseph Thomas Jenkinson, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Joseph was born at Hull in 1924, the son of Thomas Jenkinson and Lavinia Jenkinson (nee Louth). He joined the fishing fleet as a young man, then following the outbreak of war came to Milford Haven to serve as a Deck Hand aboard the Fishing Trawler Loch Awe. Joseph was 19 years old when he was lost when Loch Awe went missing after leaving Milford on 24 February 1943.

Ernest Arthur Ledner, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Ernest was born in Kent on 10 October 1889, the son of John and Elizabeth Jane Ledner. He went to sea as a young man to serve in the fishing fleet. Ernest had served for two years in the Royal Navy prior to the Great War, then upon gaining his discharge in 1907 moved to Woodson Cottage, Milford Haven, gaining work in the town on the fishing fleet. He married Alice Maud Lonsdale Weymouth at Milford in 1913. Following the outbreak of war in August 1914 Ernest re-joined the Royal Navy and served throughout the war. Upon his return to Milford, the couple moved to Edward Street, Milford Haven and Ernest became a Deck Hand aboard the Fishing Trawler Loch Awe. He was 53 years old when he was lost following the disappearance of Loch Awe after leaving Milford on 24 February 1943.

Harry Earl Moore, Fireman, Fishing Fleet. Harry was born in Hull on 23 April 1918, the son of Fred Moore and Alice Moore (nee Hawkes). He had served with the Merchant Navy before the war and then joined the crew of the Fishing Trawler Loch Awe. He was 24 years old when Loch Awe went missing after having left Milford on 24 February 1943.

David Henry Picton, Mate, Fishing Fleet. David was born on 3 December 1893, the son of David Henry Picton and Annie Jane Picton (nee Owens), of Hakin. He married Alice May Braddick on 19 June 1918, and the couple set up home at Prioryville, Milford Haven. David worked as Mate aboard the Fishing Vessel Loch Awe. He was 49 years old when Loch Awe was lost with all hands after leaving Milford on 24 February 1943. His son, John Henry Picton, and his brother in law Percy Gammer, also fell during the war.

John Aldous Salmon, Third Hand, Fishing Fleet. John was born at Lowestoft on 23 October 1910, the son of John Salmon and Lilian Gertrude Salmon (nee Blowers). He came to Milford to work on the fishing fleet and on 26 December 1932 married Cecilia Ellen Goldspink, of Robert Street, Milford Haven. John served as Third Hand aboard the Milford Steam Trawler Loch Awe, and was drowned when she sank sometime after leaving Milford on 24 February 1943. His widow Cecilia also lost her father, Cyril Robert Goldspink in the loss of Loch Awe.

William Richard Sanderson, Boatswain, Fishing Fleet. William was born in 1910, the son of Ralph Sanderson and Emily Sanderson (nee Kingston), of Greville Road, Milford Haven. He joined the fishing fleet as a young man and became Bosun of the Fishing Trawler Loch Awe. William was 32 years old when he was lost with Loch Awe sometime after leaving Milford on 24 February 1943.

Fishing Fleet, Fishing Vessel Respondo (HL63)

The Milford based trawler Respondo was a 209 gross ton steam trawler that was sunk after being bombed by enemy aircraft on 24 September 1940 off the Old Head of Kinsale, with the loss of eleven lives.

Harry Brown Barr, Chief Engineer, Fishing Fleet. Harry was born at Leith on 9 December 1900, and had served with the Royal Naval Rserve during WW1. He then lived at 33, Church Street, Haverfordwest. He served as Chief Engineer aboard the Fishing Vessel Respondo, a West Hartlepool registered trawler which was based at Milford. Harry was 39 years old when Respondo was lost with all hands while fishing off the Irish Coast on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Harry R. Ivor Bennett, Boatswain, Fishing Fleet. Harry was the son of Harry Bennett and Eliza Bennett (nee Griffiths), of 9, Albion Street, Milford. He served as Boatswain aboard the Fishing Trawler Respondo, a West Hartlepool registered trawler which was based at Milford. He was 26 years old when Respondo was lost with all hands while fishing off the Irish Coast on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

James Richard Evans, Fireman, Fishing Fleet. James was the son of William and Annie Evans, of 83, Military Road, Pennar. He served as Fireman aboard the Fishing Vessel Respondo, a West Hartlepool registered trawler. He was 43 years old when Respondo was lost with all hands while fishing off the Irish Coast on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Sydney Eynon, Fireman, Fishing Fleet. Sydney lived at 82 Marble Hall Road, Milford. He served as a Fireman aboard the Fishing Trawler Respondo, a West Hartlepool registered trawler which was based at Milford. He was 45 years old when Respondo was lost with all hands while fishing off the Irish Coast on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

William Harteveld, Second Hand, Fishing Fleet. William was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Harteveld, Dutch emigrants who had moved to Milford Haven. He married Mary Selina Jenkins of Cromwell Road, Milford in 1915. He served as Second Hand aboard the Fishing Trawler Respondo, a West Hartlepool registered trawler which was based at Milford. He was 65 years old when Respondo was lost with all hands while fishing off the Irish Coast on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Thomas Richard Owston, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. Thomas was the son of Ambrose Owston and Minnie Owston (nee James), of 44, St Anne’s Road, Hakin, Milford Haven. He married Norah Maloney of Milford Haven in 1924. He was Skipper of the Fishing Trawler Respondo, a West Hartlepool registered trawler which was based at Milford. He was 36 years old when Respondo was lost with all hands while fishing off the Irish Coast on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

William John Owston, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. William was the son of Ambrose Owston and Minnie Owston (nee James), of 44, St Anne’s Road, Hakin, Milford Haven. He served as a Deck Hand aboard the Fishing Trawler Respondo, a West Hartlepool registered trawler which was based at Milford. He was 33 years old when Respondo was lost with all hands while fishing off the Irish Coast on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Arthur Phillips, Second Engineer, Fishing Fleet. Arthur lived at 8, Mayoral Terrace, Haverfordwest. He served as Second Engineer aboard the Fishing Trawler Respondo, a West Hartlepool registered trawler which was based at Milford. He was 60 years old when Respondo was lost with all hands while fishing off the Irish Coast on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Huys Pieter, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Huys was a Belgian evacuee who lived at 38, Cromwell Road, Milford. He served as a Deck Hand aboard the Fishing Trawler Respondo, a West Hartlepool registered trawler which was based at Milford. He was 32 years old when Respondo was lost with all hands while fishing off the Irish Coast on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Edward Albert Scrivens, Third Hand, Fishing Fleet. Edward was the son of William and Rosina Scrivens, of Norfolk. He married Hadassah Anna Sophia Abbott of 103, Robert Street, Milford Haven in 1938. He served as Third Hand aboard the Fishing Trawler Respondo, a West Hartlepool registered trawler which was based at Milford. He was 35 years old when Respondo was lost with all hands while fishing off the Irish Coast on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Arthur Tickner, Cook, Fishing Fleet. Arthur lived at 19, Dartmouth Gardens, Milford. He served as Cook aboard the Fishing Trawler Respondo, a West Hartlepool registered trawler which was based at Milford. He was 50 years old when Respondo was lost with all hands while fishing off the Irish Coast on 10 September 1940, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Fishing Fleet, Fishing Vessel River Ythan (M51)

The Milford based trawler River Ythan was a 172 gross ton vessel which had been built in Aberdeen in 1905. After becoming converted for use as a minesweeper during WW1 she returned to fishing off Scotland and moved to Milford in December 1939. On 12 August 1940 she had managed to escape serious damage after being bombed and machine-gunned by enemy aircraft off the Smalls. On 15 December 1944 she went missing presumed sunk in the North Sea, with the loss of twelve men.

Arthur Ephraim Bacon, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. He was born at Harwich on 25 December 1895, the son of Barney and Sarah Bacon. He had served during WW1 with the Merchant Navy, and after the Armistice returned to work in the Fishing Fleet. He served as a Deck Hand aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel River Ythan. He was 48 years old when River Ythan was lost with all hands in the North Sea on 15 December 1944, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Alfred John Bennett, First Engineer, Fishing Fleet. Alfred was the son of John and Mary Elizabeth Bennett, and the husband of Edith Bennett, of Grimsby, Lincolnshire. He served as First Engineer aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel River Ythan. He was 47 years old when River Ythan was lost with all hands in the North Sea on 15 December 1944, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Edward Albert Bray, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. Edward was Skipper of the Milford registered Fishing Vessel River Ythan. He was 43 years old when River Ythan was lost with all hands in the North Sea on 15 December 1944, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Herbert Brightmore, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Herbert was the husband of Susan Brightmore, of Grimsby, Lincolnshire. He served as a Deck Hand aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel River Ythan. He was 48 years old when River Ythan was lost with all hands in the North Sea on 15 December 1944, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Frank Bullock, Mate, Fishing Fleet. Frank was the son of Jane Bullock, and the husband of Eva Bullock, of Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire. He served as Mate aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel River Ythan. He was 40 years old when River Ythan was lost with all hands in the North Sea on 15 December 1944, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

James George Foster, Trimmer, Fishing Fleet. James served as Trimmer aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel River Ythan. He was 36 years old when River Ythan was lost with all hands in the North Sea on 15 December 1944, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

William Gfug, Cook, Fishing Fleet. William was the son of Cuno Von Gfug, a naturalised German, and Annie Gfug, of 81 Graving Dock Street, Barry. He served as a Cook aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel River Ythan. He was 53 years old when River Ythan was lost with all hands in the North Sea on 15 December 1944, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Charles Frederick Graves, Trimmer, Fishing Fleet. Charles served as a Trimmer aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel River Ythan. He was 39 years old when River Ythan was lost with all hands in the North Sea on 15 December 1944, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Herbert Lewis Hunter, Second Engineer, Fishing Fleet. Herbert was the son of George Samuel and Sarah Ann Hunter, of Hull, and the husband of Florence May Hunter, of Hull. He served as Second Engineer aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel River Ythan. He was 35 years old when River Ythan was lost with all hands in the North Sea on 15 December 1944, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Albert Edward Miles, Third Hand, Fishing Fleet. Albert served as Third Hand aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel River Ythan. He was 42 years old when River Ythan was lost with all hands in the North Sea on 15 December 1944, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

George Arthur Smith, Trimmer, Fishing Fleet. George was the husband of V. E. Smith, of Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire. He served as a Trimmer aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel River Ythan. He was 37 years old when River Ythan was lost with all hands in the North Sea on 15 December 1944, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Frederick William Sullivan, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Frederick was the son of Joseph and Annie Elizabeth Sullivan, of Grimsby. He served as a Deck Hand aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel River Ythan. He was 17 years old when River Ythan was lost with all hands in the North Sea on 15 December 1944, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Fishing Fleet, Fishing Vessel Thomas Deas (M253)

The Milford registered trawler Thomas Deas was a 275 gross ton vessel which had been built on the Tyne. She had been requisitioned for use by the Admiralty as a minesweeper during WW1, before returning to trawling. She was lost when she struck a mine and sunk four miles off Spurn Point on 16 February 1941, with the loss of 14 men, including a Pilot from the Humber Conservancy Board.

George Robert Bush, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. George served as a Deck Hand aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Thomas Deas. He was 19 years old when Thomas Deas struck a mine, blew up and sank with the loss of thirteen men and a Pilot from the Humber Conservancy Board on 16 February 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

George Robert Dodson, Third Hand, Fishing Fleet. George was born on 28 July 1897, the son of Charles and Esther Dodson of 7 Gordon Avenue, Eastbourne Street, Hull. He served as Third Hand aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Thomas Deas. He was 43 years old when Thomas Deas struck a mine, blew up and sank with the loss of thirteen men and a Pilot from the Humber Conservancy Board on 16 February 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Thomas George Hudson, Chief Engineer, Fishing Fleet. Thomas was the son of John and Sarah Jane Hudson, of Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire. He served as Chief Engineer aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Thomas Deas. He was 48 years old when Thomas Deas struck a mine, blew up and sank with the loss of thirteen men and a Pilot from the Humber Conservancy Board on 16 February 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Thomas Madden, Cook, Fishing Fleet. Thomas was the son of Annie Madden, of 5 Spring Terrace, Seward Street, Hull. He served as Cook aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Thomas Deas. He was 36 years old when Thomas Deas struck a mine, blew up and sank with the loss of thirteen men and a Pilot from the Humber Conservancy Board on 16 February 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Richard Neill, Second Engineer, Fishing Fleet. Richard was the son of James and Martha Neill, and the husband of Mary Neill, of Fleetwood, Lancashire. He served as Second Engineer aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Thomas Deas. He was 39 years old when Thomas Deas struck a mine, blew up and sank with the loss of thirteen men and a Pilot from the Humber Conservancy Board on 16 February 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

William Gordon Phillips, Fireman and Trimmer, Fishing Fleet. William served as a Fireman and Trimmer aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Thomas Deas. He was 40 years old when Thomas Deas struck a mine, blew up and sank with the loss of thirteen men and a Pilot from the Humber Conservancy Board on 16 February 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Charles Henry Powdrell, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Charles was born at Hull on 13 February 1884, the son of John and Diana Powdrell. He married Mary Elizabeth Houghton of Hull in 1904. He served as a Deck Hand aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Thomas Deas. He was 57 years old when Thomas Deas struck a mine, blew up and sank with the loss of thirteen men and a Pilot from the Humber Conservancy Board on 16 February 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. His brother Harold was also lost aboard Thomas Deas.

Harold Powdrell, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Harold was born at Hull on 11 February 1890, the son of John and Dinah Powdrell. He married Rose Emma Billem of Hull in 1914. He served as a Deck Hand aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Thomas Deas. He was 51 years old when Thomas Deas struck a mine, blew up and sank with the loss of thirteen men and a Pilot from the Humber Conservancy Board on 16 February 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. His brother Charles was also lost aboard Thomas Deas.

Thomas Patrick Power, Fireman and Trimmer, Fishing Fleet. Thomas was born at Tramore, Waterford on 22 April 1899, the son of Thomas and Mary Power. On 5 November 1931 he married Ellen Rewa Abbott at Newport, Monmouthshire, and the couple set up home at Tramore, Co. Waterford, Irish Republic. He served as a Fireman and Trimmer aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Thomas Deas. He was 41 years old when Thomas Deas struck a mine, blew up and sank with the loss of thirteen men and a Pilot from the Humber Conservancy Board on 16 February 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

John Henry Raywell, Second Hand, Fishing Fleet. John was the son of Joseph and Eliza Ellis Raywell of Hull. He married Clara Cook of Hull in 1938. He served as Second Hand aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Thomas Deas. He was 25 years old when Thomas Deas struck a mine, blew up and sank with the loss of thirteen men and a Pilot from the Humber Conservancy Board on 16 February 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. (The CWGC give his age as 25, but he was probably 38 years old when he died).

Walter Scott, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. Walter was the son of Walter and Lilly Scott, and the husband of Jinnie Scott, of Fleetwood, Lancashire. He served as Skipper of the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Thomas Deas. He was 44 years old when Thomas Deas struck a mine, blew up and sank with the loss of thirteen men and a Pilot from the Humber Conservancy Board on 16 February 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Walter Semper, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Walter was the son of John William and Ada Semper, of 8, Blenheim Crescent, Rugby Street, Hull. He served as a Deck Hand aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Thomas Deas. He was 29 years old when Thomas Deas struck a mine, blew up and sank with the loss of thirteen men and a Pilot from the Humber Conservancy Board on 16 February 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

John William Kellup Stone, Pilot, Humber Conservancy Board Pilot Service. John was the husband of Doris Stone, of 256, Pickering Road, Kingston-Upon-Hull. He was a Pilot with the Humber Conservancy Board Pilot Service. He was 48 years old when Thomas Deas struck a mine, blew up and sank with the loss of thirteen men and himself on 16 February 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Robert Wilson, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Robert was the son of Edward and Maud Wilson. He served as a Deck Hand aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Thomas Deas. He was 23 years old when Thomas Deas struck a mine, blew up and sank with the loss of thirteen men and a Pilot from the Hull Conservatory Board on 16 February 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Fishing Fleet, Fishing Vessel Westfield (M278)

The Milford registered Fishing Vessel Westfield was a 139 gross ton trawler which had been built in Holland in 1917. It had been registered at Milford in 1938. She went missing on or after 6 July 1941 while fishing off St. Govan’s Head, and is thought to have been sunk by enemy aircraft with the loss of ten men.

George Elijah Coleman, Chief Engineer, Fishing Fleet. George was born on 25 April 1893, the son of Harry and Mary Ann Coleman, and was the husband of Susan Ethel Coleman, of Kirkley, Lowestoft, Suffolk. He had moved to 39, Point Street, Hakin to work as Chief Engineer aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Westfield. He was 47 years old when Westfield was lost with all hands on 6 July 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

William Dainty, Cook, Fishing Fleet. William lived at 15, Crescent Street, Grimsby. He served as Cook aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Westfield. He was 60 years old when Westfield was lost with all hands on 6 July 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

William Flowers, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. William was born on 6 September 1891, and was the husband of L. D. Flowers, of Aston Villa, Highland Way, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Suffolk. He served as a Deck Hand aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Westfield. He was 52 years old when Westfield was lost with all hands on 6 July 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Bertie Edward Hunt, Mate, Fishing Fleet. Bertie was born on 8 June 1895, the son of Ephraim and Elizabeth Hunt, of Lowestoft. He married Violet Kathleen Woodcock of Lowestoft, Suffolk in 1919, and the couple moved to 49, Dewsland Street, Milford. He served as Mate aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Westfield. He was 46 years old when Westfield was lost with all hands on 6 July 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Martin Kennedy, Trimmer, Fishing Fleet. Martin lived at of 21 Gwilli Road, Hakin. He served as a Trimmer aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Westfield. He was 52 years old when Westfield was lost with all hands on 6 July 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

John Warford Rushmore, Boatswain, Fishing Fleet. John was born on 7 September 1898, the son of Frederick and Elizebeth Rushmore. He married Ruby A. Rogers of Lowestoft, Suffolk in 1928, and the couple moved to 21, Starbuck Road, Milford. He served as Boatswain aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Westfield. He was 42 years old when Westfield was lost with all hands on 6 July 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Percival James Mark Sandford, Chief Engineer, Fishing Fleet. Percival was born in Lowestoft on 30 September 1894. He was a Royal Naval Reservist from Norfolk who had been based in Milford during the Great War. He married Elizabeth Hannah Ayers in 1920, and the couple moved to 149, Robert Street, Milford Haven. Percival was Chief Engineer aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Westfield. He was 46 years old when Westfield was lost with all hands on 6 July 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. His widow Elizabeth died at Milford in 1957, aged 63.

Thomas Stephens, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. Thomas was the husband of Emma Alice Stephens (nee Abbott), of Ramsgate, Kent, and the family lived at 55, Priory Road, Milford. He was Skipper of the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Westfield. He was 57 years old when Westfield was lost with all hands on 6 July 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. His son, Lance Corporal Edwin Tom Stephens was killed on manoeuvres in England on 25 June 1941.

Benjamin Robert Tobutt, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Benjamin was the son of Benjamin and Alice Tobutt, of 13, Chapel Street, Hakin, Milford Haven. He married Alice Phillips of Milford in 1940. He served as a Deck Hand aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Westfield. He was 37 years old when Westfield was lost with all hands on 6 July 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Stanley George Watkins, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Stanley was the son of Thomas Bertie Lloyd Watkins and Florence Martha Watkins (nee Jones), of Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven. He served as a Deck Hand aboard the Milford registered Fishing Vessel Westfield. He was 18 years old when Westfield was lost with all hands on 6 July 1941, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.