Able Seaman J/41037 Joseph Wilson

BMD details:
Birth Date: 6 Jun 1897

Family details:
Son of John and Minnie Wilson, of 4, Ball St., Park Rd., St Helens.

Census details:
1901 - 2 years old Joseph is living at 29 Lascelles Street, Parr, St Helens with parents John (34) and Minnie (24). 1911 - Sees 12 years old Joseph living at 91 Holly Bank Street, St Helens with parents John (44), Minnie (34) and two full siblings: Jack (8), Albert (10 mths) Half brother James Edward Forshaw (15) and boarder John Worthington (34) are also at the address.

[pic]imgs/S1PWHYAOTV/HMS_Negro_zps3359cc1b.jpg[/pic][caption]H.M.S. Negro[/caption] HMS Negro was an Admiralty M Class Destroyer built by Palmers, launched 8 March 1915. On December 21st 1916 while escorting the Grand Fleet during a sweep, the new flotilla leader Hoste (pennant G90 CO Cdr Graham R L Edwards) suffered a steering engine failure. She was ordered back to Scapa escorted by the destroyer Negro (pennant G13 CO Lt Cdr Alexander H Gye, who was lost). The weather worsened and when the temporary repairs to her steering failed Hoste sheered to starboard and the Negro, only 400yds astern couldn`t avoid and ran into her aft, the collision knocked two depth charges off Hoste, the resulting explosions blew in the bottom of Negro, which sank quickly and seriously damaged Hoste. The destroyers Marmion and Marvel closed the scene and were able to rescue some of Negro`s crew and attempted to tow Hoste, but she had to be abandoned as she was breaking in half. In very heavy seas Marvel closed her thirteen times, a part of Hoste`s crew jumping to safety each time. Casualties, Negro 5 officers and 45 men lost, Hoste 4 men lost. [pic]imgs/WW1_misc/Wilson_Jos_J41037_b.jpg[/pic][caption]The St Helens Newspaper & Advertiser - Courtesy Ste M)[/caption] [pic]imgs/WW1_misc/WilsonJosephRN_b.jpg[/pic][caption]The St Helens Reporter - Courtesy Ste M[/caption]