Benjamin Weatherall, HMS Natal

HMS Natal was a Warrior Class Armoured Cruiser of 13,550 tons built in 1907 and part of the 2nd Cruiser Squadron. At the time of her loss her Captain, Eric Back, and his wife were hosting a party on board which included nurses, civilians and children, all of whom were among the 421 who lost their lives. It was considered that the loss was due to a cordite explosion and fire in a magazine. There were 400 survivors including approximately 100 of the crew who were ashore, some involved in a football match.

Benjamin Weatherall was born in the Parish of Emmanuel, Preston, Lancashire on 17 October 1879. In 1901 he lived with his parents James and Sarah A Weatherall at 87 Aquaduct Street, Emmanuel, Preston. He was the eldest of five children. He was employed as a Furnace Stoker, probably at a Cotton Mill. Both his father and three of his siblings were employed at a Mill, including his youngest sister aged 13.

At Holyhead in 1908 he married Jane Carter (b. about 1886 in Liverpool). They had two sons born in Holyhead - Henry in 1911 and Edwin in 1913. In 1911 he was at Chatham Royal Naval Barracks serving as a Petty Officer. At the same Census his wife was living at her Grandparent's house, 45 London Road, Holyhead with her widowed mother, two single sisters and a three day old son, John (probably registered as Henry). Also resided at 3 Cleveland Crescent, Holyhead.

He joined the Navy as a Stoker on 20 August 1902 for 12 years. He had been previously employed as a Fireman (Furnace Stoker). He re-enlisted in August 1914 until the end of the war. He became a Leading Stoker in August 1907 and a Stoker PO in 1908. He qualified as a Mechanician in July 1912 and joined HMS Natal on 20 November 1912.

(Note. The rate of Mechanician was established at Petty Officer level in 1903 with the capability of taking charge of a Boiler or Engine Room).

Awarded the 1914-15 Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal.

Buried in Rosskeen Parish Churchyard Extension Burial Ground, location C.364. His body was only one of 17 that were identified for burial.

Grave image from http://www.oddquine.co.uk/gravestones/gravestones27c.htm by kind permission of Nancy Whyte

Ship image from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:HMS_Natal.jpg