James Henry Frederick Hawker

James joined the Royal Navy on a 12 year engagement (5+7 years) on 26 May 1915. He served in the following ships and shore establishments: Victory I, 26 May 1915-27 July 1915 (Ordinary Seaman); Attentive II (HMS Ghurka), 28 July 1915-8 February 1917 (Able Seaman 17 September 1916). His service documents were annotated, ‘NP 1095/17. DD 8-2-17. Lost on HMS Ghurka.' HMS Ghurka, a Tribal Class destroyer, was on patrol in the Channel when she struck a mine laid by German submarine UC-47 and sank in 30 metres of water near Dungeness. Seventy-five of the ship's company died with only five survivors. A selection of reports from the subsequent inquiry into the loss of the ship are on the website: sussexhistoryforum.co.uk. James' body was not recovered for burial and he is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. HMS Ghurka was not designated a war grave until 2008.

Nottingham Evening Post notice (abridged) 5 March 1917. 'FJH (sic) Hawker, 5 Bright Row, Hyson Green, lost at sea, February 8th.' In memoriam published 8th February 1918 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “HAWKER. – In loving memory of our only child, Seaman Hawker, lost his life on H.M.S. Destroyer Ghurka. February 8th, 1917. A sudden blow, a shock severe, to part with one we love so dear. – From his sorrowful mam & dad.” In memoriam published 9th February 1920 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “HAWKER. – In loving memory of our only child, James Hawker, struck a mine on H.M.S. Destroyer Gurkha, February 8th, 1917. We often speak thy name, dear, and shed a silent tear. – Sadly missed by his loving dad and mam.” Above in memoriam are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918