On the outbreak of the War, James Plumpton joined the Royal Navy, He had already had training on HMS Devonshire as a sub-lieutenant (01-01-1910) for training in the royal Navy Reserves. The story goes that he received his 'calling up' telegram while playing on the organ at St. Andrews church in Cullompton. He had previously served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Brown & Co on the Yallaroi sail ship and worked for P&O on at least two of their Liners.

I'm not sure of the story behind this signed photo which James had in his possession, perhaps all trainee's received one after passing their examinations. J Plumpton signature is digitally highlighted. Captain Cuthbert G. Chapman is the last signature. I would imagine that the rest are all of the Officers from the Devonshire who James would have been serving with. I am keen to identify any of the other persons if anyone can help out.

Unfortunately there are no photo's of the Devonshire in his album other than this one, so I can only imagine that James Plumpton did not have his camera or take any photo's while doing his Navy training on the Devonshire...I guess he would have been distracted with the seriousness of Navy Training and it did not seem appropriate during the training.

Signatures in photo from left to right, I can't make head or tail of the majority of them.

Russell A Bill Syer, Unintelligible?, .?? Rogers, Unintelligible, Unintelligible, RM Philpott, Unitelligible, Unintelligible, GPB Barry, HE Hoon?, WH Madangie? J Plumpton, JCR Kiddle, Wason?, Cuthbert G Chapman (Records show that he was the ships captain in 1913)

This is work in progress to decipher the handwriting, if you have any ideas, please feel free to drop me an email or use the contact form.