John Roberts, HMT Merse

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. All 17 crewmembers were lost, including four from Holyhead.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 HM Trawler 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 Higgins, John Jones and Richard Roberts).

Born on18 February 1896 at Holyhead, he was the son of Hugh and Mary Roberts of Picton House, 2 Baron Hill, Newborough, Anglesey. In 1901 the family lived at 24 Gilbert Street, Holyhead and comprised - Hugh Roberts (46), a Mariner, Mary Roberts (37), Annie Roberts (14), Richard Hugh Roberts (11) and John Roberts (5). Also at the house was a relative Richard Roberts (72), Widower. His parents originated from Newborough, Anglesey. In 1911 the family had relocated to Newborough and lived at Pen Llyn. The family then comprised - Hugh and Mary Roberts, John Roberts (15) and two Boarders, Gwladlys and James Williams. Hugh and Mary had married in about 1885.

Awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.

Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Panel 28. Also included on the war memorial at Newborough, Anglesey.

With thanks to Morwenna Owen for permission to include the photo of John Roberts.