Hi Guys, as some of know, I have been researching my family tree for some years now.
Today I made a new interesting discovery of a distant ancestor who was killed in the first few weeks of the Great War.
He was the step son of my Great Grand Aunt.
His name was Herbert Marson. He was born on 3rd Oct 1892 in Hendon, Middlesex. (Which is interesting given all the family are from Nottinghamshire) In 1911 he was working as a Farm Labourer. However, enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1912, signing up for 12 years.
I have purchased his RN service record today, which I will share here with you.
As you will see, he went through various land based training establishments, which was the norm. But on Aug 1st 1914 he was fatefully posted to HMS Aboukir. He would be killed within a matter of weeks....
HMS Aboukir was sunk by the U9, Commanded by Otto Weddigen.
Kapitnleutnant Otto Weddigen - German and Austrian U-boats of World War One - Kaiserliche Marine - uboat.net
Here are several links about the ship and the action.
Loss of HMS Aboukir, HMS Cressy and HMS Hogue
HMS Aboukir, Cressy, Hogue, Pegasus, killed and died, casualty lists September 1914
Sadly the wreck is now being plundered for metal! Please sign below:
Survey: The War Graves of HMS Aboukir, HMS Hogue and HMS Cressy
The second destruction of the–HMS Aboukir | Bermuda Weekender
Film of the wreak today:
Duiken op de Noordzee HMS Aboukir.mp4 - YouTube
I was rather pleased to find all of this.
I having travelled to the Hook of Holland countless times over the years and never knew I had a relative killed in action who still lies beneath the sea there...
RIP Herbert.
Cheers, Ade.
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