Thomas Berkley Craven, HMS Defence

Leading Stoker, K/15309, RN, HMS Defence. Died aged 22, on 31 May 1916 at the Battle of Jutland. One of five Holyhead seamen lost during this battle.

HMS Defence was a Minotaur-class armoured cruiser launched in 1907, but of outmoded design. She was the Flagship of the First Cruiser Squadron. During the battle the squadron formed the starboard flank of the cruiser screen, sailing 16 miles ahead of the main battle fleet. Whilst attacking the German cruiser, SMS Wiesbaden, she became a clear target for the combined firepower of the German Battlecruisers. Shells struck her magazines and she blew up in a spectacular explosion. She sank with the loss of her entire complement of 903 officers and men.

Born 12 October 1894 (his Service Records states 1893) in Birkenhead, Cheshire, where he was also educated. He was later employed as a Boiler Slicer. He joined the Royal Navy in 1912 and signed up for 12 years. Described on his service record as 6'-0" tall, 36" chest, auburn hair, blue eyes and having a fair complexion. Served at various shore depots. He also served on cruisers HMS Lancaster and HMS Sutlej and on the battleship, HMS Ajax. Joined HMS Defence on 23 June 1914 and made up to Acting Leading Stoker on 11 November 1915.

He was the eldest son of Daniel Robert Craven (b.1865), a LNWR Railway Guard, and Eleanor Craven (nee Meacock) of 7 Lligwy Street, Holyhead. In 1911 his sister, Ethel Craven was employed as a Kitchen Maid at the Station Hotel, Holyhead, aged 20. His mother died in March 1924 and his father in June 1943. His sister, Ethel died in April 1966.

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

Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Panel 15. He is also remembered on a family grave at Maeshyfryd Cemetery, Holyhead.

Photograph of Memorial Plaque with kind permission of Geraint S Griffith, Holyhead

Image from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HMS_Defence_1907.jpg