Henry David Jones, HMS Cressy

HMS Cressy was an armoured cruiser and was patrolling an area of the North Sea with her sister ships HMS Aboukir and HMS Hogue. HMS Aboukir was hit by a torpedo first and rolled over within half an hour of the attack. HMS Hogue was picking up survivors when she was hit by two torpedoes, sinking within 10 minutes. HMS Cressy had stopped to pick up survivors, but got underway, before she was hit by a torpedo and damaged. Shortly afterwards, a second torpedo hit her and she sank within 15 minutes.

The German Submarine SMS-U9 was responsible for all three sinkings. All together 837 men were rescued but 1459 men were lost. Wrecks are located approximately 27 miles northwest of the Hook of Holland.

Born on 29 August 1889 (his RNR Service Record states 1888) at Trefdraeth, Bodorgan, Anglesey, he was the eldest son of John and Martha Ann Jones (nee Thomas) of 30 Cecil Street, London Road, Holyhead. Also lived at 28 Cecil Street, Holyhead. Father was employed as a Tailor. He was educated at the National School, Holyhead.

He initially served on the LNWR steamers at Holyhead, starting as a Deck Boy and joined the RNR on 1 July 1908. At this time he was living at 13 Arthur Street, Holyhead. He then made many foreign going voyages whilst serving as an AB Seaman in the Mercantile Marine. In 1913 after returning to Holyhead he regained employment on the LNWR steamers. Prior to that he had a short spell serving on a dredger at Garston Dock, Liverpool. He served on HMS Bulwark during November and December 1912 and was recommended for promotion to Leading Seaman.

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

Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Panel 6. He is also commemorated on the LNWR Roll of Honour.

Image of HMS Cressy from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/HMS_Cressy