James Arthur Hallam

Leasowe Castle Sinking This account is from a local resident posted on the Woodborough village website. The Hussars had been fighting in the Middle East and they were returning to France where they were to be re-formed as a machine gun company. Their new title was to be the South Notts Machine Gun Battalion. They were sent to Alexandria, Egypt and had received orders to embark on a transporter ship called the "Leasowe Castle" on 23th May 1918 ¹. On 27th May, the ship was struck by a torpedo with devastating results. A very detailed account of the fateful journey may be read in the historical records of the South Notts Hussars Yeomanry by G. Fellows. The "Leasowe Castle" was one of a convoy of six transporters and they were accompanied by a number of destroyers. The weather was good, the sea was calm and a brilliant moon shone in the night sky. At 1.30 am on May 27th 1918 when the ship was about 104 miles from Alexandria, the "Leasowe Castle" was struck by a torpedo on the starboard side. The engines were immediately stopped. The troops mustered to their stations, rolls were called, boats lowered and rafts flung overboard. The Japanese destroyer "R" stood by, while the remainder of the convoy continued on their journey at full speed. We are informed that perfect order was maintained on board, the men standing quietly at their stations as if on parade, while those detailed for the work assisted in lowering the boats. Lifeboats were launched in the course of forty five minutes and the rescue attempt continued smoothly. The "Leasowe Castle" remained fairly steady, though sinking a little at the stern, with a slight list to port. All of 'B' (Warwickshire Yeomanry) Company of the Battalion went over the port side and were picked up in the water. About 1.45am. HM sloop "Lily" appeared having turned back from the convoy to assist in the work of rescue. She ran her bows up to the starboard side of the "Leasowe Castle" and made fast, so that troops were able to pass quickly on board. Meanwhile the Japanese destroyer put up a smoke screen for protection. Suddenly about 3.00am a bulkhead in the aft part of the ship gave way, and with a loud noise the "Leasowe Castle" sank rapidly. The "Lily" had a narrow escape, as the hawsers connecting her with the sinking ship were cut with an axe just in time.

Chatby Memorial Egypt Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 5 February 1919: ‘Hallam. Reported missing, believed drowned May 27th 1918, now reported drowned on that date. Jim Hallam, South Nottts. Hussars, the beloved husband of Anis Hallam, 18 Bullivant-street. Cherished memories. Sorrowing wife and children.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 5 February 1919. Hallam. Reported missing May 27th, 1918, now reported drowned on that date, Jim, the dearly loved son of Emily and the late James Hallam. He giveth his beloved sleep. From his sorrowing mother, brothers, and sisters.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 5 February 1919. Hallam. Missing, now reported drowned May 28th 1918, our dear son-in-law jim. Fondly remembered. Mr and Mrs Morgan and family, 18 Bullivant-street.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’ 27 May 1919: ‘Hallam. In proud and loving memory of my dear husband, Pte. Jim Hallam, SNH, who was drowned at sea, May 27th, 1918. Ever remembered by his loving wife and children, Mr and Mrs Morgan and family,’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour; 1919: ‘Hallam. In proud and loving memory of my dear husband, Pte. Jim Hallam, SNH, who was drowned at sea, May 27th, 1918. Ever remembered by his loving wife and children, Mr and Mrs Morgan and family,’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)