John Macaulay was lost when SS Kenmare was torpedoed in the Irish Sea on Saturday, 2 March 1918. He came from the village of Islivig in the district of Uig in Lewis. His remains turned up on the east coast of Ireland, north of Dublin, and lie buried in a grave in Balrothery. His grave is marked by a Commonwealth War¬graves Commission headstone.
This tribute is dedicated to his memory, and endeavours to tell the story of SS Kenmare and its crew, the German submarine U-104 which fired the fatal torpedo and John Macaulay’s final resting place.
List of casualties
TOWER HILL MEMORIAL, London, United Kingdom
All casualties drowned as a result of an attack by enemy submarine U-104 on their vessel, SS Kenmare (Cork) off Skerries, Ireland, on 2 March 1918. All were serving with the Mercantile Marine at the time of their death.
AHERN, Fireman, MICHAEL, Age 36. Son of the late Patrick and Catherine Ahern (nee Madden). Born at Cork.
BLACKLOCK, Master, PETER,
BOWEN, Quartermaster, STEPHEN, Age 59. Son of the late John and Johannah Bowen; husband of Edith Marian Teresa Bowen (nee Wray), of 4, Harringtons Rd., St. Luke's, Cork. Born at Cork.
COLEMAN, Fireman, MICHAEL, Age 41. Son of Mary Coleman, and the late Michael Coleman; husband of Mary Coleman (nee McNamara), of 98, Great William O'Brien St., Cork. Born at Cork.
CORCORAN, Greaser, PATRICK JOHN, Age 30. Son of Thomas and Ann Corcoran; husband of Margaret Corcoran (nee Curtin), of 37, Cove St., Cork. Born at Cork.
DELEA, Able Seaman, MICHAEL, Age 64. Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Delea; husband of Bridget Delea (nee Clancy), of 36, Popes Quay, Cork, Co. Cork. Born at Clonakilty, Co. Cork.
FENNESAY, Able Seaman, PATRICK, Age 55. Son of the late Philip and Mary Fennesay.
FITZGERALD, Trimmer, JAMES, Age 41. Son of Catherine Fitzgerald, of 274, Old Youghal Rd., Cork, and the late John Fitzgerald.
GOOD, Able Seaman, JOHN JEREMIAH, Age 21. Son of John and Louisa Good, of 8, Fort St., Cork.
GRANT, Quartermaster, GEOFFREY JOSEPH, Age 58. Son of the late John and Mary Grant; husband of the late Sarah Eliza Grant. Born at Dungarvan.
JOHNSTONE, Second Mate, ROBERT, Age 33. Son of Mary G. Johnstone and the late Robert Johnstone; husband of Sarah Maud Johnstone (nee Todd), of 1, Grattan's Hill, Lower Rd., Cork. Born at Edinburgh.
KEENAN, Greaser, JOHN, Age 63. Son of the late John and Anne Keenan; husband of Mary Keenan (nee Barry), of 138, Barrackton, Cork. Born at Cork.
KEMP, Cook, OSCAR, Age 47. Son of the late William and Sarah Kemp. Born at Cork.
LYONS, Fireman, WILLIAM, Age 24. Son of Ellen Lyons, of 18, Ballyhooley Rd., Cork, and the late Daniel Lyons.
McCARTIE, Able Seaman, PERCIVAL HAMMOND, Age 20. Son of Margaret McCartie, of 6, Langford Place, Cork, Co. Cork, and the late William James McCartie.
McLAUGHLIN, Fireman, ROBERT, Age 34. Son of Robert and Alicia McLaughlin, of Mark St., Glenarm, Co. Antrim.
MOORE, Able Seaman, WILLIAM, Age 26. Son of Norah and the late William Moore; husband of Nora Moore (nee Sexton), of 7, Corporation Bldgs, St. Peter and Pauls, Cork. Born at Cork.
MURPHY, First Engineer, THOMAS, Age 34. Husband of Julia Ellen Murphy, of 37, Oriel Rd., Bootle, Liverpool. Born at Cork.O'DRISCOLL, Fireman, MICHAEL JOHN, Age 40. Son of Julia O'Driscoll, of 24, Maryville, Tower St., Cork, Co. Cork, and the late Jeremiah O'Driscoll.
OGLE, Second Engineer, THOMAS HUGH, Age 23. Son of Thomas Henry Ogle, of 10, Kenilworth St., Bootle, Lancs, and the late Margaret Ann Ogle. Born at Belfast.
O'KEEFFE, Fireman, JOHN, Age 26. Son of William and Margaret O'Keeffe, of Ballenure, Blackrock, Cork.
SHAW, Third Engineer, ALLEN CHARLESWORTH, Age 20. Son of Karl Augustus Shaw, of 36, Woodbine Rd., Fartown, Huddersfield, and the late Evangeline Shaw (nee Knowles). Born at Huddersfield.
PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Devon, United Kingdom
ASTON, Able Seaman, ALBERT EDWARD, Bristol Z/3683, Age 22. Son of Enoch and Sarah Jane Aston, of 52, Preston Rd., South Yardley, Birmingham. 29.
BALROTHERY (ST. PETER) CHURCH OF IRELAND CHURCHYARD, County Dublin, Republic of Ireland
MacCAULAY, Leading Deck Hand, JOHN, 4315SD, Age 37. Son of Donald and Peggy MacAulay, of 7, Islivig Miavig, Stornoway, Lewis; husband of Catherine MacAulay, of Breanish, Islivig, Stornoway. Grave Ref. North of the Church.
All casualties drowned as a result of an attack by enemy submarine U-104 on their vessel, SS Kenmare (Cork) off Skerries, Ireland, on 2 March 1918. All were serving with the Mercantile Marine at the time of their death.
AHERN, Fireman, MICHAEL, Age 36. Son of the late Patrick and Catherine Ahern (nee Madden). Born at Cork.
BLACKLOCK, Master, PETER,
BOWEN, Quartermaster, STEPHEN, Age 59. Son of the late John and Johannah Bowen; husband of Edith Marian Teresa Bowen (nee Wray), of 4, Harringtons Rd., St. Luke's, Cork. Born at Cork.
COLEMAN, Fireman, MICHAEL, Age 41. Son of Mary Coleman, and the late Michael Coleman; husband of Mary Coleman (nee McNamara), of 98, Great William O'Brien St., Cork. Born at Cork.
CORCORAN, Greaser, PATRICK JOHN, Age 30. Son of Thomas and Ann Corcoran; husband of Margaret Corcoran (nee Curtin), of 37, Cove St., Cork. Born at Cork.
DELEA, Able Seaman, MICHAEL, Age 64. Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Delea; husband of Bridget Delea (nee Clancy), of 36, Popes Quay, Cork, Co. Cork. Born at Clonakilty, Co. Cork.
FENNESAY, Able Seaman, PATRICK, Age 55. Son of the late Philip and Mary Fennesay.
FITZGERALD, Trimmer, JAMES, Age 41. Son of Catherine Fitzgerald, of 274, Old Youghal Rd., Cork, and the late John Fitzgerald.
GOOD, Able Seaman, JOHN JEREMIAH, Age 21. Son of John and Louisa Good, of 8, Fort St., Cork.
GRANT, Quartermaster, GEOFFREY JOSEPH, Age 58. Son of the late John and Mary Grant; husband of the late Sarah Eliza Grant. Born at Dungarvan.
JOHNSTONE, Second Mate, ROBERT, Age 33. Son of Mary G. Johnstone and the late Robert Johnstone; husband of Sarah Maud Johnstone (nee Todd), of 1, Grattan's Hill, Lower Rd., Cork. Born at Edinburgh.
KEENAN, Greaser, JOHN, Age 63. Son of the late John and Anne Keenan; husband of Mary Keenan (nee Barry), of 138, Barrackton, Cork. Born at Cork.
KEMP, Cook, OSCAR, Age 47. Son of the late William and Sarah Kemp. Born at Cork.
LYONS, Fireman, WILLIAM, Age 24. Son of Ellen Lyons, of 18, Ballyhooley Rd., Cork, and the late Daniel Lyons.
McCARTIE, Able Seaman, PERCIVAL HAMMOND, Age 20. Son of Margaret McCartie, of 6, Langford Place, Cork, Co. Cork, and the late William James McCartie.
McLAUGHLIN, Fireman, ROBERT, Age 34. Son of Robert and Alicia McLaughlin, of Mark St., Glenarm, Co. Antrim.
MOORE, Able Seaman, WILLIAM, Age 26. Son of Norah and the late William Moore; husband of Nora Moore (nee Sexton), of 7, Corporation Bldgs, St. Peter and Pauls, Cork. Born at Cork.
MURPHY, First Engineer, THOMAS, Age 34. Husband of Julia Ellen Murphy, of 37, Oriel Rd., Bootle, Liverpool. Born at Cork.O'DRISCOLL, Fireman, MICHAEL JOHN, Age 40. Son of Julia O'Driscoll, of 24, Maryville, Tower St., Cork, Co. Cork, and the late Jeremiah O'Driscoll.
OGLE, Second Engineer, THOMAS HUGH, Age 23. Son of Thomas Henry Ogle, of 10, Kenilworth St., Bootle, Lancs, and the late Margaret Ann Ogle. Born at Belfast.
O'KEEFFE, Fireman, JOHN, Age 26. Son of William and Margaret O'Keeffe, of Ballenure, Blackrock, Cork.
SHAW, Third Engineer, ALLEN CHARLESWORTH, Age 20. Son of Karl Augustus Shaw, of 36, Woodbine Rd., Fartown, Huddersfield, and the late Evangeline Shaw (nee Knowles). Born at Huddersfield.
PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Devon, United Kingdom
ASTON, Able Seaman, ALBERT EDWARD, Bristol Z/3683, Age 22. Son of Enoch and Sarah Jane Aston, of 52, Preston Rd., South Yardley, Birmingham. 29.
BALROTHERY (ST. PETER) CHURCH OF IRELAND CHURCHYARD, County Dublin, Republic of Ireland
MacCAULAY, Leading Deck Hand, JOHN, 4315SD, Age 37. Son of Donald and Peggy MacAulay, of 7, Islivig Miavig, Stornoway, Lewis; husband of Catherine MacAulay, of Breanish, Islivig, Stornoway. Grave Ref. North of the Church.
SS Kenmare
The image (sidebar right) is of SS Inniscarra, which was torpedoed and sunk May 1918, also of The City of Cork Steam Packet Co. Ltd. http://www.irishshipwrecks.
Both the Kenmare and the Inniscarra were built by the same shipbuilder, for the same client and have very similar dimensions and tonnage. Therefore it is reasonable to speculate that they must have looked alike.
Notes from “THE IRISH BOATS” volume 2 Liverpool to Cork and Waterford. By Malcolm McRonald. Tempus publishing Ltd, The Mill, Brimscombe Port, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 2QG. ISBN 0-7524-3884-0.
The second ship from Wigham, Richardson was Kenmare , which was delivered in 1895. During the First World War she was attacked by enemy submarines on four occasions . On the 27th June 1915 she was attacked by gunfire, when she was off Youghall, but she outpaced her attacker and suffered little damage. On 21st October 1917 a submarine fired a torpedo at her when she was off Holyhead, bound from Liverpool to Cork. The torpedo passed a few feet astern of her, right under her log line. The next attack was on 7th November 1917, when she was chased by a submarine, and fired at it to save herself. The final encounter, on 2nd March 1918, proved fatal. She was again sailing from Liverpool to Cork, and was twenty-five miles north-west of the Skerries, off Anglesey, when she was struck by a torpedo from the German U-104 without warning. She was badly damaged by the explosion, and sank by the stern within two minutes. Only one of her lifeboats remained afloat and usable, and only six men out of her crew of thirty-three were able to reach it. Although those onboard tried to find the other crew members in the water, they were unsuccessful in the dark. They were picked up the next morning by the steamer Glenside, which landed them at Dublin.
Kenmare (Official No. 104278)
In Fleet 1895-1918.
Dimensions (Length x breadth x depth) 264.5 x 35.6 x 16.9
Gross tons. 1,346
Builder and details.
Wigham, Richardson and Co., Newcastle Upon Tyne. 306.
Builder. Triple expansion steam. 222rhp, 420nhp. Single screw.
1895: Launched 16th February as Kenmare.
1895: Completed for City of Cork Steam Packet Co. Ltd (Cork).
1918: Torpedoed and sunk 2 March by German submarine U-104, twenty-five miles NW from the Skerries,
Anglesey, on a voyage from Liverpool to Cork.
During the First World War, she found herself under attack by German submarines (U-boats) on four occasions. On 27 June 1915, SS Kenmare was attacked by gunfire off Youghall, but outran her attacker with minimal damage. Two years later, on 21 October 1917, Kenmare was off Holyhead, bound from Liverpool to Cork, when a torpedo passed only a few feet from her stern. A few weeks later, the Kenmare had to fire at a submarine that was chasing her. However, the last attack, on 2 March 1918, proved fatal.
That day, SS Kenmare was sailing from Liverpool to Cork with a general cargo at position 53°40’095”N 5°06’099”W. This is 60 km (approximately 35 nautical miles) north of east from Skerries, Co Dublin and 40kms (approximately 25 nautical miles) north west from The Skerries, Anglesey (see map at the bottom of this article). At around 7pm, U-104 fired a torpedo without warning. It inflicted severe damage, and Kenmare sank by the stern within two minutes. Only one lifeboat was serviceable, and the three who had managed to get into it tried to find other crew members. Three more were saved. In spite of shouting being heard, the occupants of the lifeboat did not manage to locate these unfortunates as it was dark by that time and the sea covered in wreckage.
.jpg)
Pictured above: Captain Peter Blacklock (and above) the captain and some of his officers. Captain Blacklock also received a Commendation for Good Service in December 1916
Pictured below: Peter Blacklock's Master's Certificate and citation, courtesy Peter Blacklock (captain's grandson)
Twenty-nine members of crew perished, 24 of whom were in a boat which overturned – the weather being poor and the sea rough at the time. The First Mate, four crewmen and Gunner James Henry Chamberlain Brougham RNVR, aged 20 survived the torpedoing of the ship. This was remarkable, bearing in mind that the ship sank in just two minutes. Two other gunners, Able Seaman Albert Edward Aston RNVR and Leading Deck Hand John Macaulay RNR did not survive. Apparently, the ship’s gun had been thrown from its mountings by the force of the explosion. The survivors were picked up by the steamer Glenside the next morning, and taken to Dublin.
Below map shows the location of the wreck of the SS Kenmare.
Image supplied by D.J. Grundy, using information from www.wrecksite.eu.
Both the Kenmare and the Inniscarra were built by the same shipbuilder, for the same client and have very similar dimensions and tonnage. Therefore it is reasonable to speculate that they must have looked alike.
Notes from “THE IRISH BOATS” volume 2 Liverpool to Cork and Waterford. By Malcolm McRonald. Tempus publishing Ltd, The Mill, Brimscombe Port, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 2QG. ISBN 0-7524-3884-0.
The second ship from Wigham, Richardson was Kenmare , which was delivered in 1895. During the First World War she was attacked by enemy submarines on four occasions . On the 27th June 1915 she was attacked by gunfire, when she was off Youghall, but she outpaced her attacker and suffered little damage. On 21st October 1917 a submarine fired a torpedo at her when she was off Holyhead, bound from Liverpool to Cork. The torpedo passed a few feet astern of her, right under her log line. The next attack was on 7th November 1917, when she was chased by a submarine, and fired at it to save herself. The final encounter, on 2nd March 1918, proved fatal. She was again sailing from Liverpool to Cork, and was twenty-five miles north-west of the Skerries, off Anglesey, when she was struck by a torpedo from the German U-104 without warning. She was badly damaged by the explosion, and sank by the stern within two minutes. Only one of her lifeboats remained afloat and usable, and only six men out of her crew of thirty-three were able to reach it. Although those onboard tried to find the other crew members in the water, they were unsuccessful in the dark. They were picked up the next morning by the steamer Glenside, which landed them at Dublin.
Kenmare (Official No. 104278)
In Fleet 1895-1918.
Dimensions (Length x breadth x depth) 264.5 x 35.6 x 16.9
Gross tons. 1,346
Builder and details.
Wigham, Richardson and Co., Newcastle Upon Tyne. 306.
Builder. Triple expansion steam. 222rhp, 420nhp. Single screw.
1895: Launched 16th February as Kenmare.
1895: Completed for City of Cork Steam Packet Co. Ltd (Cork).
1918: Torpedoed and sunk 2 March by German submarine U-104, twenty-five miles NW from the Skerries,
Anglesey, on a voyage from Liverpool to Cork.
During the First World War, she found herself under attack by German submarines (U-boats) on four occasions. On 27 June 1915, SS Kenmare was attacked by gunfire off Youghall, but outran her attacker with minimal damage. Two years later, on 21 October 1917, Kenmare was off Holyhead, bound from Liverpool to Cork, when a torpedo passed only a few feet from her stern. A few weeks later, the Kenmare had to fire at a submarine that was chasing her. However, the last attack, on 2 March 1918, proved fatal.
That day, SS Kenmare was sailing from Liverpool to Cork with a general cargo at position 53°40’095”N 5°06’099”W. This is 60 km (approximately 35 nautical miles) north of east from Skerries, Co Dublin and 40kms (approximately 25 nautical miles) north west from The Skerries, Anglesey (see map at the bottom of this article). At around 7pm, U-104 fired a torpedo without warning. It inflicted severe damage, and Kenmare sank by the stern within two minutes. Only one lifeboat was serviceable, and the three who had managed to get into it tried to find other crew members. Three more were saved. In spite of shouting being heard, the occupants of the lifeboat did not manage to locate these unfortunates as it was dark by that time and the sea covered in wreckage.
.jpg)
Pictured below: Peter Blacklock's Master's Certificate and citation, courtesy Peter Blacklock (captain's grandson)
Twenty-nine members of crew perished, 24 of whom were in a boat which overturned – the weather being poor and the sea rough at the time. The First Mate, four crewmen and Gunner James Henry Chamberlain Brougham RNVR, aged 20 survived the torpedoing of the ship. This was remarkable, bearing in mind that the ship sank in just two minutes. Two other gunners, Able Seaman Albert Edward Aston RNVR and Leading Deck Hand John Macaulay RNR did not survive. Apparently, the ship’s gun had been thrown from its mountings by the force of the explosion. The survivors were picked up by the steamer Glenside the next morning, and taken to Dublin.
Below map shows the location of the wreck of the SS Kenmare.
Image supplied by D.J. Grundy, using information from www.wrecksite.eu.
The sinking reported - The Times
The Times, March 1918
LOSS OF A CORK BOAT
The Kenmare, a steamer of 1,330 tons, built in 1895, and owned by the City of Cork Steamship Company, was sunk at 7 o'clock on Saturday evening. Only six of the crew of 35 survive.
Many of the men were in their bunks at the time and were awakened by a loud explosion which almost shattered the vessel. They immediately rushed on deck and found the steamer awash. Only one small boat got clear and the three occupants succeeded in rescuing three other men from the water. They were unable owing to the wreckage, to assist the others, who were shouting for help. After 10 minutes the cries for help died away and the survivors in the small boat drifted for 12 hours before they were picked up. They were scantily clad and suffered terribly from the cold.
Although all the survivors believe the sinking was called by a submarine, none of them saw an enemy craft or the wake of a torpedo. The vessel appeared to have been struck amidships and sank in about a minute from the time the explosion occurred.
LOSS OF A CORK BOAT
The Kenmare, a steamer of 1,330 tons, built in 1895, and owned by the City of Cork Steamship Company, was sunk at 7 o'clock on Saturday evening. Only six of the crew of 35 survive.
Many of the men were in their bunks at the time and were awakened by a loud explosion which almost shattered the vessel. They immediately rushed on deck and found the steamer awash. Only one small boat got clear and the three occupants succeeded in rescuing three other men from the water. They were unable owing to the wreckage, to assist the others, who were shouting for help. After 10 minutes the cries for help died away and the survivors in the small boat drifted for 12 hours before they were picked up. They were scantily clad and suffered terribly from the cold.
Although all the survivors believe the sinking was called by a submarine, none of them saw an enemy craft or the wake of a torpedo. The vessel appeared to have been struck amidships and sank in about a minute from the time the explosion occurred.
The sinking reported - Cork Examiner, 7 March 1918
KENMARE SUNK
TRAGIC STORY.
29 DEAD
The SS Kenmare, one of the fleet of the Cork Steampacket Company, was torpedoed in the channel on Saturday night, and sank in less than two minutes after being struck. Of the crew of 35 there were only six survivors. These were brought to Dublin, and five of them were taken to hospital, where they received every attention. Amongst the 29 lives lost was the skipper (Capt Blacklock), a native of Liverpool, but who has resided for some years in Cork, to which place most of those on board belonged.
Heart-rendering scenes were witnessed at the offices of the Steampacket Company, when relatives of members of the crew formed a constant stream of callers to ascertain if any news was to hand respecting those who, in many instances, meant everything to the families they left ashore. Amongst the earlier visitors was the daughter of Capt. Blacklock, whose innocent query, expressed with such child-like levity: “when is pappy expected up?” was yet so impossible to answer. Later on in the day two of the Captain’s children called, and when the dread intelligence was conveyed to them that their father was not amongst those saved, they were unable to appreciate the awful meaning of what had occurred and they cried bitterly. But those are only some of the many scenes witnessed. Relatives of nearly all the members of the crew visited the offices, and when it was stated that only six out of the thirty-five were saved it will be understood that there were many moist eyes amongst those who came and went. It is significant that amongst those saved is a man named Barry- certainly the oldest man aboard, and probably the oldest man sailing in the company’s service. The chief engineer, Mr. Thomas Murphy, is the son of a well-known and respected citizen, Mr. Murphy, Woodland View, and strangely enough, when in a different service his ship was torpedoed, and though that vessel carried a very large crew, they were nearly all saved. He had been sailing in the Kenmare for some little time back, relieving a Mr. O’Sullivan, Knockrea Terrace, Blacklock Road. Particularly sad is the case of the quartermaster, a man named Geoffrey Grant, who resided at Hibernian Buildings, who with his nephew, a sailor named Moore, are amongst the missing. Mr. Grant was the father of five children, and four years ago he buried his wife, a sister of Mr. Wm Parfrey, the well-known Gael. Probably no ship has been lost in which so many of the crew came from one locality, for the Kenmare was manned almost entirely of men from Dillon’s Cross, in the Northeast Ward, and from Ballinure.
The Dublin Correspondent of the Central News in a graphic account of the sinking of the Kenmare, says-The sinking occurred at seven o’clock on Saturday evening, and was without warning. Only six of the crew of 35 survive. Many of the men were in their bunks at the time, and were awakened by a loud explosion, which almost shattered the vessel. Though rushing quickly on deck they found the vessel awash, and only one small boat, which was not lashed, got clear. Its three occupants succeeded in rescuing three other men from the water. They were unable, owing to the wreckage, to proceed to the assistance of the others, who were shouting for help. After ten minutes the distressing cries died away, and the survivors in the small boat drifted for twelve hours before being picked up. They were scantily clad, and suffered terribly from the cold. Though all the survivors believe the sinking was caused by a submarine, none of them saw an enemy craft or the wake of a torpedo. The vessel appeared to have been struck amidships, and sank in about a minute after the explosion.
The following comprised the crew of the SS. Kenmare:-
SAVED
W. Evans, mate. Tany Boyn, New Quay, Cardigan.
James Barry, donkeyman, aged 72 years, 102. Lower Road, Cork.
Tim O’Brien fireman, aged 30 years, 8. Green Lane, Liverpool.
A. Phillips, carpenter, aged 28 years, 33. Hood Lane, Liverpool.
James Wright, steward, aged 47 years, 13. Springmount Place, Dillon’s Cross, Cork
J. Broughman, gunner, aged 20 years.
LOST
Capt. P. Blacklock, master (married), 9. Park View, Victoria Road, Cork.
R. Johnstone, 2nd mate, 1, Grattan Hill, Cork.
Thomas Murphy, 1st engineer (married), 37. Oriel, Bootle, Liverpool.
L. Ogle,2nd engineer, 10. Kenilworth Street, Bootle, Liverpool.
A. Shaw, 3rd engineer, 36. Woodbine Road, Tartown, Huddersfield.
J. Keenan, greaser (married), 138. Barrackton, Cork.
P. Corcoran, greaser (married), 3.Clahane cottages, Lower Road, Cork.
W. Lyins, fireman, 18. Dillon’s Cross, St. Lukes, Cork.
J. Driscoll, fireman, 24. Tower Street, Cork.
Michael Coleman, fireman (married), Gt. Wm. O’Brien Street, Cork.
Jas. Fitzgerald, trimmer, 274. Old Youghal Road, Cork.
Michael Ahern, trimmer. 7. Glen View, Dillon’s Cross, Cork.
R. McLoughlin, A.B. Vennel Street, Glenarm, Antrim.
Jno. Keefe, A.B. Ballinure, Blacklock, Cork.
Jeff Grant, Q.M., 8.Victoria Road, Cork.
S. Bowen, Q.M., 4.Harrington Row, Cork.
M. Delea, A.B. (married). 61. Dominick Street, Cork.
P. Fennesy, A.B. (married), 51.Hibernian Buildings, Cork.
P. McCartie, A.B., Langford Place, Cork.
W. Moore, A.B., (married), 7.Corporation Buildings, Cork.
J. Good, A.B., 8. Fort Street, Cork.
O. Kemp, Cook, 9. Boreenmana Road, Cork.
A. E. Aston, gunner.
R. Macaulay, gunner.
E. McNamara, cattleman, Walsh’s Avenue, Blackpool, Cork.
D. Sullivan, Cattleman, Spring Lane, Blackpool, Cork.
W. Hartnett, cattleman, 56.Watercourse Road, Cork.
SURVIVOR’ STORIES.
Tim O’Brien, of Cork, said the ship was torpedoed on Saturday. He was in his bunk at the time, in the steerage over the propeller, and was thrown by the force of the explosion some yards. The lights went out immediately. Four other firemen were sleeping in the room. There was some confusion in the darkness, but he succeeded in getting a flash lamp and his lifebelt and made for the deck followed by James Barry. When he got on deck the ship was sinking fast. Along with Mr. Evans he got into one of the lifeboats and floated off the ship. As they were leaving the ship they grabbed the donkeyman and pulled him into the boat. At this time the Captain was on deck shouting instructions as to the lowering of the boats. After leaving the sinking ship they rescued the carpenter and a gunner from the water. Meanwhile 25 of the crew had put off in a boat, which became upturned and from which only one man, the steward, was rescued. They found him with his head through the bottom of the boat and extricated him with great difficulty, he being powerless to assist, as one of his arms was broken. They remained in the vicinity for a quarter of an hour in the hope of picking up the other men.
CRIES OF DROWNING MEN.
For about ten minutes cries were coming from the water for assistance, but owing to the wreckage, they were unable to get to their drowning comrades. At about seven o’clock in the morning they were picked up by a small coaster. They were then nearly dead with the cold, the majority being only half-clad. He (O’Brien) was in his shirt and trousers. The night was very cold and a heavy sea was running.
James Wright, chief steward, who had sustained a fractured arm, and was badly bruised about the left eye, told how he was talking to Captain Blacklock in the latter’s cabin just before the vessel was struck. It was just twilight and nobody saw the submarine. A terrific explosion was the first they knew of anything happening. The Kenmare immediately took a big list and commenced to go down by the stern. In a minute or a half or two minutes at the most, she had disappeared and he was struggling in the water. When he and the captain realised what had happened they both rushed out on the deck and lowered one of the boats. He and as many of the others as could got into the boat, which was upturned by the suction of the vessel sunk, and they were all thrown into the sea. “I was struck by something” he said “as we were thrown out and knew I was badly hurt, but was thinking of saving myself. I thought of my wife and child, and then made a struggle for it. It was a case of fight for your life. I was swimming about with my arm broken, fighting away for all I was worth for what seemed like a long time, but what was probably about ten minutes, before I was pulled into a boat. I was speaking to Captain Blacklock just before on deck, and that was the last I saw of him. He may have jumped off, but I am afraid he is gone. We were in the open boat from_____o’clock at night (his watch had stopped exactly at the hour) till a quarter past seven the next morning.
THE MISSING MEN.
As to the chances of those who are missing having been picked up, Mr. Wright shook his head and said he was afraid the chance was nil. I hope they have lingered, but I am very doubtful, because we passed two or three boats upturned. Mr. Wright said he was lucky to have been saved, and believed that if he had not been a strong swimmer in his younger days he would never have escaped. He was on the Kenmare when she was successful in eluding a German submarine over two tears ago when she had no gun, and only escaped by the speed and skill with which the vessel was handled.
GUN LIFTED FROM ITS SOCKET
Joseph Broughman said the force of the explosion lifted the gun from its socket. The later struck him on the back, and he was thrown into the sea. He swam about and eventually got hold of some wreckage before being pulled into a boat. He was one of the six survivors who got into this boat, which was the only one that kept afloat. They fixed the oars to steady the boat, but the latter were broken and carried away, and all they could do through the long, weary night was drift.
Arthur Philips, the carpenter, who suffered from shock, bur appeared to have greatly recovered, said that when the vessel was struck he was in his room. Immediately he went on deck, put on his life-belt, and with the others on deck he attempted to launch the lifeboat, “of course we could not do it,” he proceeded “because everything was fast, and the axe and hatches had been carried away. The vessel was sinking at the time, and a rope was made fast so that we might lower ourselves; but before we could get away the boat sank and I went down with her. Owing to the belt I came up again, and fortunately was clear of the wreckage which was strewn around. I then got on a capsized lifeboat, and all around I could see sailors clinging to wreckage. There was a gig aft, and the donkeyman and fireman got onto it. This small boat was astern, after having floated off, and after swimming some distance, I was also taken on it. It kept clear of the wreckage and capsized boats. All the other boats were smashed or capsized. Mr. Evans was in the gig, and if that had not kept right we would have been all lost.”
GUNNER RESCUED.
Mr. Phillips added that the gunner, Joseph Brougham, was also taken onto this boat, but the other gunners were lost. So far as he was aware none of the crew saw the torpedo, and there was no warning given, and the captain (Mr. Blacklock) was close up by him when he went down. This was following the explosion, which almost slit the vessel asunder, as it sank in less than two minutes. Every effort was made to get to the rescue of the sailors clinging to the wreckage and upturned boats, even until the little gig was threatened with being lost. “We could hear the sailors singing out” he explained, “and never left the place until we could hear no more voices. We were driven by a heavy sea, and as the boat got clear we saw the chief steward caught in a wrecked boat and rescued him. He had a broken arm. For 13 hours we were tossed about in the sea until picked up on Sunday morning, when we were picked up by a collier. We never thought the gig would have lived during the night. The Kenmare was struck amidships and owing to the suddenness with which she went down there was no chance of doing anything for the lowering of the boats, the only one of which that got away being that in which the six of us were saved.”
22 ½ YEARS ON THE SHIP.
James Barry, the donkeyman, said he was 72 years of age, and was 22 ½ years on the ship, having joined her after being built. “It was Mr. Evans who saved me,” he observed. “I ran up the ladder like a monkey up a stick after hearing the explosion, which was a terror out and out. It shook the whole ship, and the gun jumped off with the force of the blow. I had not any lifebelt on me at all, nor had I any boots or covering on my head. Owing to the cold I feel now as if I had no feet; and is it any wonder after being exposed as I was for 13 hours.”
Mr. Barry knew one of the crew, and could tell the time when each of them joined the ship. “The only one that was on it as long as myself was John Keenan of Cork, a greaser, and he joined it the same day as I did,” concluded the donkeyman, who appeared to be a very hardy type of seaman.
The above article is courtesy Brendan Mooney, from an article viewed at Cork Library.
TRAGIC STORY.
29 DEAD
The SS Kenmare, one of the fleet of the Cork Steampacket Company, was torpedoed in the channel on Saturday night, and sank in less than two minutes after being struck. Of the crew of 35 there were only six survivors. These were brought to Dublin, and five of them were taken to hospital, where they received every attention. Amongst the 29 lives lost was the skipper (Capt Blacklock), a native of Liverpool, but who has resided for some years in Cork, to which place most of those on board belonged.
Heart-rendering scenes were witnessed at the offices of the Steampacket Company, when relatives of members of the crew formed a constant stream of callers to ascertain if any news was to hand respecting those who, in many instances, meant everything to the families they left ashore. Amongst the earlier visitors was the daughter of Capt. Blacklock, whose innocent query, expressed with such child-like levity: “when is pappy expected up?” was yet so impossible to answer. Later on in the day two of the Captain’s children called, and when the dread intelligence was conveyed to them that their father was not amongst those saved, they were unable to appreciate the awful meaning of what had occurred and they cried bitterly. But those are only some of the many scenes witnessed. Relatives of nearly all the members of the crew visited the offices, and when it was stated that only six out of the thirty-five were saved it will be understood that there were many moist eyes amongst those who came and went. It is significant that amongst those saved is a man named Barry- certainly the oldest man aboard, and probably the oldest man sailing in the company’s service. The chief engineer, Mr. Thomas Murphy, is the son of a well-known and respected citizen, Mr. Murphy, Woodland View, and strangely enough, when in a different service his ship was torpedoed, and though that vessel carried a very large crew, they were nearly all saved. He had been sailing in the Kenmare for some little time back, relieving a Mr. O’Sullivan, Knockrea Terrace, Blacklock Road. Particularly sad is the case of the quartermaster, a man named Geoffrey Grant, who resided at Hibernian Buildings, who with his nephew, a sailor named Moore, are amongst the missing. Mr. Grant was the father of five children, and four years ago he buried his wife, a sister of Mr. Wm Parfrey, the well-known Gael. Probably no ship has been lost in which so many of the crew came from one locality, for the Kenmare was manned almost entirely of men from Dillon’s Cross, in the Northeast Ward, and from Ballinure.
The Dublin Correspondent of the Central News in a graphic account of the sinking of the Kenmare, says-The sinking occurred at seven o’clock on Saturday evening, and was without warning. Only six of the crew of 35 survive. Many of the men were in their bunks at the time, and were awakened by a loud explosion, which almost shattered the vessel. Though rushing quickly on deck they found the vessel awash, and only one small boat, which was not lashed, got clear. Its three occupants succeeded in rescuing three other men from the water. They were unable, owing to the wreckage, to proceed to the assistance of the others, who were shouting for help. After ten minutes the distressing cries died away, and the survivors in the small boat drifted for twelve hours before being picked up. They were scantily clad, and suffered terribly from the cold. Though all the survivors believe the sinking was caused by a submarine, none of them saw an enemy craft or the wake of a torpedo. The vessel appeared to have been struck amidships, and sank in about a minute after the explosion.
The following comprised the crew of the SS. Kenmare:-
SAVED
W. Evans, mate. Tany Boyn, New Quay, Cardigan.
James Barry, donkeyman, aged 72 years, 102. Lower Road, Cork.
Tim O’Brien fireman, aged 30 years, 8. Green Lane, Liverpool.
A. Phillips, carpenter, aged 28 years, 33. Hood Lane, Liverpool.
James Wright, steward, aged 47 years, 13. Springmount Place, Dillon’s Cross, Cork
J. Broughman, gunner, aged 20 years.
LOST
Capt. P. Blacklock, master (married), 9. Park View, Victoria Road, Cork.
R. Johnstone, 2nd mate, 1, Grattan Hill, Cork.
Thomas Murphy, 1st engineer (married), 37. Oriel, Bootle, Liverpool.
L. Ogle,2nd engineer, 10. Kenilworth Street, Bootle, Liverpool.
A. Shaw, 3rd engineer, 36. Woodbine Road, Tartown, Huddersfield.
J. Keenan, greaser (married), 138. Barrackton, Cork.
P. Corcoran, greaser (married), 3.Clahane cottages, Lower Road, Cork.
W. Lyins, fireman, 18. Dillon’s Cross, St. Lukes, Cork.
J. Driscoll, fireman, 24. Tower Street, Cork.
Michael Coleman, fireman (married), Gt. Wm. O’Brien Street, Cork.
Jas. Fitzgerald, trimmer, 274. Old Youghal Road, Cork.
Michael Ahern, trimmer. 7. Glen View, Dillon’s Cross, Cork.
R. McLoughlin, A.B. Vennel Street, Glenarm, Antrim.
Jno. Keefe, A.B. Ballinure, Blacklock, Cork.
Jeff Grant, Q.M., 8.Victoria Road, Cork.
S. Bowen, Q.M., 4.Harrington Row, Cork.
M. Delea, A.B. (married). 61. Dominick Street, Cork.
P. Fennesy, A.B. (married), 51.Hibernian Buildings, Cork.
P. McCartie, A.B., Langford Place, Cork.
W. Moore, A.B., (married), 7.Corporation Buildings, Cork.
J. Good, A.B., 8. Fort Street, Cork.
O. Kemp, Cook, 9. Boreenmana Road, Cork.
A. E. Aston, gunner.
R. Macaulay, gunner.
E. McNamara, cattleman, Walsh’s Avenue, Blackpool, Cork.
D. Sullivan, Cattleman, Spring Lane, Blackpool, Cork.
W. Hartnett, cattleman, 56.Watercourse Road, Cork.
SURVIVOR’ STORIES.
Tim O’Brien, of Cork, said the ship was torpedoed on Saturday. He was in his bunk at the time, in the steerage over the propeller, and was thrown by the force of the explosion some yards. The lights went out immediately. Four other firemen were sleeping in the room. There was some confusion in the darkness, but he succeeded in getting a flash lamp and his lifebelt and made for the deck followed by James Barry. When he got on deck the ship was sinking fast. Along with Mr. Evans he got into one of the lifeboats and floated off the ship. As they were leaving the ship they grabbed the donkeyman and pulled him into the boat. At this time the Captain was on deck shouting instructions as to the lowering of the boats. After leaving the sinking ship they rescued the carpenter and a gunner from the water. Meanwhile 25 of the crew had put off in a boat, which became upturned and from which only one man, the steward, was rescued. They found him with his head through the bottom of the boat and extricated him with great difficulty, he being powerless to assist, as one of his arms was broken. They remained in the vicinity for a quarter of an hour in the hope of picking up the other men.
CRIES OF DROWNING MEN.
For about ten minutes cries were coming from the water for assistance, but owing to the wreckage, they were unable to get to their drowning comrades. At about seven o’clock in the morning they were picked up by a small coaster. They were then nearly dead with the cold, the majority being only half-clad. He (O’Brien) was in his shirt and trousers. The night was very cold and a heavy sea was running.
James Wright, chief steward, who had sustained a fractured arm, and was badly bruised about the left eye, told how he was talking to Captain Blacklock in the latter’s cabin just before the vessel was struck. It was just twilight and nobody saw the submarine. A terrific explosion was the first they knew of anything happening. The Kenmare immediately took a big list and commenced to go down by the stern. In a minute or a half or two minutes at the most, she had disappeared and he was struggling in the water. When he and the captain realised what had happened they both rushed out on the deck and lowered one of the boats. He and as many of the others as could got into the boat, which was upturned by the suction of the vessel sunk, and they were all thrown into the sea. “I was struck by something” he said “as we were thrown out and knew I was badly hurt, but was thinking of saving myself. I thought of my wife and child, and then made a struggle for it. It was a case of fight for your life. I was swimming about with my arm broken, fighting away for all I was worth for what seemed like a long time, but what was probably about ten minutes, before I was pulled into a boat. I was speaking to Captain Blacklock just before on deck, and that was the last I saw of him. He may have jumped off, but I am afraid he is gone. We were in the open boat from_____o’clock at night (his watch had stopped exactly at the hour) till a quarter past seven the next morning.
THE MISSING MEN.
As to the chances of those who are missing having been picked up, Mr. Wright shook his head and said he was afraid the chance was nil. I hope they have lingered, but I am very doubtful, because we passed two or three boats upturned. Mr. Wright said he was lucky to have been saved, and believed that if he had not been a strong swimmer in his younger days he would never have escaped. He was on the Kenmare when she was successful in eluding a German submarine over two tears ago when she had no gun, and only escaped by the speed and skill with which the vessel was handled.
GUN LIFTED FROM ITS SOCKET
Joseph Broughman said the force of the explosion lifted the gun from its socket. The later struck him on the back, and he was thrown into the sea. He swam about and eventually got hold of some wreckage before being pulled into a boat. He was one of the six survivors who got into this boat, which was the only one that kept afloat. They fixed the oars to steady the boat, but the latter were broken and carried away, and all they could do through the long, weary night was drift.
Arthur Philips, the carpenter, who suffered from shock, bur appeared to have greatly recovered, said that when the vessel was struck he was in his room. Immediately he went on deck, put on his life-belt, and with the others on deck he attempted to launch the lifeboat, “of course we could not do it,” he proceeded “because everything was fast, and the axe and hatches had been carried away. The vessel was sinking at the time, and a rope was made fast so that we might lower ourselves; but before we could get away the boat sank and I went down with her. Owing to the belt I came up again, and fortunately was clear of the wreckage which was strewn around. I then got on a capsized lifeboat, and all around I could see sailors clinging to wreckage. There was a gig aft, and the donkeyman and fireman got onto it. This small boat was astern, after having floated off, and after swimming some distance, I was also taken on it. It kept clear of the wreckage and capsized boats. All the other boats were smashed or capsized. Mr. Evans was in the gig, and if that had not kept right we would have been all lost.”
GUNNER RESCUED.
Mr. Phillips added that the gunner, Joseph Brougham, was also taken onto this boat, but the other gunners were lost. So far as he was aware none of the crew saw the torpedo, and there was no warning given, and the captain (Mr. Blacklock) was close up by him when he went down. This was following the explosion, which almost slit the vessel asunder, as it sank in less than two minutes. Every effort was made to get to the rescue of the sailors clinging to the wreckage and upturned boats, even until the little gig was threatened with being lost. “We could hear the sailors singing out” he explained, “and never left the place until we could hear no more voices. We were driven by a heavy sea, and as the boat got clear we saw the chief steward caught in a wrecked boat and rescued him. He had a broken arm. For 13 hours we were tossed about in the sea until picked up on Sunday morning, when we were picked up by a collier. We never thought the gig would have lived during the night. The Kenmare was struck amidships and owing to the suddenness with which she went down there was no chance of doing anything for the lowering of the boats, the only one of which that got away being that in which the six of us were saved.”
22 ½ YEARS ON THE SHIP.
James Barry, the donkeyman, said he was 72 years of age, and was 22 ½ years on the ship, having joined her after being built. “It was Mr. Evans who saved me,” he observed. “I ran up the ladder like a monkey up a stick after hearing the explosion, which was a terror out and out. It shook the whole ship, and the gun jumped off with the force of the blow. I had not any lifebelt on me at all, nor had I any boots or covering on my head. Owing to the cold I feel now as if I had no feet; and is it any wonder after being exposed as I was for 13 hours.”
Mr. Barry knew one of the crew, and could tell the time when each of them joined the ship. “The only one that was on it as long as myself was John Keenan of Cork, a greaser, and he joined it the same day as I did,” concluded the donkeyman, who appeared to be a very hardy type of seaman.
The above article is courtesy Brendan Mooney, from an article viewed at Cork Library.
The sinking reported - Irish Independent, 7 March 1918
CORK SHIP LOST
SS KENMARE SUNK
29 MEN DROWNED
(Passed by Censor)
A distressing sea tragedy occurred on Saturday night when the SS Kenmare, belonging to the Cork Steampacket Co., was sunk, presumably by a submarine. Only 6 of the crew of 35 survive.
The sinking occurred as the ship was returning, and was without warning. Many of the crew were in their bunks, and were awakened by a loud explosion which almost shattered the ship from end to end. Though rushing quickly on deck, they found the vessel awash and only one small boat, which was not lashed, got clear, this floating from the stern of the ship. Its 3 occupants succeeded in rescuing 3 other men from the water. They were unable to proceed to the assistance of others, who, clinging to the wreckage, were shouting for help. After 10 minutes, the distressing cries died away, and the survivors in the small boat drifted for 12 hours before being picked up. They were scantily clad and suffered terribly from cold.
One of the rescued is aged 72, and was on the ship from the day she was launched, over 22 years ago. Except for swollen feet caused by the cold and a slight scalp wound, he is in good health. John Keenan, who joined the ship with him, and Capt Blacklock are amongst the lost. Mr Johnson, the chief officer, who was also drowned, had been previously rescued in a similar case.
Though all the survivors believe the sinking was caused by a submarine, none of them saw an enemy craft or the wake of a torpedo. The vessel appeared to have been struck amidships, and sank in about a minute from the explosion.
THE SURVIVORS
The survivors are: -
James Evans (mate), Cork
James Barry, 72 (donkeyman), Cork
Arthur Phillips, 28 (carpenter), Warrington
Tim o'Brien, 30 (fireman), Cork
Joseph Broughan, 20 (gunner), Birmingham
James Wright, 47 (chief steward), Cork
THE MISSING
Captain Blacklock (master), married, Cork
M. Johnson (chief officer), Grattan Hill, Cork
Thomas Noble (engineer), Liverpool
M Shaw (engineer), Liverpool
Michael Coleman (fireman), married, Cork
Robert Mcloughlin (fireman), Belfast
Michael Aherne (fireman)
Samuel Keeffe (fireman), Cork
William Lyons (fireman), Cork
John Driscoll (trimmer), Cork
Joseph Fitzgerald (trimmer), Cork
Greasers:
Patrick Corcoran (married), Cork
John Keenan (married), Cork
? Ogle, Liverpool
Sailors
Jack Good, Cork
? Mccarthy, Cork
Wm Moore (married), Cork
? Finnessy (married), Cork
Geoffrey Grout, quartermaster
? Bowen, quartermaster
Cattlemen
Ned Mackey,
Davy ?
and one other
Gunners:
Aston
Mcauley
Tim O'Brien
Tim O'Brien, relating his experiences to an "Irish Independent" representative, said the ship was torpedoed on Saturday. He was in his bunk in the steerage, over the propellor, and was thrown by the explosion some yards. The lights went out immediately. Four toher firemen were sleeping in the room. There was some confusion in the darkness, but he succeeded in getting a flash-lamp and his lifebelt and made for deck, followed by James Barry. When he got on deck, the ship was sinking fast.
BOAT UPTURNED
Along with Mr Evans he got into one of the after lifeboats and floated off the ship. As they were leaving the ship they grabbed teh donkeyman and pulled him into the boat. At this time the captain was on the deck shouting instructions as to the lowering of the boats. After leaving the sinking ship they rescued the carpenter and a gunner from the water.
Meanwhile, 25 of the crew had put off on a boat which became upturned and from which only the steward was rescued. They found him with his head through the bottom of the boat and extricated him with great difficulty, he being powerless to assist as one of his arms was broken. They remained in the vicinity for a quarter of an hour in the hope of picking up other men. For about ten minutes, cries were heard for assitance, but owing to the wreckage, they were unable to get to their drowning comrades. They were picked up by a small coaster when nearly dead with the cold, the majority being only half clad. O'Brien was in his shirt and trousers. The night was very cold and a heavy sea running.
FIGHT FOR LIFE
James Wright, chief steward, told how he was talking to Capt Blacklock in the latter's cabin immediately before the vessel was struck. It was just twilight and nobody saw the submarine. A terrific explosion was the first they knew of anything happening. The Kenmare immediately took a big list and commenced to go down by the stern. In a minute and a half or two she had disappeared and he was struggling in the water. When he and the captain realised what had happened, they both rushed out on deck and lowered one of the boats. He and as many of the others as could get into the boat, which was upturned by the suction as the vessel sank, and they were all thrown into the sea. "I was struck by something", he said, "as we were thrown out, and knew I was badly hurt, but I thought of my wife and child, and then made a struggle for it. It was a case of fight for your life. I was swimming about, with my arm broken, fighting away for all I was worth.
FEARED LOSS OF CAPTAIN
"It seemed like a long time, but what was probably about ten minutes, before I was pulled into a boat. I was speaking to Capt Blacklock just before on deck, and that was the last I saw of him. He may have jumped off, but I am afraid he is gone. We were in the open boat from 7 at night till a quarter past 7 in the morning."
Asked as to th echance of those who are missing having been picked up, Mr Wright said he was afraid the chance was hil. "I hope they have", he said, "but I am very doubtful, because we passed two or three boats upturned". Mr Wright said he was lucky to have been saved, and believed that if he ahd not been a strong swimmer in his younger days, he would never have escaped. He was in the Kenmare when she was successful in eluding a German submarine over two yeras ago, when she had no gun, and only escaped by the speed and skill with which the vessel was handled.
Joseph Brougham said the force of the explosion lifted the gun from its socket, so that the latter struck him in the back and he was thrown into the sea. He swam about and eventually got hold of some wreckage before being pulled into a boat. He was one of the six survivors who got into this boat, which was the only one that kept afloat. They fixed the oars to steady the boat, but the latter were broken and carried away, and all they could do was drift.
EVERYTHING FAST
Arthur Phillips, the carpenter, who suffered from shock, said when the vessel was struck he was in his room. Immediately he went on deck, put on his lifebelt and with others on deck attempted to launch the lifeboat. "We could not do it", he proceeded, "because everything was fast, and the axes and hatchets had been carried away. The vessel was sinking at the time, and a rope was made fast so that we might lower ourselves, but before we could get away, the boat sank and I went down with her." Owing to the belt, he came up again, and fortunately was clear of the wreckage. "I then got on a capsized boat, and all around I could see sailors clinging to the wreckage. There was a gig aft, and the donkey man and the fireman got into it. This small boat was astern, having floated off, and after swimming some distance I was also taken on it. It kept clear of the wreckage and the capsized boats. All the other boats were sunk or capsized. Mr Evans was in the gig, and if it had not kept right we would have been all lost."
SUBMARINE NOT SEEN
Mr Phillips added that Jos. Brougham was also taken onto this boat. So far as he was aware, none of the crew saw the torpedo-boat and there was no warning given, and Capt. Blacklock was close by him when he went down. This was following the explosion, which almost tore the vessel asunder. Every effort was made to get to the rescue of the sailors clinging to the wreckage and upturned boats, even until the little gig was threatened with being lost. "We could hear the sailors singing out", he explained, "and never left theh place until we could hear no more voices. We were driven by a heavy sea and as the boat got clear we saw the chief steward caught in a wrecked boat, and rescued him.
PICKED UP
"For 13 hours, we were tossed about in the sea until picked up on Sunday by the collier. We never though the gig would have lived during the night. Owing to the suddenness with which the Kenmare went down there was no chance of doing anything fo rthe lowering of the boats, the only one of which that got away being that in which the six men were saved."
James Barry, the donkeyman said. "It was Mr Evans who saved me. I ran up the ladder like a monkey after hearing the explosion, which was a terror out and out. It shook the whole ship, and the gun jumped off with the force of the blow. I had not any lifebelt on me, nor had I any boots, or covering on my head. Owing to the cold I feel now as if I had no feet; and is it any woonder after being exposed as I was for 13 hours?"
Mr Barry knew every one of the crew, and cold tell the time when each of them joined the ship. "The only one taht was on it as long as myself was John Keenan, a greaser, and he joined it the same day as I did".
SS KENMARE SUNK
29 MEN DROWNED
(Passed by Censor)
A distressing sea tragedy occurred on Saturday night when the SS Kenmare, belonging to the Cork Steampacket Co., was sunk, presumably by a submarine. Only 6 of the crew of 35 survive.
The sinking occurred as the ship was returning, and was without warning. Many of the crew were in their bunks, and were awakened by a loud explosion which almost shattered the ship from end to end. Though rushing quickly on deck, they found the vessel awash and only one small boat, which was not lashed, got clear, this floating from the stern of the ship. Its 3 occupants succeeded in rescuing 3 other men from the water. They were unable to proceed to the assistance of others, who, clinging to the wreckage, were shouting for help. After 10 minutes, the distressing cries died away, and the survivors in the small boat drifted for 12 hours before being picked up. They were scantily clad and suffered terribly from cold.
One of the rescued is aged 72, and was on the ship from the day she was launched, over 22 years ago. Except for swollen feet caused by the cold and a slight scalp wound, he is in good health. John Keenan, who joined the ship with him, and Capt Blacklock are amongst the lost. Mr Johnson, the chief officer, who was also drowned, had been previously rescued in a similar case.
Though all the survivors believe the sinking was caused by a submarine, none of them saw an enemy craft or the wake of a torpedo. The vessel appeared to have been struck amidships, and sank in about a minute from the explosion.
THE SURVIVORS
The survivors are: -
James Evans (mate), Cork
James Barry, 72 (donkeyman), Cork
Arthur Phillips, 28 (carpenter), Warrington
Tim o'Brien, 30 (fireman), Cork
Joseph Broughan, 20 (gunner), Birmingham
James Wright, 47 (chief steward), Cork
THE MISSING
Captain Blacklock (master), married, Cork
M. Johnson (chief officer), Grattan Hill, Cork
Thomas Noble (engineer), Liverpool
M Shaw (engineer), Liverpool
Michael Coleman (fireman), married, Cork
Robert Mcloughlin (fireman), Belfast
Michael Aherne (fireman)
Samuel Keeffe (fireman), Cork
William Lyons (fireman), Cork
John Driscoll (trimmer), Cork
Joseph Fitzgerald (trimmer), Cork
Greasers:
Patrick Corcoran (married), Cork
John Keenan (married), Cork
? Ogle, Liverpool
Sailors
Jack Good, Cork
? Mccarthy, Cork
Wm Moore (married), Cork
? Finnessy (married), Cork
Geoffrey Grout, quartermaster
? Bowen, quartermaster
Cattlemen
Ned Mackey,
Davy ?
and one other
Gunners:
Aston
Mcauley
Tim O'Brien
Tim O'Brien, relating his experiences to an "Irish Independent" representative, said the ship was torpedoed on Saturday. He was in his bunk in the steerage, over the propellor, and was thrown by the explosion some yards. The lights went out immediately. Four toher firemen were sleeping in the room. There was some confusion in the darkness, but he succeeded in getting a flash-lamp and his lifebelt and made for deck, followed by James Barry. When he got on deck, the ship was sinking fast.
BOAT UPTURNED
Along with Mr Evans he got into one of the after lifeboats and floated off the ship. As they were leaving the ship they grabbed teh donkeyman and pulled him into the boat. At this time the captain was on the deck shouting instructions as to the lowering of the boats. After leaving the sinking ship they rescued the carpenter and a gunner from the water.
Meanwhile, 25 of the crew had put off on a boat which became upturned and from which only the steward was rescued. They found him with his head through the bottom of the boat and extricated him with great difficulty, he being powerless to assist as one of his arms was broken. They remained in the vicinity for a quarter of an hour in the hope of picking up other men. For about ten minutes, cries were heard for assitance, but owing to the wreckage, they were unable to get to their drowning comrades. They were picked up by a small coaster when nearly dead with the cold, the majority being only half clad. O'Brien was in his shirt and trousers. The night was very cold and a heavy sea running.
FIGHT FOR LIFE
James Wright, chief steward, told how he was talking to Capt Blacklock in the latter's cabin immediately before the vessel was struck. It was just twilight and nobody saw the submarine. A terrific explosion was the first they knew of anything happening. The Kenmare immediately took a big list and commenced to go down by the stern. In a minute and a half or two she had disappeared and he was struggling in the water. When he and the captain realised what had happened, they both rushed out on deck and lowered one of the boats. He and as many of the others as could get into the boat, which was upturned by the suction as the vessel sank, and they were all thrown into the sea. "I was struck by something", he said, "as we were thrown out, and knew I was badly hurt, but I thought of my wife and child, and then made a struggle for it. It was a case of fight for your life. I was swimming about, with my arm broken, fighting away for all I was worth.
FEARED LOSS OF CAPTAIN
"It seemed like a long time, but what was probably about ten minutes, before I was pulled into a boat. I was speaking to Capt Blacklock just before on deck, and that was the last I saw of him. He may have jumped off, but I am afraid he is gone. We were in the open boat from 7 at night till a quarter past 7 in the morning."
Asked as to th echance of those who are missing having been picked up, Mr Wright said he was afraid the chance was hil. "I hope they have", he said, "but I am very doubtful, because we passed two or three boats upturned". Mr Wright said he was lucky to have been saved, and believed that if he ahd not been a strong swimmer in his younger days, he would never have escaped. He was in the Kenmare when she was successful in eluding a German submarine over two yeras ago, when she had no gun, and only escaped by the speed and skill with which the vessel was handled.
Joseph Brougham said the force of the explosion lifted the gun from its socket, so that the latter struck him in the back and he was thrown into the sea. He swam about and eventually got hold of some wreckage before being pulled into a boat. He was one of the six survivors who got into this boat, which was the only one that kept afloat. They fixed the oars to steady the boat, but the latter were broken and carried away, and all they could do was drift.
EVERYTHING FAST
Arthur Phillips, the carpenter, who suffered from shock, said when the vessel was struck he was in his room. Immediately he went on deck, put on his lifebelt and with others on deck attempted to launch the lifeboat. "We could not do it", he proceeded, "because everything was fast, and the axes and hatchets had been carried away. The vessel was sinking at the time, and a rope was made fast so that we might lower ourselves, but before we could get away, the boat sank and I went down with her." Owing to the belt, he came up again, and fortunately was clear of the wreckage. "I then got on a capsized boat, and all around I could see sailors clinging to the wreckage. There was a gig aft, and the donkey man and the fireman got into it. This small boat was astern, having floated off, and after swimming some distance I was also taken on it. It kept clear of the wreckage and the capsized boats. All the other boats were sunk or capsized. Mr Evans was in the gig, and if it had not kept right we would have been all lost."
SUBMARINE NOT SEEN
Mr Phillips added that Jos. Brougham was also taken onto this boat. So far as he was aware, none of the crew saw the torpedo-boat and there was no warning given, and Capt. Blacklock was close by him when he went down. This was following the explosion, which almost tore the vessel asunder. Every effort was made to get to the rescue of the sailors clinging to the wreckage and upturned boats, even until the little gig was threatened with being lost. "We could hear the sailors singing out", he explained, "and never left theh place until we could hear no more voices. We were driven by a heavy sea and as the boat got clear we saw the chief steward caught in a wrecked boat, and rescued him.
PICKED UP
"For 13 hours, we were tossed about in the sea until picked up on Sunday by the collier. We never though the gig would have lived during the night. Owing to the suddenness with which the Kenmare went down there was no chance of doing anything fo rthe lowering of the boats, the only one of which that got away being that in which the six men were saved."
James Barry, the donkeyman said. "It was Mr Evans who saved me. I ran up the ladder like a monkey after hearing the explosion, which was a terror out and out. It shook the whole ship, and the gun jumped off with the force of the blow. I had not any lifebelt on me, nor had I any boots, or covering on my head. Owing to the cold I feel now as if I had no feet; and is it any woonder after being exposed as I was for 13 hours?"
Mr Barry knew every one of the crew, and cold tell the time when each of them joined the ship. "The only one taht was on it as long as myself was John Keenan, a greaser, and he joined it the same day as I did".
John Macaulay remembered
In the 1930s, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission commissioned the erection of a grave-stone over John Macaulay’s grave at Balrothery, a gravestone which faces east. His was one of many such gravestones in Ireland that were put up by the Office of Public Works, a branch of the Irish Government. In the 1920s, the family ordered the installation of iron railings around the grave site. The spelling of John Macaulay’s name on the gravestone (Macauley) is noted, but the information on the stone confirms the identity of the casualty.
John Macaulay is also remembered on the commemorative panel in Grangegorman Military Cemetery, Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin.
He is also mentioned on the West Uig division of the Lewis War Memorial at Stornoway
and on the Uig War Memorial at Timsgarry
John Macaulay is also remembered on the commemorative panel in Grangegorman Military Cemetery, Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin.
He is also mentioned on the West Uig division of the Lewis War Memorial at Stornoway
and on the Uig War Memorial at Timsgarry
John Macaulay's fate
John Macaulay was not saved from the sinking of the Kenmare. Although the one working lifeboat remained on the scene as long as possible, the shouting of the floundering seamen ceased after some 10 minutes. It is a matter of conjecture what happened during the next fourteen days.
Coast Watchman John Doherty and Constable Masterson found the body of John Macaulay on a beach at King’s Point (shown left) north of Balbriggan Co. Dublin on Saturday 16th March 1918. Two other bodies of sailors were found on the same day washed up on nearby beaches at Skerries Co. Dublin and Gormanston Co. Meath, but only John Macaulay’s body could be identified. He carried a letter which is said to have identified him as George [sic] Mcauley of Stornaway. He is described as a fine young sailor of about 25 – however, at the time of his death, John Macaulay was actually aged thirty-five. All three were dressed in semi-naval uniform.
Inquests into the deaths of the three sailors were held by Coroners Friery and Corry, and the evidence disclosed nothing further than that two of the men carried beads and scapulars, while a disc showed that McAuley was a Presbyterian. The bodies, which were only a few days in the water, bore no sign of violence, and the medical testimony was that death was due to drowning. A verdict of “found drowned” was duly returned by the Jury under foreman Mr George Mongey.
News found its way to John’s native Isle of Lewis, and was relayed by local weekly newspaper Stornoway Gazette, on 15 March 1918.
“It is with deep regret we have to record the death by drowning of Seaman John Macaulay (Iain Dhomhnaill an Taillear) [John the son of Donald the Tailor] Islivig on Saturday 2nd inst. His boat the “Kenmore” [sic] was torpedoed, and only six out of a crew of thirty-five were saved. John was one of the finest young men that could be met in a day’s march. To his young and sorrowing widow, and to his other near relatives and friends, the heartfelt sympathy of the whole community is extended in their very sad and sore bereavement.”
John’s family had endeavoured to have the body transferred home, but the authorities would not sanction this. An account of the funeral was forwarded to his family by the Acting Divisional Officer of Coastguard at Rush, and the Stornoway Gazette copies this; I insert additional information as supplied by the Drogheda Independent and Drogheda Advertiser in their editions of March 23rd, 1918.
The funeral (shown above) started from the Coastguard Station, Balbriggan (shown left, about 1920). The military supplied four horses and the coffin was place on the limber, and we marched through the town of Balbriggan. The military firing party, with a piper at its head, led the procession; a military funeral party and a body of police followed behind the coffin with as many of the Coastguard as could be obtained; and a large crowd of the inhabitants followed to the churchyard. the piper played a lament and other Scottish airs suitable for the occasion. (Pipers’ Band of the Royal Engineers playing the Dead March) The military also took photographs of the funeral and if they turn out successful you will be sent copies. Your son is buried at Balrothery Churchyard, and the funeral service was carried out by the Protestant minister (Rev. H. B. Good, Rector, Rev. C. Benson L.L.D. and Rev. R. Scriven). Your son was given the grandest funeral that was ever seen in Balbriggan and I think it is particularly gratifying to know that full honours were paid to his remains. Three volleys were fired over the grave and the piper played between each volley.”
It would stand to reason that such a grand occasion would be remembered for many years to come in a small town like Balbriggan. Not in this instance. British armed forces burned and looted the centre of the town on 9 September 1920 in reprisal for the alleged killing of an R.I.C officer by the I.R.A. earlier in the evening, as the unfortunate policeman left a local pub. This would have eclipsed if not erased the burial in the collective and popular memory of the inhabitants of the town.
Coast Watchman John Doherty and Constable Masterson found the body of John Macaulay on a beach at King’s Point (shown left) north of Balbriggan Co. Dublin on Saturday 16th March 1918. Two other bodies of sailors were found on the same day washed up on nearby beaches at Skerries Co. Dublin and Gormanston Co. Meath, but only John Macaulay’s body could be identified. He carried a letter which is said to have identified him as George [sic] Mcauley of Stornaway. He is described as a fine young sailor of about 25 – however, at the time of his death, John Macaulay was actually aged thirty-five. All three were dressed in semi-naval uniform.
Inquests into the deaths of the three sailors were held by Coroners Friery and Corry, and the evidence disclosed nothing further than that two of the men carried beads and scapulars, while a disc showed that McAuley was a Presbyterian. The bodies, which were only a few days in the water, bore no sign of violence, and the medical testimony was that death was due to drowning. A verdict of “found drowned” was duly returned by the Jury under foreman Mr George Mongey.
News found its way to John’s native Isle of Lewis, and was relayed by local weekly newspaper Stornoway Gazette, on 15 March 1918.
“It is with deep regret we have to record the death by drowning of Seaman John Macaulay (Iain Dhomhnaill an Taillear) [John the son of Donald the Tailor] Islivig on Saturday 2nd inst. His boat the “Kenmore” [sic] was torpedoed, and only six out of a crew of thirty-five were saved. John was one of the finest young men that could be met in a day’s march. To his young and sorrowing widow, and to his other near relatives and friends, the heartfelt sympathy of the whole community is extended in their very sad and sore bereavement.”
John’s family had endeavoured to have the body transferred home, but the authorities would not sanction this. An account of the funeral was forwarded to his family by the Acting Divisional Officer of Coastguard at Rush, and the Stornoway Gazette copies this; I insert additional information as supplied by the Drogheda Independent and Drogheda Advertiser in their editions of March 23rd, 1918.
The funeral (shown above) started from the Coastguard Station, Balbriggan (shown left, about 1920). The military supplied four horses and the coffin was place on the limber, and we marched through the town of Balbriggan. The military firing party, with a piper at its head, led the procession; a military funeral party and a body of police followed behind the coffin with as many of the Coastguard as could be obtained; and a large crowd of the inhabitants followed to the churchyard. the piper played a lament and other Scottish airs suitable for the occasion. (Pipers’ Band of the Royal Engineers playing the Dead March) The military also took photographs of the funeral and if they turn out successful you will be sent copies. Your son is buried at Balrothery Churchyard, and the funeral service was carried out by the Protestant minister (Rev. H. B. Good, Rector, Rev. C. Benson L.L.D. and Rev. R. Scriven). Your son was given the grandest funeral that was ever seen in Balbriggan and I think it is particularly gratifying to know that full honours were paid to his remains. Three volleys were fired over the grave and the piper played between each volley.”
It would stand to reason that such a grand occasion would be remembered for many years to come in a small town like Balbriggan. Not in this instance. British armed forces burned and looted the centre of the town on 9 September 1920 in reprisal for the alleged killing of an R.I.C officer by the I.R.A. earlier in the evening, as the unfortunate policeman left a local pub. This would have eclipsed if not erased the burial in the collective and popular memory of the inhabitants of the town.
U-104
U 104 departed on her last cruise around 11 April 1918 from Wilhelmshaven. She sailed northwest, passing to the north of Shetland and headed to the area west of the Hebrides, subsequently west and south of Ireland into the Irish Sea. Two ships were torpedoed before U 104 itself was sunk, near location 51°59'N 6°26'W.
In the early hours of 25 April 1918, HMS Jessamine sighted U 104 and attacked with depth charges. These damaged the submarine, but as the crew attempted to open an escape hatch only one crew member escaped through being blown out by escaping air. The others were pushed aside and drowned by the water rushing in. The survivor was picked up by HMS Jessamine three hours later.
The survivor was engine room petty officer Karl Eschenberg, from the Westphalia area of Germany. There were 39 other members of crew, commanded by Kapitän-Leutnant zur See Kurt Bernis.
The above paragraphs were summarised from the interrogation of the survivor, Karl Eschenberg.
U-boat 104 had been in service for only five months at the time of the attack on the Kenmare. U-104 sank a total of eight ships, which accounted for a third of the number of ships (25) sunk by its commander, 32-year old Kapitän-Leutnant zur See Kurt Bernis, until he was killed in the sinking of his U-boat on 25 April 1918.
On 23 April 1918, U-104 was attacked by USS Cushing using depth charges. These damaged the submarine. Two days later, HMS Jessamine came across the submarine on the surface in St George’s Channel as its crew were attempting to repair the damage, caused by the depth charges. KLt Bernis dived his submarine, but depth charges from HMS Jessamine forced him to surface. The U-boat was finally sunk, taking 31 to the bottom with her. The location of the wreck of U-104 is shown on this map, supplied courtesy D.J. Grundy, and compiled using data from www.wrecksite.eu.
Further information, with correspondence to and from the widow of crewmember Könnecke, on this link.
The images below show a model of U-boat 104. It is on display at, and the images are supplied courtesy of National World War I Museum, Kansas City, MO, USA.
In the early hours of 25 April 1918, HMS Jessamine sighted U 104 and attacked with depth charges. These damaged the submarine, but as the crew attempted to open an escape hatch only one crew member escaped through being blown out by escaping air. The others were pushed aside and drowned by the water rushing in. The survivor was picked up by HMS Jessamine three hours later.
The survivor was engine room petty officer Karl Eschenberg, from the Westphalia area of Germany. There were 39 other members of crew, commanded by Kapitän-Leutnant zur See Kurt Bernis.
The above paragraphs were summarised from the interrogation of the survivor, Karl Eschenberg.
U-boat 104 had been in service for only five months at the time of the attack on the Kenmare. U-104 sank a total of eight ships, which accounted for a third of the number of ships (25) sunk by its commander, 32-year old Kapitän-Leutnant zur See Kurt Bernis, until he was killed in the sinking of his U-boat on 25 April 1918.
On 23 April 1918, U-104 was attacked by USS Cushing using depth charges. These damaged the submarine. Two days later, HMS Jessamine came across the submarine on the surface in St George’s Channel as its crew were attempting to repair the damage, caused by the depth charges. KLt Bernis dived his submarine, but depth charges from HMS Jessamine forced him to surface. The U-boat was finally sunk, taking 31 to the bottom with her. The location of the wreck of U-104 is shown on this map, supplied courtesy D.J. Grundy, and compiled using data from www.wrecksite.eu.
Further information, with correspondence to and from the widow of crewmember Könnecke, on this link.
The images below show a model of U-boat 104. It is on display at, and the images are supplied courtesy of National World War I Museum, Kansas City, MO, USA.
Family history
John was the son of fisherman Donald Macaulay of Islivig and domestic servant Margaret Macaulay who were married at Miavaig on 4 April 1878. Both were aged 26 at the time. It is worth pointing out that in the Gaelic community, the name Margaret is sometimes converted to Peggy. They continued to live in Islivig after their marriage. Donald and Peggy were blessed with the birth of a son, John, on 7 December 1881.
As far as I have been able to ascertain, John had four siblings. The 1891 census shows an older sister, Mary (3 years older than John). In 1901, John was aged 19, and employed as a postman. The census that year also records Chirsty (15), Kenneth (17) and Murdo (12).
Thirty-six years later, on 16 January 1917, John (now living at 7 Islivig) was married to Catherine Ann Macaulay, a 29-year old nurse from 19 Brenish. She is the daughter of boat-builder John Macaulay and Isabella Matheson. The marriage was conducted at Seaforth House on Scotland Street in Stornoway. The couple are shown below, probably in 1917, in a photograph supplied by the family.
John and Catherine were first cousins, meaning they shared one pair of grandparents. They would have met as the two communities of Islivig and Brenish are only a mile apart in the far west of Lewis.
Catherine Ann (or Kate) was aged 13 at the time of the 1901 census. She had four siblings: Maggie (15), Murdina (11), Malcolm (9), Donald A (7) and Maryann (5).
At the time of his marriage, John’s mother Peggy had died, and Donald, by that time aged 62, was a crofter. His son, John, was a seaman in the Merchant Service, but (1917 being a war year) he is also marked as being in the Royal Naval Reserve, as so many islanders were. John had spent some time in Canada, working in the RCMP. He returned to the United Kingdom to serve his country. He was to have taken Catherine out to Canada to marry her there, but instead they got wed in Stornoway.
The couple did not have children. After John's loss, Catherine never remarried. She continued nursing in the island and on the mainland.
Catherine Ann, John’s wife, died in Stornoway on 17 April 1961, aged 73. She did not marry again. Kate carried on nursing, both in Lewis and on the mainland.
John’s father, Donald Macaulay, passed away in the district of Uig in 1933, aged 80.
As far as I have been able to ascertain, John had four siblings. The 1891 census shows an older sister, Mary (3 years older than John). In 1901, John was aged 19, and employed as a postman. The census that year also records Chirsty (15), Kenneth (17) and Murdo (12).
Thirty-six years later, on 16 January 1917, John (now living at 7 Islivig) was married to Catherine Ann Macaulay, a 29-year old nurse from 19 Brenish. She is the daughter of boat-builder John Macaulay and Isabella Matheson. The marriage was conducted at Seaforth House on Scotland Street in Stornoway. The couple are shown below, probably in 1917, in a photograph supplied by the family.
John and Catherine were first cousins, meaning they shared one pair of grandparents. They would have met as the two communities of Islivig and Brenish are only a mile apart in the far west of Lewis.
Catherine Ann (or Kate) was aged 13 at the time of the 1901 census. She had four siblings: Maggie (15), Murdina (11), Malcolm (9), Donald A (7) and Maryann (5).
At the time of his marriage, John’s mother Peggy had died, and Donald, by that time aged 62, was a crofter. His son, John, was a seaman in the Merchant Service, but (1917 being a war year) he is also marked as being in the Royal Naval Reserve, as so many islanders were. John had spent some time in Canada, working in the RCMP. He returned to the United Kingdom to serve his country. He was to have taken Catherine out to Canada to marry her there, but instead they got wed in Stornoway.
The couple did not have children. After John's loss, Catherine never remarried. She continued nursing in the island and on the mainland.
Catherine Ann, John’s wife, died in Stornoway on 17 April 1961, aged 73. She did not marry again. Kate carried on nursing, both in Lewis and on the mainland.
John’s father, Donald Macaulay, passed away in the district of Uig in 1933, aged 80.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)