Ernest Wells
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
He was the son of Ernest and Lois Wells and the brother of Mary Ann and John William Wells. In 1901 they lived at 9 Belle View Road, in 1911 at 1 Reform Terrace, Westminster Street and later at 4, Ropewalk Terrace, Jackson Street St Ann's Well Road (all St Ann's Nottingham).
HMS Motagua HMS Motagua was a commercial liner, Emil L. Boas converted for use as an Armed Merchant Cruiser in the Royal Navy. At 8:10am on 19 March 1918 at Lat 49.50, Long -8.47 while escorting a convoy out of Dakar, Motagua collided with the American destroyer U.S.S. Manley. The destroyer's depth charges detonated on her stern, heavily damaging Motagua and setting Manley afire. Twenty-eight of Motagua's crew were killed and many wounded (one of whom would later die). The ship pulled into Devonport on 20 March, to remain until at least late May. (Wikipedia)
Ernest Wells's nephew David Wells notes: 'He first attempted to join the Royal Naval Division on 1 September 1915 giving a birth date of 9 February 1898 but, then being discharged on 9 October 1915 when he was discovered to be under age. He eventually joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in March 1917 giving a birth date of 9 February 1899. He was clearly very keen like many others at the time to join up and participate in what was happening.'
No Photos