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Deck Hand, 15924DA, RNR, HM Trawler Merse. Lost, aged 18, on 22 May 1917.
The trawler was sunk by a mine off Garroch Head, Isle of Bute whilst escorting HMS Ramilies to the River Mersey for repair after she had damaged her rudder on launching.
HMT Merse (296 tons) was completed in December 1914 for the Mersey Steam Trawling Co. of Fleetwood and was requisitioned in February 1915. Mine laid by the German Submarine UC 65 on 30 April 1917.An eyewitness on the HMT The Roman recorded the loss - "Was employed sweeping in front of the new dreadnought, HMS Ramillies, that was being escorted to Liverpool by several destroyers and armed trawlers. All of a sudden we heard a very loud explosion and on looking in the direction of the sound I saw the 2 wireless masts of a trawler falling toward each other. It was the trawler 'Merse.' She had struck a mine. Not a man was seen thereafter. The only thing that was picked up was the small boat."
All 17 crewmembers were lost, including three others from Holyhead (John Jones, John Roberts and Richard Roberts).Born on 23 March 1899 in Holyhead the son of James Higgins (Engine Driver) and Mary Ellen Higgins of 63 London Road, Holyhead. In 1901 lived with his parents and two brothers at 20 Henry Street, Holyhead. His mother passed away, age 54, only three years after the loss of her son.
Awarded the British War Medal.
Commemorated on Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Panel 27 and remembered on a family grave in Holyhead (Maeshyfryd) Burial Board Cemetery.
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