Ernest Robert White
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Ernest Robert was the son of Robert and Eliza Elizabeth White (nee Minney). His father Robert was born in 1862 (J/A/S Ampthill) in Haynes, Bedfordshire. His mother Eliza was born in Great Barford, Bedfordshire (birth registered 1860 J/F/M Bedford); she was the daughter of John and Ann Minney and was baptised on 2 June 1861 in Great Barford. Robert and Eliza were married in 1888 (A/M/J Nottingham) and had two children, Ernest Robert (b. 29 April 1889) and Rosa Amy (birth registered 1891 J/F/M). In 1891 Robert (28), a railway engine fireman, and Eliza (31) were living at 55 Cremorne Street, Meadows, with their two young children, Ernest (1) and Rose (3 months). Also in the household was Robert's niece, Naomi Cook (20), a domestic servant. By 1901 the family had moved to 55 Cremorne Street, Meadows. Robert was now a railway engine driver. In 1911 Robert (49) and Eliza (51) were living at 113 Glapton Road, Meadows. Ernest had joined the Royal Navy the previous year and was serving in HMS Achilles at Portsmouth, but Rose (20) was still at home and working as a machinist. Ernest's parents were still living at 113 Glapton Road when he was killed in 1916. His father died aged 66 on 14 June 1929 (registered June Nottingham) and his mother on 15 June 1940 at the age of 80. His sister Amy was married in 1919 (J/A/S Nottingham) to George Everett Morriss, a widower (married Lily Beers 1902, registered A/M/J Shardlow, Derbyshire). George had served in the war (56323 Gunner, Royal Garrison Artillery) and died in 1954 (June Shardlow). Rose died aged 67 on 30 June 1959; the probate record shows her address as 113 Glapton Road, Meadows, which had been her parents' address.
Ernest joined the Royal Navy on 6 January 1910 on a 12 year engagement and served in the following ships and shore establishments: HMS Renown, 6 January 1910-12 March 1910 (Stoker 2nd Class); Victory II, 13 March 1910-3 May 1910; HMS Roxburgh, 4 May 1910-11 November 1910; HMS Achilles, 12 November 1910-17 March 1912 (Stoker 1st Class, 2 February 1911); (14 days Cells 18 March 1912-31 March 1912); HMS Achilles 1 April 1912-4 June 1913; Victory II, 5 June 1913-2 August 1914; HMS Invincible, 2 August 1914-31 May 1916 (Acting Leading Stoker 31 December 1914, Leading Stoker 1 January 1916). His Naval record was annotated, ‘NP 4060/1916. DD 31st May 1916. Killed in action.’ His body was not recovered for burial and he is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. The battle cruiser H.M.S. "Invincible", commanded by Captain A.L. Clay, was the flagship of the Third Battle Cruiser Squadron (Rear Admiral The Hon H.L.A. Hood). The Squadron took part in the Battle of Jutland in which the Royal Navy's Grand Fleet (Admiral Sir John Jellicoe) and the Battle Cruiser Fleet (Vice Admiral Sir David Beatty), joined by the 3rd Battle Cruiser Squadron, faced the German High Seas Fleet (Vice Admiral Scheer). During the battle "Invincible" hit "Wiesbaden" and completely disabled her as well as causing serious damage to the "Pillau." "Invincible" also hit the German battle cruiser "Lutzow" eight times and, sinking by the bows, the German ship pulled out of the line. However, at 1829 "Derfflinger" hit "Invincible" with a full salvo; a shell penetrated one of the midship turrets igniting the magazine. Invincible blew up and sank in less than 30 fathoms; an officer on HMS Indomitable 'saw her two ends standing perpendicularly above water, the ship appearing to have broken in halves, each resting on the bottom.' There were only six survivors - over 1,000 officers and men died, including Admiral Hood.
Nottingham Evening Post, 'Roll of Honour', 9 June 1916: ‘White. lost with HMS Invincible May 31st, Ernest Robert White, Leading Stoker, son of R and E Wright, 113 Glapton Road, age 26. His loving face and smile will ever be forgotten. Loved by all. Thy will be done.’
