Cromarty Image Library

	139
	Unknown
	1910

HMS Natal

Picture of HMS Natal which sank in Cromarty Harbour in 1915
Picture Added on 01 January 2003.

Comments

A great image.
Added by Reg Tait on 09 October 2003.

My grandfather, Malcolm McBurnie, was a survivor from the Natal. Thank you for this glimpse into his life as a sailor.
Added by Julia on 12 November 2003.

My grandfather was also a survivor of the Natal - his name was Thomas Robinson a leading stoker who saved the ship's cat on the night of the explosion. When I remember some of the stories he told me of that night I wonder how he went back to sea. I seem to remember he told me that a party of children were visiting at the time and they lost their lives.
Added by Alan Robinson on 17 November 2003.

In the 50's my Granny Annie Watson, 2 Forsyth Place, had a set of teak steps washed ashore from the Natal. They were used to climb out a back window so the washing could be hung out behind Bain's shop! My main memory as a boy of things Natal was how we could find cordite strips, fawn coloured, about pencil size, down below the slaughter house if there was a decent low tide. Then we would dry the strips out before trying to set them alight!! Guidance to youngsters at the time - careful they might explode!!! Bundles of Cordite set off the powder charge that fired the 16" shells during a Battleship broadside of that era.
Added by Dennis Manson on 29 November 2003.

My Grandfather, Andrew Douglas Evers, was Chief Ships Cook on the Natal but did not survive its sinking. Nevertheless, seeing an image of the ship provides a tangible link back to 1915, and I was pleased to discover it.
Added by Nigel Evers on 07 February 2004.

You might like to know that in today's Guardian newspaper (Thursday, March 18 2004), there was an obituary for Commander Eric Black.

He had quite a distinquished naval carrer, and was instrumental in the successful interception of the German heavy cruisers, Hipper and L�tzow.

His father was killed in the mysterious ammunition explosion on board HMS Natal, when Eric was just three years old.
Added by John Pritchard on 18 March 2004.

There is a very interesting book with all the facts about the sinking of the NATAL and two other ships that sunk under the same ciecumctances. The book relates the theories and facts of the sinking. The findings of the Official Enquiries into the sinkings and the Verdicts. The Book title is the verdict. "THEY CALLED IT ACCIDENT" I had it located through Invergordon library more than thirty years ago. I Must try and get it again. Very interesting read.

If my memory serves me well, the book states that there was a hole 25 feet in diameter through the 10 inch armour plating of the ships hull by way of the magazine that blew. She was lying in 60 feet of water on her Port Side.
Added by Pat Swanson on 30 April 2004.

What a beautiful photo. Unfortunately my great grandfather John Mcloughlin died on that tragic day. I hope to find any info about his grave if there is one. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Added by Shaun Cook on 09 May 2004.

Shaun
I thought it was a beautiful photo too. My great Grandfather also died that day. Arthur George Chillcott. A proud Royal marine.

His name appears on the Chatham Naval memorial as do many others who died that day. It may be that your great Grandfather was also 'lost at sea' and also appears on the memorial. My grandfather was only 3 when his Father died and it affected him profoundly for the rest of his life, until he died in 1991.

Strange how we look back. I felt quite emotional seeing my Great Grandfathers name on the memorial when I visited in 2002 whilst on a trip to the area and again today seeing the ship he died in.

Its a clich�, but its always said that blood is thicker than water.
Added by Martin Chillcott on 15 May 2004.

My Uncle Jack Sayers 26 yrs old was the Assistant Band Master [Marines] on the HMS Natal and unfortunately stood in for a friend and went down with the ship on the 9th of July 1915. I found the site very interesting. Thank you.
Added by Ron Stewart on 10 June 2004.

My grandfather George Robinson served on HMS Natal but not in 1915. He served on it at sometime between 1900 and 1913.

Does anyone know how to get a list of sailors who did serve on the ship?
Added by Jane Lyons on 18 June 2004.

Jane - a good starting point is the Ministry of Defence Records site. This gives some information on line and also contact details for further information. The link is www.mod.uk/contacts/rn_records.htm.
Happy research!

Added by Arthur Bird on 19 June 2004.

My uncle LDG/Seaman Richard Lewis survived the sinking of HMS Natal but was hospitalized for many years after with mental problems due to the accident. I have a photo with my uncle and his mates aboard ship and I'll send it to this site.
Added by Jim Welford on 13 July 2004.

Thanks Jim - I've added your photo of some of the Natal crew - see picture #838.
Added by Garve Scott-Lodge on 14 July 2004.

I work at the Center for Maritime and Regional Studies in Esbjerg, Denmark. I am putting together a data base of warships lost in WWI for whatever reason. I was wondering if anyone could tell me the exact location of the HMS Natal (lat and long would be splendid!).
Added by Lawrence Mott on 20 August 2004.

Lawrence, my chart work is nothing to be desired but the Natals lat and long are 57� 41' 244 north by 4� 05' 310 west. Hope you find that OK. It's marked by an isolated danger buoy.
Added by Ronald young on 25 August 2004.

Thanks so much Ronald for the help. This will be added to the data base with a description of the tragedy.
Added by Lawrence Mott on 30 August 2004.

My grandfather Captain Abson between 1937-1940 salvaged a lot of the armour plate to fund looking for the ships safe which was said to have the payroll for the Grand Fleet onboard. There was a reward for its recovery in those days said to be �50, 000. Unfortunately the war broke out and the safe was never recovered. Captain Abson was drowned with the loss of the crew near the Orkney Islands after being ordered to return the salvage ship (a Boom Defence Vessel) to Rosyth.
Added by on 27 October 2004.

I imagine your grandfather was the captain of the Disperser. picture #105 shows the funeral of some of the Cromarty men who perished.
Added by Garve Scott-Lodge on 27 October 2004.

Any idea of the name of the boom boat? I knew several of both the old and new. e.g. Barfield. Barfoot.
Added by Pat Swanson on 04 November 2004.

Sorry Garve! Either didn't have the Gregories on or the old mind wasn't quite in gear when I missed your mention of the Disperser. Remember my mother talk of her.
Added by Pat Swanson on 07 November 2004.

The ship which Captain Abson was lost at sea with all his crew was Dispenser, a boom defence vessel used in the salvage operation on HMS Natal. The Dispenser was said to have capsized in a great storm due to her top weight being greater than a normal ship.
Added by ? on 08 November 2004.

My Great Grand Father survived the explosion. He was called James Woods and from Jarrow on Tyne. I have his medals including a small medal given to the HMS NATAL crew.
Added by Adam on 18 November 2004.

My grandfather's brother, Amos Harold Stedman was also on the ship and lost his life. He was a 1st. class stoker and is buried at Rosskeen Parish Churchyard, grave #C365. He was the son of James and Hephzibah Stedman of 9 Nursery Terrace, Bill St. Friendsbury. I wonder if he is in one of the pictures of the seamen?
Added by Tina on 06 December 2004.

This may seem like a daft question but was the wreck of the Natal raised or is it still down there?I Left the area in 1960 and[shamefully] I didnt know about the Natal till recently Id be grateful for any info thanks
Added by Mary Mackay now Harrison on 15 February 2005.

The remains of HMS Natal were removed prior to/or just after the decision to construct the
oil platforms, thus clearing a more direct channel for related sea traffic. Maybe just as well 'cos now there is a flourishing Cruise Liner market, in Summer, in the Cromarty Firth.
I'm told that the thick steel on the hull was pre radio active material, much sought after at the time.
Hope that precis helps.
Added by Clem Watson on 15 February 2005.

Thanks For the information Clem I remember my mother talking about the Natal but I didn't realize that she went down in the harbour. The Cromarty website is great - brings back memories of home. Thanks again.
Added by Mary Mackay now Harrison on 15 February 2005.

Mary,
Strictly speaking, the NATAL blew-up at anchor 1 mile +- NW of Cromarty, some wreckage still remains, and was indicated on the Chart of the
Cromarty FIrth (1981) that I have here at home.
Added by Clem Watson on 16 February 2005.

My Father in Law, Walter Murdin was a Stoker who failed to sail to Cromarty due to him being sick ashore and therefore was not onboard when Natal sank. I understand that he was much grieved because he lost so many close shipmates (oppos).
Added by Leslie Pegg on 16 February 2005.

Mary, see picture #699. This shows all that is left of the Natal.
Added by Ian Jack on 16 February 2005.

Hi, Clem, that was an interesting piece of information about the removal of the remains of HMS Natal. I believed the site was being treated as a war grave? Were any remains recovered?
Added by Joe Gracey on 16 February 2005.

Thank you Clem and Ian for the information re the Natal. What caused it to blow up is that known? was it bombed? Mum said there is wreckage halfway between Cromarty and Nigg and a flashing signal pinpoints at nights is that the wreckage of the Natal? Mum isn't with us anymore so I can't ask her Thanks again
Added by Mary Mackay now harrison on 16 February 2005.

Officially the explosion on HMS Natal an armoured cruiser was put down to the deterioration of cordite in the magazine, but there was a story going around about sabotage. This apparently was because HMS Vanguard a dreadnought battleship, which also exploded mysteriously after being visited by a particular ordanance chargehand, who also went into the magazine of HMS Natal just before she sank. He then disappeared without trace. My father wrote a story to this affect in the Navy News and some Royal Navy captain vigorously denied this, quoting some court of enquiry. It makes you suspicious does it not? The actual story about sabotage on HMS Natal was written in a Readers Digest book in the 1970s.
Added by Malcolm on 17 February 2005.

See also "They Called It Accident" by A. Cecil Hampshire which tells the story of the Natal from when she was launched until when she blew up. There was a consensus that the sinking was not caused by direct enemy action (i.e. torpedo) as the series of explosions clearly originated inside the ship. However, tests failed to show what could possibly have caused the ammunition on board to spontaneously explode so catastrophically, making sabotage apparently the most likely explanation. Just before sailing for Cromarty the Natal had been for a refit at Birkenhead, where some work had been done on the cooling system for the magazines. This work was not completed at the dockyard, hence the presence of three dockyard engineers on board when she sailed north. Two of them were killed in the explosion but the third had left the ship before it occurred. The whole case was dealt with and filed away very quickly by the admiralty.
Added by Estelle Quick on 17 February 2005.

Thank you Estelle for that information I find myself back in dear old Cromarty when I access the site. It seems very sad that the Natal had to end the way she did I feel embarrased that I only found out so recently about the Natal. Please continue to supply info as it comes to mind - thanks again.
Added by Mary Mackay now Harrison on 17 February 2005.

My Grandfather was John MacKenzie, Fireman, who was on the SY Disperser that foundered off the North of Scotland coast whilst engaged on the salvage of the wreck of H.M.S. Natal. I am doing my family history so the information I have seen on this site is a bonus!
Added by Gloria Watts on 07 April 2005.

My Grandad James Vandome Reins (Chief Petty Officer Stoker) died at Cromarty along with almost 600 others. My mother, his daughter, is still alive. She is 97 years old and I believe that she was 6 years old when he died, I went to Chatham Naval Memorial in May 2000, very sad, I do like the pictures of the HMS Natal, If anybody is interested The ship appears in the "A popular history of the great war by Hammerton. Volume 2 "Extension of the great struggle: 1915".Excerpt from page 640 Dec 1915 British Cruiser HMS Natal, sunk in harbour, the victim of internal explosion; 14 officers and 373 men saved. along with a photo.
Added by William E Smyth on 26 June 2005.

thank you for all the interesting bits and pieces, my grandad Victor George Hurn was a stoker first class on the natal he died, my mum is still going at 91 years old and is fascinated by any new information we get, more crew shots please. we only have a couple of pictures of grandad so any new ones mean my mum gets to see her dad thank you excellent site.
Added by Yvonne Evans on 18 August 2005.

On a recent trip to Belfast I was surprised to find a WW1 Cruiser - HMS Caroline - still afloat and still used by the Navy. She is the local RNVR depot ship, and in a dock deep in the middle of what was the Harland and Wolf yard. Built in 1913, HMS Caroline was a light cruiser whilst the Natal was a few years older and armoured, however lookinbg at her you can get a clear picture of the size and lines of ships of that era. I took a few pictures, if interested look at my Flickr album.
Added by Calum Davidson on 18 August 2005.

My great uncle Alfred Ready lost his life on HMS Natal and my mum still has the small medal given by the people of Natal to his family. She knew very little about the history and found this article very informative.

Added by Jayne (Bootle, Liverpool) on 05 October 2005.

My Grandfather's brother, William Wightman [stoker1st class], was killed in the explosion. Thanks for the picture and info. Would his name be inscribed on the Chatham War Memorial?

Added by John Noble on 11 November 2005.

My distant cousin Lt. Engineer William Black was one of those who perished aboard the H.M.S Natal and I only found out about his fate because he was commemorated on a gravestone back in Kinghorn, Fife where his ancestors hailed from and if it were not for the tireless efforts of volunteers the monumental inscriptions book where I found out about his fate would not have existed and I would still not know about one of my unfortunate relatives.
Added by Simon Miller on 18 November 2005.

My uncle HENRY THORNHILL MOON Leading Signalman was on the bridge of HMS Natal when the explosion occurred and lost his life. He had agreed to cover the watch to allow a shipmate to go ashore. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Later a certificate commemorating his death was sent to my Grandfather which stated "May those who follow see that his name is not forgotten". It was interesting to read all the reports andn to see that he, and his shipmates are "Not forgotten".
Jean Forbes, MBE, ex-WRNS.
Added by Jean Forbes on 13 January 2006.

i have photographed all of the war graves in the gaelic chapel graveyard, among them some of the natal seamen,
some of the graves are simply marked. "a sailor of the great war. h.m.s. natal." there are soldiers as well as merchant seamen buried there, around about 84. altogether. there are a few from the second war too. As can be seen in the photographs, the plots are very well looked after.
contact me, and if i have the name on my list i will e-mail it on. there is also a photgraph of the memorial .

Added by Ian Jack on 14 January 2006.

My Father was a survivor Of the loss of the H.M.S. Natal. His rank was Leading Seaman. Leonard
Kirkby. I still have his papers from both wars and have a small silver medal which was given
to all the crew when the were made freeman of Natal

Added by Collingwood Kirkby on 08 February 2006.

I am researching my family tree and have found out that my grand dads brother was on the HMS Natal. His name was Joseph Hart, he was 25 and was a leading stoker. I knew nothing about this ship until a couple of days ago and its quite emotional thinking someone related to me was aboard.
I would love to find out any information I can esp if he has a grave.
Any information was be really grateful.
Added by Vanessa Scott on 16 February 2006.

Vanessa, the Natal was destroyed so disastrously and rapidly that very few bodies were ever recovered. Many men were killed below decks by the fire that broke out after the explosions, and many more were drowned or swept away after managing to get off the ship. There are only about 30 or so individual graves, mostly at Cromarty and Rosskeen (on opposite sides of the Cromarty Firth) with one or two elsewhere, and only about half of these are named. Your grandfather's brother is not among them. All of those who died are commemorated on the naval memorial at Chatham (see ww1cemeteries.com/british_cemeteries_memorials/chatham_naval_memorial). Joseph Hart's service number was K.744(CH). His birth date/place are given in the admiralty records as 17/4/1890 at Rainham, Essex.

There is a permanent exhibition about HMS Natal at Invergordon Museum (open May-October).
Added by Estelle Quick on 16 February 2006.

Estelle
I just wanted to say thank you for the information you gave me about my grand dads brother. My mum doesnt know really know anything about that side of her family so its amazing to find this out about her Uncle Joe. Thanks for letting me know about the exhibition. It would be lovely to take my mum one day.
Thanks again - its really appreciated.
Best wishes
Vanessa
Added by Vanessa Scott on 17 February 2006.

Hello Im hoping that some one on this site can help. My great grandfather served on the Natal but im not sure if he was still serving on the ship when it sank. My grandfather is now 94 and his memory is'nt what it used to be, although he remembers that his father survived the sinking of a ship he is not sure if it was the Natal. I have his service medals including one from the Natal. He was a stocker and due to being under age when he joined the navy he may have been using the name J Johnston or J Johnson. His real name was Albert John Pickett. My great grandfather never spoke of the sinking intell just before he died. The horrors that he saw why waiting to be saved we can only imagine. I would be greatfull to any one who can help as I would like to be able to tell my grandad what ship his father sank on and retrieve any service records before he him self passes away. Thank you in advance. Ben
Added by Ben Pickett on 17 February 2006.

Ben, your great grandfather was on the Natal when it sank and was listed as a survivor under his real name.
Added by Estelle Quick on 17 February 2006.

the names i have for the natal seamen buried at cromarty are as follows.
owens, jervis, sutherland, hartley, connor, kettle, young, baldwin, o.connor,
there is also 7 graves, simply marked a "sailor of the great war royal navy h.m.s. natal. 30th december 1915." all the graves are very well tended and cared for.
Added by Ian Jack on 17 February 2006.

There are 12 graves at Rosskeen: Chief Stoker J. Pledger, Mechanician B. Weatherall, Stoker 1st Class A.H. Stedman, Leading Seaman W.C. Brisley, Musician C.T. Hodges, Able Seaman H. Atkins, Able Seaman W.J.R. McQueen, Ordinary Seaman E.J. Smith, Stoker J. Ditchburn, and 3 unnamed.
Added by Estelle Quick on 18 February 2006.

I have only today been hearing from my uncle (Andrew Boyle) that my grandfather Michael Boyle was on the Natal. He survived due to having been ashore at the time playing football with some local lads. He was only 17 years old at the time and was deeply saddened by the loss of so many mates. He apparently also spoke of the possiblility of a spy being responsible for this incident and the loss of HMS Vanguard in similar circumstances.
Added by Anne Wright nee Boyle on 20 February 2006.

I have a postcard sent from the HMS Natal with the following wording on the front
Just a card to say all's well On active service with the grand fleet in the North Sea 1914-1915. The card was sent by Frank to Miss Mary Shearing (surname not very clear) "Lyndhurst" 29 Brownhill Road Catford.
If anyone has any further information on this couple I would love to hear from them.
Added by Gail Dickson on 26 February 2006.

Can anyone tell me how many men survived this happening? And also how many crew were onboard and how it sunk? Thanks
Added by Catriona..... on 11 March 2006.

Catriona,
With regard to your query, I have studied the documents at the National Archives and I believe the correct numbers to be:
421 casualties, including 11 'civilians'. The latter include Mr. Dodd or Dodds, the Factor of Novar & his family and a number of canteen workers employed by the Army & Navy Stores;
399 Survivors, including those on the complement who were on shore when the explosion occurred.
A good friend of mine, and a top flight organist and composer, Richard Coulson, has composed a requiem for his Uncle, Albert Rodger, who died when the Natal exploded. It will have its premier next (Palm) Sunday, April 9th 2006 at Christ Church, Esher, Surrey.
Added by Graham on 02 April 2006.

An interesting photograph. The Natal was a fine ship. My great uncle, Lieutenant Commander Jack Berkeley Murray was the navigation officer aboard HMS Natal and was killed in the explosion.
Added by Anthony Berkeley Wallis on 07 April 2006.

Sorry to be a pain but I am still trying to find out if anyone has crew shots of the Natal, we have only 2 pictures of grandad, thanks.
Added by Yve Evans on 10 April 2006.

That's a good idea, Crew shots, that is brilliant, My Grandad James Vendome Reins was among the victims of the explosion. Bill Smyth Australia 12 April 2006
Added by William E Smyth on 12 April 2006.

I have a cousin who was the ships doctor and perished in the explosion and sinking he was Douglas Whimster Keiller Moody his obituary in the Scotsman reads:
"SURGEON MOODY, . R.N. Surgeon Douglas Whimster Keiller Moody, M.D., R.N., who was killed on December 30, 1915, in the explosion on H.M.S. Natal, was the son of Mrs Moody, of Park Avenue, formeriy of Montrose, and great grandson of Mr James Keiller, the founder of the firm of Messrs James Keillor & Sons, Dundee and London. Surgeon Moody was appointed Surgeon in the service in August of last year. He was an M.B., CM., Aberdeen University, 1900, and M.D. in 1902. He also held diplomas from London, . Dublin, and Berlin Universities . He was formerly house-surgeon at Peterborough Infirmary, and second house surgeon at Addenbrooke's Hospital Cambridge. Ho was the " author of several works, notably, " A Critical Treatise on Beri-Beri, " and " Beri ' Beri among the Lascar Crews on Board Ship." Only three weeks ago he spent his furlough in Hull. Surgeon Moody's great grandfather, Captain(sic) James Whimster, of the 79th Highlanders, fought in the Peninsular War at Lisbon and Corunna under General Moore."
Added by Hamish Ross on 14 April 2006.

My Grandfather Percy Goldsmith was a Petty Officer Blacksmith on HMS Natal and was one of those who survived. He spent some time in the water before being rescued. I have recently purchased a book ' They Called It Accident ' which is being sent from the USA. The book is said to details of the sinking. I visited the commemorative garden at Invergordon and the cemetery at Rosskeen in 1991 which I found very moving.
Added by Keith Garwood on 07 May 2006.

In researching my family history, I too had a relative lost on the Natal. He was a younger brother of my Grandmother. His name was Robert Henry Lomas, and had joined the ship thirteen days previously, as a Signal Boy (Aged 16).
Added by Andrew Garton on 07 June 2006.

I lived in Dingwall in the 1950's and remember seeing the Home Fleet at anchor off Invergordon. I have kept an interest in the Royal Navy. I knew about the mutiny at Invergordon but did not know about HMS Natal until a visit to the Black Isle a few weeks ago when I came across the plaque. The comments above bring history alive and I shall start looking for "They Called It An Accident".
Added by Jim Spencer on 10 July 2006.

Jim, look no further than www.abebooks.com they have several copies available at a range of prices. It's a good read with a compelling hypothesis in support of the sabotage theory. Enjoy.
Added by Arthur Bird on 11 July 2006.

I recently visited the site of the wreck whilst on a dolphin boat trip, I was really moved when our guide told us the story of the accident, I had no idea about the Natal and the huge loss of life. Later in the day we found some reference in the archives at Cromarty Courtroom. The site where the remains lie is marked with a buoy and is an official war grave. Although I dont have any relatives who served on the Natal or indeed any connection with Cromarty but still found the whole day very moving.
Added by Norman Rolland on 12 July 2006.

The " great war magazine" great northern publishing. Will be running an article on the natal by myself, in the near future. I have been researching medical officer's reports from the fleet during the "great war" since 1998 in haslar hosptial and the naval historical branch in the naval dockyard in portsmouth. I was a naval health inspector and port health officer for 45 years.
Added by Mike Northeast on 20 July 2006.

My granfather Ben Weatherall died on H.M.S. Natal I have visited the grave at Invergordon church. He had two sons and two grandchildren.
Added by GUY WEATHERALL on 27 January 2007.

I am researching my family history. I have found that my grandfather, Thomas James Douglas Robinson served on HMS Natal between 8 September 1915 and 31 December 1915 according to his Certificate of Service. He was an Engine Room Artificer 4th Class. He was on shore playing football at the time of the explosion according to a football historian that I have had contact with, though I don't have any written proof. Grandfather played for the England Schoolboys in 1908.
Added by Julia Cook on 19 February 2007.

I am currently compiling a Virtual War Memorial for Bury Lancashire. One of the men we are commemorating is:
'Stoker GEORGE GORTON (37), Bolton Road West, Ramsbottom, of the armoured cruiser Natal, perished by the explosion on that vessel in harbour on December 30th, 1915. He had been in the Navy nearly 17 years.
Son of Eli and Margaret Gorton, of Liverpool.'
Added by Mark Hone on 13 April 2007.

My mum has told me about her uncle Samuel Walter Savage who was killed on board the HMS Natal. He was the only son with 5 sisters. He joined the service on 29th December 1909 and served on the Acherson and Pembroke before joining the Natal 10 May 1910. His records list him as missing. This information I have found from his service record. Naval service records can be found on the web site www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/ for £3.50. I have a photograph of Uncle Samuel in his naval uniform.
Added by Annette Williscroft on 27 April 2007.

Re my previous message if you would like the picture of Samuel Walter Savage could you please let me know how to send it. Also he was a leading stoker
Added by Annette Williscroft on 27 April 2007.

My father, Robert Richard Borthwick, survived the sinking of HMS Natal. I do not know his rank or position. I gather he was in the water quite awhile. He was a good swimmer. When the ship called at Durban S.A. they were given freedom of the city. At Durban Fort, there is a memorial to the ship. I have a poem writen by a crew to the sinking.
Added by Ron Borthwick on 20 June 2007.

My Grandfather, Bertie Fry, was seconded to the dockyard at the time HMS Natal was lost. His body was washed ashore off Invergordon on 07/01/1916, so was possibly a civilian casualty. I have found all the photos very moving. If any kind soul knows of a grave stone or obituary, kindly let me know. His body was not returned to his family in Hampshire for burial so I cannot trace any records for his death in the BMD index. Thankyou. Barbara
Added by Barbara Hill on 22 June 2007.

I am researching my family history, and I have just found that my Gt.Uncle George Joseph Savage b.1888 in Kilburn, London was a casualty on HMS Natal. There is a record of him on the CWGC wesbite. He was a Leading Seaman. I have found the story of HMS Natal very moving.
Added by Susan Howard on 30 June 2007.

My uncle perished in Natal, John Baylis "Jack" mother's dearest brother. I have photo in uniform officer style, star on right arm. Also saved Sunday Exp:13/5/34 cutting article by AE Pratt torpedoman 'The blowing up of Natal'. Photo also of ships surviving cat. Brian Knibbs, Oxfordshire.
Added by B.Knibbs. on 28 July 2007.

Additional info: Re: John Baylis, some information and pictures were given to the Royal Navy museum Portsmouth in 2001 Entry No 3098. Scant details were available on my visit, I felt its demise may have been secret !! Anyone been there ? over Natals Fate. Brian Knibbs.
Added by B.Knibbs. on 28 July 2007.

A great picture. Archibald Robert Caskie perished during the sinking of the Natal. He was my wife's Great Uncle and is listed on the Chatham Naval Memorial. He was a Royal Naval Reserve and if anyone knows anything about him, it would be great to hear from them.
Added by Samuel Trevor Stewart on 13 January 2008.

Like a lot of people who have visited this site I have been researching my family tree, my Great Uncle, Harold Pickard was one of the unfortunate seamen who died on the Natal. I do not know his position on board but have family members who do and who also have a photo of him in his uniform. I will post these on this page when I get them copied to my computer. I stumbled on this site whilst trying to find any record to his death. I am so glad I did what an excellent memorial to those who lost their lives.
Added by Hazel Trott on 13 February 2008.

When we briefly owned 2, Forsyth Place we were told that it had been used, along with the adjoining property, as a make-shift morgue for the bodies recovered and washed-up from the Natal. Does anyone else have memories of being told this?
Added by Ann Hill on 17 February 2008.

Yes Ann, I remember being told that Rab's house was also used as a make shift morgue for Natal fatalities.
Added by Ronald Young on 18 February 2008.

Does anybody have any histories/facts of 23-year old James William Roffey, Stoker 1st class? He did not survive the explosion/sinking of the H.M.S "Natal". Best Regards to you all; Robert Roffey, Sweden.
Added by Robert Roffey on 24 February 2008.

Robert, here are his details from the casualty list: "Roffey, James William. Stoker 1st Class. SS112189(CH). Born 16/2/1892 St Luke's London. Lived New North Road, North London. No known grave."
Added by Estelle Quick on 25 February 2008.

Does anyone have any information about Gnr Elam Watson R.M.A/10109. Great site, lots of useful information. Steve
Added by Steve Watson on 02 March 2008.

Steve, "Watson, Elam. Gunner R.M.A/10109(PO). Born 28/7/1881 New Clee, Grimsby. Lived New Clee, Greater Grimsby. No known grave." From same source as above.
Added by Estelle Quick on 03 March 2008.

I posted a comment on your page last year about my Great Uncle Samuel Walter SAVAGE. I had been told by my mum's cousin that Walter had married and had a child but they did not have any more details. Thanks to your site I have been contacted by Charlotte Karn and we have discovered through a little research that Samuel Walter was her G Grandfather. Her Grandfather had always been told that his parents never married but we were able to discover that Walter had in fact married Charlotte's G Grandmother Alice Lavender a month before the Natal went up. Alice's brother James Alfred LAVENDER was also a stoker on the ship and it must have been through him that the couple met. Thank you and your web site for making this link possible and solving 2 family mysteries.
Added by Annette Williscroft on 19 March 2008.

I would like to know about my father Robert Richard Borthwick who survived the sinking of HMS Natal. I have a poem and his medal.
Added by Ron Borthwick on 19 April 2008.

If you found this interesting, have a look at the following groups of pictures.
The Natal - Warship destroyed by an explosion off Cromarty during WW1

For more information on this subject see the following website.
The loss of HMS Natal