McFetridge, R (Robert)

McFetridge, R (Robert)

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Trimmer Robert McFetridge was the son of Matthew and Ellen Jane McFetridge, of Ballymacilvennon, Portrush, Co. Antrim.

Robert joined the Royal Navy near the end of the war during August 1918. He spent time training on the land bases HMS Livid[1] and Livid III[2]. He then moved onto HMS Satellite[3], which was moored up on the River Tyne, in Newcastle in the northeast of England on the 1st of April 1919 as his training continued.

During the 19th of September 1919, an accident happened, and Robert ended up in the water. He could not swim and unfortunately drowned; his body being recovered in the north end of the dock.

Robert’s older brother, William McFetridge, served with the 12th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles during the Great War, his service number was 12/4874 and he was taken prisoner during March 1918 after an assault by the Germans which ended in the 588 men and officers on the front line being surrounded. William would not be released until after the end of the war.

Robert and William were both awarded the Victory and British War Medals.

Date of Death: 19/09/1919 (Age 21)

Service: Trimmer, H.M.S. “Satellite.” Royal Naval Reserve.

Service Number: 8708/TS

Burial Location: Ballywillan Cemetery, J. 51 (South-East of Church).


[1] HMS Vivid was the Navy barracks at Devonport.

[2] HMS Vivid III was used by the Royal Navy Trawler Section.

[3] HMS Satellite was launched during August 1881, it become a drill ship for the Royal Navy during 1903 and was anchored up on the River Tyne.

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