Ernest Edgar Eyre
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
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Ernest Edgar Eyre was the son of John Isaac Eyre and Alice Winfield who married at Derby in 1872. Their children included: Annie (b.1873), Frank Isaac (b.1874), Florence Mary (b.1876), Maud Elizabeth (b.1879), Charles (b.1881), Ernest Edgar (b.1887) and Harry (b.1892). The various Eyre homes identified include: 8 Pritchard’s Terrace, St. Ann’s Nottingham [C.1881]; 35 Radnor Street, St Ann’s [C.1891]; 25 Stoneleigh Terrace, All Saint’s Parish, Nottingham [C.1901]; 158 Forster Street, Radford [undated Naval record & CWGC]. John Isaac Eyre, was a house painter by trade. He is not listed as living with Alice Eyre and their children in the 1901 census, although Alice lists herself as married rather than widowed. He simply vanishes from all other records. Alice Eyre, herself, dies at Nottingham, aged 77, in 1930. Ernest's RN record ('George Weaver') shows that the relative the Royal Navy notified of his death was his aunt (sic), Alice Eyre of 158 Forster Street, Radford, Nottingham.
Ernest joined the Royal Navy on a 12 year engagement in the name of GEORGE WEAVER on 21 August 1907. He served in the following ships and shore establishments: HMS Acheron, 21 August 1907-5 February 1908 (Stoker 2nd Class); HMS Cochrane, 6 February 1908-31 March 1909 (Stoker 1st Class 13 August 1908); HMS Berwick, 7 April 1909-12 August 1909 (Cells 7 days) and 20 August 1909-15 May 1911; Pembroke II, 16 May 1911-25 May 1911; HMS Alert, 26 May 1911-6 March 1912; HMS Sirius, 7 March 1912-10 April 1914; HMS Pembroke, 11 April 1914-2 June 1914; Dido (Laurel), 3 June 1914-25 August 1914. Service record annotated, ‘DD 28 August 1914. Killed in action off Heligoland Bight HMS Laurel’. Additional remark ‘According to relatives this man’s correct name is Ernest Edgar Eyre. Served as George Weaver. NP2173/23’ HMS Laurel was part of the 3rd Destroyer Fleet at the Battle of the Heligoland Bight on 28 August 1914. HMS Laurel (Cdr Frank Rose) survived the battle but was badly damaged and had to be towed back to port. One officer and 10 ratings died in the battle including Ernest. He was buried at sea and is commemorated on Chatham Naval Memorial.
He used the alias of 'George Weaver' whilst serving with the Royal Navy. He gave his next of kin as his 'Aunt', Alice Eyre, of 158 Forster Street, Radford, Nottingham. In memoriam published 28th August 1916 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “EYRE. – In loving memory of Ernest Eyre, killed in action August 28th, 1914, aged 27 years. He gave his life in defence of his country's shores. – From his mother and brothers, and friends.” In memoriam published 28th August 1917 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “EYRE. – In loving memory of Ernest Eyre, killed in action on H.M.S. Laurel, battle [of] Heligoland, August 28th, 1914. Until the day breaks. – Mother, brothers (Ted and Harry serving).” In memoriam published 28th August 1918 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “EYRE. – In loving memory of Ernest Eyre, killed in action on H.M.S. Laurel, battle Heligoland, August 28th, 1914. Until the day breaks. – Mother, brothers (Ted and Harry serving).” Above in memoriam are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
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