Robert John Williams, HMS Drake
Leading Stoker, 302211, RN, HMS Drake. Died, aged 34, on 2 October 1917 off Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland.
HMS Drake was a 14,000 ton Drake Class Armoured Cruiser, built in 1902 and at 23 knots was one of the fastest cruisers in the world at that time. Her stations included the Mediterranean Grand Fleet from 1914-15 and the North American and West Indies theatre of operations from 1915-17.
When she was sunk she had just completed a mission of escorting convoy HH24 coming from the USA. At approximately 09.00 hrs a torpedo from the German Submarine U79 struck the second boiler room, which flooded immediately and killed everyone in it except two. In all 19 crewmembers were lost. The ship was able to continue but eventually capsized in Church Bay. The Submarine also sank the destroyer HMS Bristle and the cargo ship SS Lugano.
Born on 17 April 1883 at Holyhead. He was the son of Lewis and Elizabeth Williams of 7 Old Post Road, Holyhead. In 1901 he lived at 7 Old Post Road, Holyhead with his parents, Lewis Williams (51) and Elizabeth Williams (49); brother, William (21), a Carriage Cleaner; sister, Maggie (11) and maternal grandmother, Ellen Williams (80). His father was a Cattle Porter and Robert was then employed, aged 17, as a Wagon Greaser.
He joined the Royal Navy on 1 December 1902 for an initial period of 12 years. He served on numerous warships and for the 1911 Census was serving as a Stoker (1st Class) on HMS Kent, a First Class Cruiser, on the China Station. He joined HMS Drake on 30 June 1916.
Awarded the 1914-15 Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal.
Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Panel 22.
Image from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HMS_Drake.jpg
With thanks to Aled L Jones for additional family information.