Anderson, A (Andrew)
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Fireman Andrew Anderson served on H.M.S. Columbella[1] and was the husband of Mary Anderson of 13, Long Tower Street, Londonderry. He was the father of at least five daughters and a son.
His ship, the Columbella, served in the Northern Patrol, 10th Cruiser Squadron, North Atlantic Convoy. It served to protect convoys in the North Sea and Northern Atlantic approaches.
On the 26th of January 1916, the ship docked in Glasgow after spending time on its duties at sea where it would stop and board vessels coming and going in the area.
Some of the crews were then granted some shore leave and others proceeded to paint the ship. Fire drill exercises were performed to help keep the crew sharp and coal was loaded onboard for their next venture at sea.
A few weeks later, on the 7th of February, the following was recorded in the ship’s logs: (Glasgow), 07/02/1916, 08:55 – “Sentry on duty on wharf raised the alarm man overboard. The OOW[2] immediately gave orders to search and a body was found at 9:30. It proved to be the body of Stoker Anderson. Artificial respiration was used for 30 minutes but without result. “
Fireman Andrew Anderson’s war ended on that day. His family would travel to Glasgow and claim his body and bring him back home to be laid to rest. His funeral was a quiet affair from his home at 2.30 pm, Friday the 11th of February.
He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War and Victory Medals.
Date of Death: 07/02/1916 (Aged 53)
Service: Fireman, Mercantile Marine Reserve, H.M.S. Columbella.
Service Number: 645893
Burial Location: Londonderry (or Derry), City Cemetery I MC. 330.
[1] HMS Columbella was an armed merchant ship and was launched during 1902.
[2] OOW is the Officer of Watch.
