Charles Thomas Cotton, HMS Genista

HMS Genista was an Arabis Class Minesweeper Sloop of 1,250 tons, built in 1916. The ship was torpedoed by the Submarine U-57 off the West Coast of Ireland. She sank very rapidly, taking with her all her officers and 73 ratings. Only 12 ratings were saved.

Born 16 April 1893 at Holyhead, the son of Arthur and Elizabeth Cotton (nee Beck) of 3 Bodlondeb Street, Holyhead. In 1911 the family lived at the same address and consisted of Arthur Cotton (47) an Engine Fitter for the LNWR and born at Stantonbury, Buckinghamshire; his wife Elizabeth (46) born at Wolverton, Buckinghamshire; Edith Cotton (23) born at Crewe; William James Cotton (21) born at Crewe, a self-employed Hairdreser; Arthur (19) an Apprentice Engine Fitter, born at Crewe; Charles Thomas Cotton (17) an unemployed House Painter; Gladys Cotton (16); Harold Cotton (12) and Henry Cotton (9). The last 4 children were born at Holyhead.

Able Seaman Cotton was previously employed as a Carriage Cleaner for the Carriage Department of the London & North Western Railway. Had no previous sea experience. His service record shows that he joined the Royal Naval Division (RNVR) on 16 January 1916. He served at the shore base, HMS Victory, from 25 April to 9 May 1916 and then joined HMS Genista on 10 May until 20 May 1916. He then transferred back to HMS Colleen, the shore base at Queenstown, Ireland. His record indicates that he was serving at HMS Colleen at the time of his death. It would seem that he was a late addition to HMS Genista in that his records were not updated in time to reflect the transfer.

Brother of Harold Cotton, RNVR (killed on the Western Front in October 1918 whilst serving with Hawke Battalion, RN Division).

Awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.

Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Panel 19. Also commemorated on the LNWR Roll of Honour.

Image is of HMS Snapdragon a similar Arabis Class Sloop