Fireman on the s/s ‘Dido’. sunk on 26/02/1916, aged 34. lived at 80 Grimston Street, Hull (HDM 28/02/1916). he is not listed on CWGC records.
DIDO SS was a British Merchant steamer of 4,769grt. On the 26th February 1916 when on route from Hull for India she hit a mine when 4 miles Nne from Spurn Light Vessel, North Sea. 28 lives were lost, including Master. Owned by Wilson Line, Hull. Read more at wrecksite: https://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?11978
While lying at anchor at 6.15 a.m. during gale force winds and heavy snow squalls, a violent explosion occurred on the port side of the vessel. The chief officer and two crew attempted to lower a boat to inspect the damage but this broke adrift as it reached the water. In the heavy weather the three men were unable to row back to the ship which the soon lost sight of in the squall. Fortunately the boat was soon picked up by the Belgian s.s. MARTHA on her way to the DIDO in an attempted to pick up those of her crew who were now in the water, due to the extreme cold and exhaustion they were unable to seize the ropes and life belts thrown to them. The MARTHA also attempted to lower a lifeboat but were unable due to the heavy sea. The Belgian steamer stood by the DIDO until she sank at 7.20 a.m. then proceeded to Hull. The ship’s papers sank with with the vessel along with a stowaway passenger. Read more at wrecksite: https://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?11978
