David Hanlan, SS Ravensworth

Leading Seaman (Gunner), 206086, RN, RFR LPO/B/7136, SS Ravensworth. Drowned, aged 36, on 15 September 1917.

SS Ravensworth, a Newcastle Iron Steamer (801 tons), was outward bound from Cardiff to Aalesund, Norway, when it foundered after a collision with SS Eveleen 4.5 miles east by south of Copeland Islands, North Irish Sea with the loss of 5 men. The ship was built in 1883 by J Priestman & Co. at their Castletown Yard, Southwick, Sunderland and at the time of loss was owned by Owen I Harries of 4,Cambrian Place, Swansea.

His body came ashore at Ballantrae, Scotland on 23 September 1917.

He was born on 5 September 1881 at Belfast, County Antrim and was the husband of Lizzie (Elizabeth) Jane Hanlan (nee Wright) of 18 Cross Street, Holyhead (b.1887). They married at Holyhead in 1910. He was the son of David and Ellen Hanlan and was the brother of Mrs King of 91 Dover Street, Belfast. He left behind two children, David H Hanlan (b.1911) and Eileen U Hanlan (b.1912).

He had been in the Navy for 18 years and was a survivor of the Battle of Jutland, having served on Admiral Jellicoe's flagship, HMS Iron Duke. He joined the Navy on his 18th birthday in 1899, signing up for 12 years. His previous occupation was given as Labourer. He was promoted to Able Seaman in 1903. He transferred to the Royal Fleet Reserve (shore) in 1905 and continued there until 1916 when he again took up sea going service, including serving on HMS Iron Duke. He was demobilised in June 1917 and transferred to President III as a DAMS Gunner (Defensibly Armed Merchant Ship). He was then rated as Leading Seaman. His widow later married William Williams VC of Amlwch at Holyhead in 1923.

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

Buried at Ballantrae Parish Churchyard, position 173, together with Engineer George Henry Trengove of the same ship. (Memorial Stone erected by public subscription).

Image of David Hanlan from the Belfast Evening Telegraph with thanks to Walter Millar www.ourheroesinmemoriam.com

Image of the gravestone from http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Ayrshire/Ballantrae.htm