Holmes, G (George)
Thompson, R H (Reginald Herbert), Shaxton, T (Thomas), Proctor, F (Frank), Lawton, E J (Ernest James), Holmes, G (George), Hall, A E (Albert Edward)
Trimmer George Holmes had an accident onboard ship. He was transferred to Londonderry’s Military Hospital, where he contracted pneumonia and subsequently died.
George served onboard H.M. Trawler Helcia.[1] The trawler had a fateful and unlucky history. In 1908, before the war, three crew members lost their lives after being swept overboard. Then, during June of 1915, this sailor, Trimmer Holmes fell ill and died. Later that year during October, George Hammond also drowned in an accident. The vessel was eventually lost with all hands (10 sailors) during September 1919 in the North Atlantic.[2]
As well as this sailor, George Thomas Hammond is also buried in the City Cemetery, Londonderry. The other ten have no known final resting place and it can be assumed that they are all lost at sea.
George Holmes was buried with military honours, he was also awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War and Victory Medals.
Date of Death: 26/06/1915 (Aged 58)
Service: Trimmer, Royal Naval Reserve, H.M. Trawler “Helcia.”
Service Number: 1581/TS
Burial Location: Londonderry (or Derry), City Cemetery, G. C. 1.
[1] HM Trawler Helcia was commissioned by the Royal Navy during 1915 and was subsequently armed and acted as a mine sweeper.
[2] H.M. Trawler Helcia, ten sailors lost their lives when it sank.
