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Herman Lile Young, Steward, 484890, Mercantile Marine Reserve, HMT Laurentic. Lost at sea due to enemy action, aged 28, on 25 January 1917.
SS Laurentic (14,892 tons) was a British Ocean Liner built in 1908 by Harland and Wolf and operated by the White Star Line.
Being in Montréal when the war began, SS Laurentic was commissioned as a troop transport for the Canadian Expeditionary Force. She also transported German prisoners and nationals from West Africa. After conversion to an Armed Merchant Cruiser in 1915 she saw duty in the Indian Ocean and Far East prior to returning to home waters.
On route from Liverpool to Halifax, Nova Scotia, whilst carrying a large consignment of gold bullion to pay for munitions, she struck two mines, laid off Fanad Head by the German Submarine U 80. This was shortly after departing from the Royal Navy's base in Lough Swilly in County Donegal, in the north of Ireland. She sank within an hour. Only 121 of the 475 passengers and crew aboard survived. The value of the 3,211 gold ingots was then worth over £5 Million.
Born in Marsden, Durham, Herman was the son of William and Bessie Young of Pembroke Dock. He was the husband of Annie Young (nee Jones) of 36 Thomas Street, Holyhead. They married on 22 April 1913 at Toxteth, Liverpool. At the time of his death they may have been living at 5 Whally Street, Liverpool.
In 1901, aged 13, he lived at South Stack Lighthouse where his father William Young (44) was Principal Lighthouse Keeper, aged 44. His mother, Bessie Selina Young (nee Hoy), was born in Devon, whilst William originated from Pembrokeshire. At that time the family included two daughters, Eleanor Sarah (19) and Eva Gwendoline (9). In 1911 the family had moved to 6 Great Eastern, Neyland, Pembrokeshire, where Herman had been employed as a Steward on the GWR Steamers since May 1908.
Awarded the 1914-15 Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal.
His grave is the sea. Commemorated on Plymouth Naval Memorial, position 26.
Image from http://www.titanic-whitestarships.com
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