Alan Baird

Hi,

''George Compton and the Fish Street Hill incident.''

Here are some of the 'George Compton/Fish Street Hill incident' newspaper articles etc covering the event.

[a] Echo newspaper. George Compton and the Fish Street Hill incident, dated 12/11/1888. 

[b] Irish Times. As above and dated 12/11/1888.

[c] Morning Advertiser [London] As above and dated 12/11/1888.

[d] Cardiff Times. George Compton and the Fish Street Hill incident, dated 17/11/1888.

[e] '''The Lodge.'' George Compton and the Fish Street Hill incident, page 147 in the book by Stewart Evans and Paul Gainay. 

Dates of the Incidents.

[a]  Monday the 12th of November in 1888, most of the newspaper articles were written on that Monday.

[b] Sunday the 11th of November in 1888, appears to be the day the incident occurred with George Compton in Fish Street Hill.

[c] Saturday the 10th of November in 1888, this appears to be the day and date that George Compton was arrested in Shadwell for acting suspiciously.

[d] Saturday the 3rd of November in 1888, is the possible date for the incident, if they were referring to the week before.

Here are some basic details on Police Constable George Compton and where he was residing over the years

[a] 17/12/1874. George Compton marries Faith Reynolds at St Peter, Mile End Old Town, Tower Hamlets. [George Compton born Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, 15/12/1842. Faith Reynold recorded in both Bradford/Thornton, Yorkshire in 1846.]

[b] 1881 to 1885, residing at 115 Old Church Road, Mile End Old Town, Tower Hamlets. Wife - Faith Compton nee Reynolds is employed as an 'upholsteress' and they have no children.

[c] 5/7/1888. George Compton retires on pension from the Metropolitan Police and is presently residing at 115 Finnis Street and that is where he will continue to stay. [George Compton states he is married and his wife is his next of kin.]

[d] 1891 census, George Compton is residing at 3 Septre Street, in Whitechapel and his wife is now recorded as Jane Compton nee Howell. [Probably they are common law and her 3 children are also residing in the family home Elizabeth Howell 14, James A Howell 12 and William G Howell 9.]

[e] 1891 census, George Compton's original wife can be found residing elsewhere and obviously has started a new life.

[f] 1898 between July and September, George Compton dies and the death is registered in the District of Mile End Old Town.

Hi,

This is just to ensure everybody understands..........I am not saying these two George Comptons are the same person but rather I am putting the case that they could be the same individual.

Hopefully one day further details will emerge that will prove the case one way or another.

I struggled typing the last article so there are a few errors within the previous input. 

''Who is this George Compton.''

When I originally bought this medal from the previous owner, it came with a 'major dealer's compliment slip' from where he had purchased the medal and a newspaper article relating to a ''Jack the Ripper suspect'' that had the same name as inscribed on the medal but no Metropolitan Police history could be found.

The medal was the Queen Victoria Metropolitan Police Jubilee medal for 1887 and was awarded to ''PC G Compton H divn.'' The newspaper article stated that a ''George Compton'' had been arrested for acting suspiciously and was considered a suspect for the Jack the Ripper murders and that this was his second arrest for acting suspiciously, in November of 1888.

The potential problem with such medals, is that somebody who was in Whitechapel or 'H' division in July of 1887, may not have been there in late 1888 when ''Jack the Ripper'' was carrying out his dreadful deeds. Therefore it is important to find some way to verify that the individual appears to be or was on the Whitechapel establishment during this period and there are some examples where you cannot complete such a task realistically and this would affect the medals value. 

I was lucky, as I found his Police pension records and this allowed me to do further research on his life. George Compton was born in Cheltenham, in Gloucestershire, on the 15th of December in 1842.

Police Constable George Compton joined the Metropolitan Polce on the 5th of December in 1870 and was assigned to Bow or 'K' division.

Police Constable George Compton transferred to Whitechapel of 'H' division on the 30th of June in 1880.

Police Constable George Compton retired on pension on the 30th of June in 1888 and his pension records are dated from the 5th of July in 1888.Therefore he completed 18 years service and the last 8 years were with the Whitechapel or 'H' division. It seems interesting to me, that he was pensioned off with only a total of 18 years service and he was only 45 years of age and with no listed injuries etc.

Therefore he would have been serving in Whitechapel when Emma Smith was attacked on the 2nd of April in 1888 and who died the next day but most people would agree she was probably not a ''Ripper'' victim. Police Constable George Compton would certainly have known all the main Whitechapel police who were investigating and hunting for Jack the Ripper and would have known the local people and the area of Whitechapel very well. 

George Compton retires from the Metropolitan Police and was residing at 115 Finnis Street, in Bethnal Green. 

Approximately 4 weeks later Martha Tabram is murdered on the 7th of August in 1888 and the terror begins.

In July of 1888, George Compton's physical description is as follows, 45 years old, has dark hair, hazel eyes and a florid [reddish] complexion and is five feet seven and three-quarter inches tall. George Compton's marriage also appears to collapse sometime between the last quarter of 1888 and the first quarter of 1891 and we can evidence this in the England Census records for 1891.

In 1888, during the reign of Jack the Ripper, London was awash with Police activity and much of the general public was on high alert to try and capture this fiend.

'''The Incident.'''

Basically, a number of men in a Beer House in Fish Street Hill, were talking about the murders and a Mr Brown from 9 Dorset Street, noticed what looked like dried blood stains, on the stranger's coat who was in their company. The stranger said it was paint and because the coat was loose fitting, it was noticed there was dried blood stains on the man's shirt. The stranger then admitted it was blood and gave some contradictory statements respecting his place of residence and where he worked. The stranger then left the Beer House immediately and Mr Brown followed him. On passing Bishopsgate Police Station the stranger was identified by Mr Brown and handed over to the Police. The prisoner's name was George Compton and he protested loudly about being arrested in a public street, fearing he could have been lynched. A few days before a Police Constable had arrested George Compton in Shadwell dur to his suspicious behavior and so the Police checked his story and he was later released. 

This incident was circulated in a number of newspapers, including newspapers outside of the London area, in November of 1888.

The story has since been repeated in various publication, books and forums etc. 

There has been discussions that Police Constable George Compton is the same George Compton that is referred to in the newspaper article. 

I am not a ''Ripperologist'' so I do not know of the background information which relates to that theory.

Therefore it is my intention to consider what might be the reasons for ex-police constable George Compton's strange behavior and getting involved in the Jack the Ripper story, in such an awkward way.

[a] George Compton may have desired ''fame and glory'' because for anybody that could assist in the capture of ''Jack the Ripper'' there would have been instant and tangible fame and glory. He would become a Victorian hero and would have been considerably rewarded. George Compton was an ex-police constable but helping to capture the Ripper, then he would be recognized as one of the London's greatest Policemen.

[b] George Compton had worked the streets of Whitechapel for his last 8 years of service with the Metropolitan Police and so knew the people and area very well. He knew which Beer and Public Houses to frequent for asking his questions and just listening to the tittle tattle. He would have observed Whitechapel detectives carrying out their work and studied their procedures and tactics. It did not have to be a full time undertaking, it might just be a few hours here and there but properly organized. He could keep away from people and places where he would be recognized or go to known individuals and places where he was more likely to be given information and help. It is a fact that when somebody steps out of their uniform, then they become more difficult to recognize and it should be remembered George Compton had already been retired from the Metropolitan Police for 4 months. George Compton probably had ''tine on his hands'' to try a little detective work and being a pensioner it would have been easy for him to arrange such activities around his average day. On should remember that Whitechapel and London would have been swarming with individuals and groups of men, all attempting to succeed in the same way.

[c] On retiring from the Metropolitan Police George Compton remained in London and was residing at 115 Finnis Street, in Bethnal Green and would have had his own network of friends, colleagues and acquaintances in the area to assist him. The problem was new information was most likely to come from listening and talking about the murders with strangers etc but this also had the possibility of making the listener/talker a 'suspicious character' as well.

[d] The George Compton who was arrested outside Bishopsgate Police Station knew immediately the dangers if such an action. There had been incidents where individuals were almost lynched when arrested by the Police in public areas. George Compton knew of this danger and complained bitterly to the Duty Inspector  about the danger he had been put in. He also openly explained to the Inspector about being arrested a few days before in Shadwell. Many people would have kept quiet about the previous arrest so why did this George Compton say anything. I believe, it was because he knew that the Duty Inspector would automatically check with the other Police Station involved in the previous incident and who had cleared his name just a few days before and this procedure would result in George Compton gaining an earlier release. If this is the ex-policeman George Compton, he would have definitely explained about what he had been doing and why and that he was a retired Metropolitan Police Constable and again this would have resulted in his early release but I do not believe, under any circumstances, the City of London Police would have released this information. There were great dangers during this period of the ''mobs'' blaming groups of people for the murders ie Jews, foreigners, slaughtermen and maybe they would begin to think it was a Policeman who was doing the murders and so that is why he always escaped. 

[d] Interesting questions that will probably never be answered........

Was Police Constable 881 Edward Watkins on duty at Bishopsgate Police Station when George Compton was arrested?

Was the arrested George Compton, the same ex-policeman George Compton  and was he searching for information on Jack the Ripper.

I am sure George Compton [ex-PC] was just an ordinary man who would not have stood out in a crowd but I now stand corrected because my wife said ''if you have a red faced complexion, you will probably stand out in a group.''

The End.   

Hi,

Another Whitechapel Detective serving during the 'Houndsditch Murders' and especially the 'Sidney Street Siege' period.

''Police Constable Frederick Gooding, later to become Detective Inspector Frederick Gooding.''

Frederick Gooding was born in Aldershot, in Hampshire, on the 13th of September in 1872.

On the 30th of March n 1896, Frederick Gooding joins the Metropolitan Police and was assigned to Whitechapel or 'H' division. Frederick Gooding was given the warrant number of 81089.

Police Constable Frederick Gooding was awarded the Queen Victoria Metropolitan Police Jubilee medal for 1897 whilst serving in Whitechapel or 'H' division and was also awarded the Coronation medal for 1902 whilst again still serving with Whitechapel or 'H' division.

After over 6 years of service in uniform and on various occasions on plain clothes duties, Frederick Gooding was appointed to ''clerk to the Whitechapel C.I.D.'' and was later appointed by ''Detective Inspector Wensley'' to ''Detective patrols.''

On the 10th of May in 1906, Detective Frederick Gooding was promoted to Detective Sergeant [3rd Class] within Whitechapel or 'H' division's C.I.D.

In December of 1910, during the ''Houndsditch Murders'' incident and on the 3rd of January in 1911 during the ''Sidney Street Siege'' incident - Detective Sergeant Frederick Gooding was serving with the Whitechapel or 'H' division's C.I.D. and would therefore have been directly involved in the investigation of these incidents.

On the 3rd of March in 1911, Detective Sergeant Frederick Gooding was promoted to Detective Sergeant [2nd Class] within the Whitechapel or 'H' division's C.I.D.

Detective Sergeant Frederick Gooding was awarded the Coronation medal for 1911 whilst serving in Whitechapel or 'H' division.

On the 19th of February in 1915, Detective Sergeant Frederick Gooding was promoted to Detective Sergeant [1st Class] and transferred to Whitehall or 'A' division.

On the 30th of March in 1918, Detective Sergeant Frederick Gooding was transferred to Holborn or 'E' division.

On the 20th of October in 1919, Detective Sergeant Frederick Gooding was promoted to Inspector [2nd Class]  in Holborn or 'E' division.

On the 5th of April in 1921, Detective Inspector Frederick Gooding retires on pension from the Metropolitan Police and Holborn division.

On retiring from the Metropolitan Police, after serving 25 years, Detective Inspector Frederick Gooding had an admiral record for maintaining ''Law and Order.'' The first 19 years was serving in Whitechapel including 13 years in their C.I.D. and then serving 3 years in Whitehall and Holborn and retiring as a Detective Inspector. During his career he was commended by judges, magistrates, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commissioners of Police on more than 100 occasions. On retiring Detective Inspector Frederick Gooding was certified as having an ''Exemplary Conduct.'' Detective Inspector Frederick Gooding retired knowing that he had recorded approximately 1,100 arrests which was an outstanding achievement. There are many ''Old Bailey'' trial records and ''British Newspaper Archive'' accounts of his cases.

Here is a sample of the cases Frederick Gooding was involved in :-

[a] ''The murder of Mr and Mrs Farrow by the Stratton brothers in 1905.''

The ''Stratton Brothers'' Alfred and Albert were the first murderers to be convicted for murder based on fingerprint evidence. They murdered and robbed Thomas Farrow [71] and his wife Ann [65] in the couples flat, above their shop. They were found guilty and executed on the 23rd of May in 1905 for the vicious murders.

[b] ''The murder of Leon Beron in 1911.''

On the 1st of January in 1911, the body of Leon Beron was found bludgeoned and stabbed to death, after being robbed. Leon Beron was a slumlord, owning several dilapidated houses that he rented out. Leon was not well liked but the investigation soon centered on Steinie Morrison. The alibi he gave police was that he had attended the theatre on the night of the murder, along with a teenaged girl and her sister. This alibi was soon disproven and he was charged with the murder. Steinie Morrison was found guilty and sentenced to death but Winston Churchill commuted the sentence to ''life in prison.'' Steinie Morrison always demanded the death sentence should be reinstated and even went on hunger strike several times to highlight his demand. He died in prison on the 24th of January in 1921 and his body had been weakened by the multiple hunger strikes he had endured.

[c] ''The Houndsditch Murders and the Sidney Street Siege.''

The Houndsditch Murders and the Sidney Street Siege in December of 1910 and January of 1911, had the whole of London and the country in an uproar due to the murder of the City of London Policemen. Detective Inspector Frederick Porter Wensley and Detective Sergeant Benjamin Leeson etc were both heavily involved in these investigations. Detective Sergeant Frederick Gooding knew both men very well and this can be evidenced by the many Old Bailey trial records which record these individuals working together on cases. Detective Sergeant Frederick Gooding actually worked the street of Whitechapel for approximately 19 years and of which 13 years were spent serving in the Whitechapel C.I.D. It should also be noted that Detective Sergeant Frederick Gooding was promoted to ''Detective Sergeant 2nd Class'' only a couple of months after the Sidney Street Siege incident had ended. During these incidents no leave was allowed and Detective Sergeant Frederick Gooding would have been armed and basically Christmas was cancelled for all of them, as they hunted the killers of their fellow officers from the City of London Police. This is one detective who would have been at the heart of the investigation especially as he was an experienced Detective Sergeant. Frederick's colleague Detective Sergeant Leeson was one of the police officer that was wounded at Sidney Street, having been shot in the chest but survived.  

Hi,

Imagine I am Metropolitan Police Constable Edward Watkins in 1871..............................

I am Edward Watkins and I have been a Metropolitan Police Constable for approximately the last 6 months. I am enjoying my job as a Metropolitan Police Constable but I have been seriously considering joining the City of London Police. There are various good financial and family reasons for my desire to make this change.

My problem is that I no longer can meet the basic requirements set out for being a City of London Police Constable, in that applicants,  ''should not have more than 2 children'' and I have 3.

Another problem is that on the 2nd of April in 1871, the England Census requires every household to complete the census form and record the details of those residing at their specific addresses etc. The enumerators will deliver the census forms a few days prior to this date. It is an offence not to complete the paperwork and everybody has been informed of the upcoming census and what they should do.

The danger to me is that this record, at any time in the future, could prove that I did not meet the basic requirement to become a City of London Police Constable in 1871. It would automatically prove I had falsified information on my official ''Declaration to become a City of London Police Constable form'' and therefore I could be sacked at any time. My future would not be secure.

Therefore, my plan is that my wife Elizabeth Watkins will complete the census for 2 Bramley Street, Walmer Road and will be recorded as the head of the family and will state that she and two of our children are residing at the property. The third child will not be put on any census records and can either stay in the family home or even go to her grandparents at 3 Bramley Street, Walmer Road. This is the home of my parents, John and Elizabeth Watkins.

I Edward Watkins will board at Mr Edwin P Greggs Coffee House at 2 Great Charlotte Street in Southwark, on the 2nd of April in 1871 and this action will give me some form of plausible deniability regarding the completion of the census form. I will make sure Edwin knows that because I am a Police Constable, he must ensure I am recorded on the England Census. I could stay either one night or even several nights.

I Police Constable Edward Watkins leave the Metropolitan Police on the 15th of May in 1871.

I Edward Watkins applied for the City of London Police on the 22nd of May in 1871.

I Police Constable 881 Edward Watkins become officially a member of the City of London Police from the 25th of May in 1871.

All done and now I am safe................but I can't understand why only having 2 children would make me a better Police Constable, rather than the 3 children I have?

Hi,

Police Constable 881 Edward Watkins and his family.

It should be remembered that sometimes the Census records are not always correct and this can be due to simple mistakes or little white lies or outright deceit on the original material. Census staff whilst transferring the information onto permanent census records are another sources of incorrect data etc but the vast majority of the records are an extremely good source of information.

We will never know what Edward Watkins was really like as an individual because we have no information about his personal life but I believe we can utilise the information within these records to give us a reasonable insight into what he was like as a husband and father.

I would suggest, in Edward Watkins case, any incorrect information was provided more like ''little white lies'' to ensure he could provide for his family. That in turn would suggest he cared/loved both his wife and children but that is just my opinion. Either way no one is going to disagree that life must have been extremely hard living in Victoria London

In 1863, sometime between July to September, Edward Watkins married Elizabeth Pryke, in the registration district of Kensington. Elizabeth was born in Kersey, In Suffolk, in 1842. In the English Census of 1861, we find that Elizabeth Pryke was employed as a servant, aged 19 and was residing at 5 St Mary's Terrace, in Paddington. 

It would appear that things were going fine with the couple because their first child, Mary Elizabeth Watkins is born between January to March in 1864 and the birth was registered in Kensington.

It would appear that things were going fine with the couple because their second child, Emily Watkins, is born between July to September in 1866 and the birth is registered in Poplar.

It would appear that things were going fine with the couple because their third child, Sophy Watkins, is born between October to December in 1870 and the birth is registered in Kensington.

On the 31st of October in 1870, Edward Watkins joins the Metropolitan Police and he remained with the service until the 15th of May in 1871. PC Edward Watkins was assigned to Lambeth or 'L' division and given the warrant number of 53299. The initial requirements necessary for joining the Metropolitan Police would have basically been the same as the requirements for joining the City of London Police. Obviously a steady, garanteed employment would be extremely beneficial for raising his young family, even if the level of pay was not as good, as one would hope.

On the 22nd of May in 1871 and after 7 months service with the Metropolitan Police, Edward Watkins applies to join the City of London Police. I believe their pay was slightly better than their Metropolitan colleagues and I think the status of the City of London Police may have been higher, in general, with the public.

On the 25th of May in 1871, Edward Watkins was assigned to the 6th division and given the collar number of 881. On his ''Declaration to become a City of London Police Constable ,'' he officially recorded he was residing at 2 Bramley St, Walmer Road, in Noting Hill and that he had 2 children.

In the English Census of 1871, there is some confusion on what is going on within the family. As per the ''Declaration to become a City of London Police Constable'' his wife Elizabeth Watkins along with their children Mary aged 7 and Sophy aged 5 are residing in the family home at 2 Bramley Street, in Notting Hill.

But the big question is.........why was Emily Watkins left off the census record because she is nowhere to be found, that is until we come to the England Census of 1881 when Emily is again recorded with the family. One of the requirements for joining the City of London Police is that you must not have more than 2 children. Therefore 'Edward's little white lie' is to ensure the 'Declaration to become a City of London Police Constable agrees with the 'England Census of 1871.'

The strangest thing is that Edward Watkins is a 'boarder' with the Gregg family [Coffee House Keeper] at 2 Great Charlotte Street, in Southwark, according to the England Census of 1871. I have heard the theory that this indicates there may have been some kind of problem between Edward Watkins and his family but I believe the boarding may have only covered a short period and so maybe this would give him some deniability regarding the situation at 2 Bramley Street and how many children were living there. There could have been other simple reasons for his boarding with the Greggs especially if it only occurred over a short period. I believe this shows Edward Watkins was a practical and sensible man who could make a plan to overcome a problem and that he also had his family at the centre of his thinking. 

It would appear that things were going fine with the couple because their fourth child, Julia Ann Watkins, is born in 1872 and the birth is registered in Bishopsgate.

On the 23rd of August in 1872, Police Constable Edward Watkins was on report for ''having sexual intercourse with a woman on his beat' and was fined 3 shillings and 6 pence by the Act of Commissioner. There could be a few reasons for his improper act, for example, his wife Elizabeth gave birth to their fourth daughter about this time or she may have died in child-birth as she disappears from the records after 1872 or was this a momentary lapse etc. What is a bit surprising, is that he was only fined 3 shillings and 6 pence for such an act and it may be that receiving favours from prostitutes was a common practice within the City and the Metropolitan Police and was a difficult practice to stamp out. Remember this is Victorian London in 1872.

Tragedy strikes the family because it would appear that Elizabeth Watkins dies and disappears from the records and Edward Watkins is left raising his 4 daughters alone and this occurred sometime between 1872 and 1881. Obviously he would need to find somebody to assist in helping with his domestic worries.

In the England Census of 1881, the family are residing at 6 Eldon Street, in Shoreditch and Edward Watkins is now 37 and employs a domestic servant ''Augusta Fowler'' aged 31. Edward's daughters Emily [14], Sophy [11] and Julia Ann Watkins [9] who was born in Bishopsgate in 1872 and also his father John Watkins aged 80, are all residing at the family home. We do not know when Augusta Fowler actually started working with the family but this is the first official record of it.

In the England Census of 1891, the family are residing at 22 Hamilton Building, in Shoreditch and Augusta Fowler is now recorded as being ''Augusta Watkins'' and is listed as his wife. Two of Edward's daughters are still residing in the family home Emily [24] and Julia [19]. So over the decade Edward and Augusta have become close but I suspect this is a ''common law marriage'' as no trace can be found of an official marriage certificate. Therefore Augusta is not only his wife but is also still caring for Edward's daughters.

In the England Census of 1901, Edward Watkins [57] is retired from the City of London Police and residing at 3 Rush Green, in Romford. Augusta is still with Edward but in the records she is recorded as Augusta A Fowler [54] and is now listed as a house-keeper/servant. There are no children residing in the family home for her to look after but after, at least 20 years with Edward, she is still co-habitating so they must still have some form of relationship. [Note her christian name is wrong in this particular record but that is not a problem.] 

In the England Census of 1911, Edward and Augusta are residing at 1 Birds Cottage, Low Shoe Lane, Collier Row, in Romford. Edward is recorded as being married for 48 years which means he is talking about his first wife Elizabeth Watkins and their marriage in 1863. He also states he had 6 children and the 2 have died. Augusta is recorded as being 'Augusta Ann Fowler' and is single. It is possible that Edward and Augusta may no longer be in a physical relationship but if this is the case, there is definately a real companionship and loyalty between the couple as they have been together for a minimium of 30 years. Even today that would be considered as a good achievement but I would suggest in Victorian/Edwardian times it must have meant even more.

On the 12th of March in 1913, Edward Watkins [69] died at 1 Birds Cottage, of tongue and throat cancer and Augusta Ann Fowler was present at his death. This means they had been together for at least 32 years and therefore I would suggest they must have had a very strong bond and relationship to have achieved this.

So what happened to Augusta Ann Fowler................

In the England Census of 1921, Augusta Ann Fowler-Watkins [that is how her name is recorded on the official transcript of her record] who was 78 years and 11 months old and recorded as being widowed, was a patient at the Romford Workhouse and Infirmary, Oldchurch Road. But in the original written record she was recorded as being ''Augusta Ann Fowler alais Watkins'' which means Watkins was a name she was well known by.

Augusta Ann Fowler-Watkins died in June of 1922, in Romford and as usual there is a little twist, as her death was recorded separately under both her names of ''Augusta Ann Fowler'' and ''Augusta Ann Watkins.''

[I hope I have not made too many mistakes in my typing - as I hate typing.]

Hi,

The Question - Is City of London 881 Police Constable Edward Watkins in the famous Bishopsgate Police Station roof photograph which records some of the station personnel and is dated sometime after the issued of the City of London Queen Victoria Jubilee medal for 1887 or thereafter.

We have a family friend who is an artist and I have witnessed him producing excellent portraits, even from what would be considered to be, blurred photographs. That is because he will research and study similar facial features to produce the portraits etc. Therefore he can look at people's faces, in a more detailed and expert way.

He was also the person who did the pencil portrait of PC 881 Edward Watkins from an original Victorian newspaper sketch. I will attach these two photographs and mark them 'A.' You may notice that 'Watkins' is spelt wrong because it is missing the 'S' on the end of his name. The original sketch is where the error originated from.

These sketches originate from the newspapers or from the inquest in 1888 but from the photographs marked 'B' you will notice that there is a considerable difference in his appearance and age between the two photographs. For example the sketch stating he discovered the body, he looks much younger and fitter but the small sketch of him from the inquest makes him look extremely old and tired. Therefore one must study all the sketches to decide what his appearance was likely to be.

There is also an early City of London photograph [from late 1887 and onwards] of the station personnel having been mustered on the roof of the Bishopsgate Police Station. [photo from JTR Casebook site] and I would suspect the photograph records the issue of the City of London Police Queen Victoria Jubilee medal for 1887, as they are all wearing this medal.

I believe that Edward Watkins is in this photograph and is in the second row, top left hand side, he is the first man in the second row and is also standing  behind Sergeant Phelps. But that is just my opinion and I am no expert.

Since our artist friend is suppose to be visiting us sometime in the future, my plan is to show him the sketches that are available of PC 881 Edward Watkins and see if he believes that Edward Watkins is in this photograph. I will not give any indication of my suspicions or any other information and I may also show him the internet example of the photograph, it is also a bit clearer.

This will not prove or disprove anything but it will allow somebody who specializes in facial recognition the chance to put their expertise to good use and I can then record their opinion.

This experiment might take a little time as our paths do not cross that regularly but it should be interesting.

Hi,

Sometimes it is the little stories that are the most interesting. The following are the basic details of a poem that was written by S Pemberton.

Poem by Deck Boy S. Pemberton..........

The poem was by Deck Boy S. Pemberton who was serving on the SS Tairoa in 1939.

The SS Tairoa was sunk by the Graf Spee in late 1939 and her captured crew, including Deck Boy S Pemberton, were transferred to the German tanker Altmark.

Later HMS Cossack captured the German tanker Altmark in the waters of Denmark and freed all of the prisoners.

The poem is about being held captive on the Altmark.

The poem is dated the 16th of February in 1940.

Deck Boy S. Pemberton was residing at c/o Mrs Stenning, West Mead, St Mary's Road, Leatherhead.

Hi John,

I am glad you enjoyed the thread. One day I hope to go over the previous research because sometimes you notice something you have missed or new data becomes available. Unfortunately, these days, I get easily distracted and end up on another subject. Now I am interested in Ordinary Seaman Cecil John Dawson who served on HMS Marlborough in 1919 and was there when they rescued the Empress Marie Feodorovna and other members of the Russian Imperial family from Yalta, Sevastopol. 

regards Alan.

continued........

In accordance with his own account for this period, he immediately returned to Palestine to defend Jerusalem. 

Following the 'War of Independence' Jack Padwa and his entire family moved to Israel and settled in Tel Aviv. Jack Padwa was involved in a wide range of enterprises and organisations and was successful and in many ways.

For example, he was a producer on Israel's first major film, 'Hill 24 doesn't answer.' 

He was the Honorary head of the Israeli Anti Defamation League.

He was involved in many organisations that brought together Christians and Jews and even met 'Pope John Paul II' during his historic 5 day visit to Israel in 2000.

He was also involved in many Israeli charities etc.

He can also be found in the 'Founders and Builders of Israel,' publication.

He was also in the documentary 'Jerusalem Cuts'  in 2008, regarding the battle in Jerusalem.

Died in 2010, aged 94.

Jack Padwa was awarded the War and Defence medals for World War 2 and also the 1939-45 star. They have never been attached to a mounting bar so they were probably never worn. The 1939-45 star must refer to his duties in the Middle East, as he spent the whole period of the war there.

continued...................

[the original documents are the discharge certificate from the London Rifles, the Palestine Volunteer Force I.D. card and there is a South African driving licence still to be included.]

In and after 1945, saw the end of the Second World War and the stepping up of the independence campaign to force the withdrawal of the British from Palestine. Many Jewish activists were arrested and many Jewish activists managed to escape. It was thought that they were being warned prior to the British arriving to arrest them. Jack Padwa became a suspect in assisting Jewish underground organisations and so was arrested and interrogated. No proof of his complicity was found and so he was released. It is not clear what happened to him next but it is obvious that Jack Padwa would have become a persona-non-grate in Palestine. Although he did have issued a Palestine driving licence which was valid from 1945 to 1946.

The English Electoral roll for 1946 and 1947, record Jack Padwa and his  wife as residing at 16 Mowbray Road, in London which was his father's house.

The Palestine Police however were still keeping an eye out for Jack Padwa because in November of 1947 a C.I.D. report signed by a T H Coton stated that Jack Padwa had returned to Palestine and visited M P Segal Ltd [a company representing other British companies in Palestine] and in which the Padwa family was a partner in the venture. They also recorded that he left Palestine on the 21st of November for an unknown destination.

On the 19th of April in 1948, Jack Padwa was staying in the Carlton Hotel, in Johannesburg and applied and obtained a South African driving licence. This is almost a month before the British left Palestine. It may have been an oversea's trip to purchase supplies, of one kind or another, for the Jewish Government in waiting.

Continued.................

On the 11th of September in 1942, Jack Padwa's story becomes even more intriguing because he is now issued with a photographic French Levant press pass [pass number 43]. It is recorded that he was representing the North American Newspaper Alliance. Only recently had the British, Commonwealth and Free French forces defeated the Vichy Government and Army of Levant within Syria and Lebanon. Jack Padwa worked for the Government of Palestine, was authorised to carry a pistol and ammunition and worked for the General Staff Intelligence of the British Forces in Palestine and Transjordon. Therefore he seems to be a strange choice for being a reporter but a good choice for being a spy. 

On the 29th of January in 1943, Jack Padwa joins the 'Palestine Volunteer Force' as 127 Private Jack Padwa.

On the 7th of February in 1943, Private Jack Padwa is issued with a photographic pass for the Palestine Volunteer Force. Jack Padwa and his wife are recorded as residing at 77 Rothschild Boulevard, in Tel Aviv.

It is Known that Jack Padwa's family purchased parcels of land in Palestine and all were from a traditional and Zionist background. His father Paul Padwa was now a Mill owner and a successful businessman, back home in England.

Hi,

This story will hopefully come from a different angle so it could make the story more interesting.

The research for this entry was done by a previous owner/owners of the medals and in my opinion is excellent.

Since I have strained my hand, I might limit how much I type before I submit each part of the stor

'Jack Padwa working for British Palestine Intelligence.'

Jack Padwa was born in London in 1916 and his parent where Paul or Phillipe and Deborah Padwa. [Nee Twersky] They arrived in London as refugees from Ukraine.

Jack Padwa received a traditional upbringing and was educated in a Rabbinical Jewish family way. Therefore, he almost certainly followed the normal traditional Jewish practices and would have been able to read and write in Hebrew. It is also known that some of the family friends were famous Zionist campaigners like Ze'ev Jabotinsky and Meir Grossman and others and so he too would have had Zionist dreams.

Jack Padwa was an intelligent and education man, graduated from the London School of Economics and organisations are always interested in such individuals.

As a young East End Jew, he was also aware of the bad news coming out of Palestine and Poland and this must have inspired him to want to help in any way he could.

There are some suggestions he used his British passport, along with some other East End Jewish friends, to help smuggle out some Jews from Nazi German.

In September of 1938, Jack Padwa joins the London Rifle Brigade which was a part-time Territorial Army unit and this was just after Joseph Chamberlain returned from talks in German to proclaim 'peace in our time.' Jack Padwa obviously decided it was now his time to step forward and do his bit against the evils that were coming. The 6970566 Rifleman Jack Padwa was mobilised on the 1st of September in 1939 due to the German Army invading Poland but was then discharged on the 15th of March in 1940 as 'ceasing to fulfil Army physical requirements under para 383[xvi] of the King's Regulations.' It seems strange that a young man like Jack Padwa would suddenly be so unfit that he could not even complete basic army training. He had already served in this part-time Territorial Army for approximately 14 to 15 months which again would suggest there may have been another reason for his discharge. 

In a biographical account of his life published in the 1990's he confirms that he was actually transferred to an 'Intelligence Unit' and was sent to Palestine in May of 1940 where he spent the entire was in the Middle East.

This would make sense because he was a British Jew who was born in London. He was intelligent and had graduated in Economics and he knew the Hebrew language and traditions of the Jewish people. He appeared to be a perfect candidate for such work and in such a place as Palestine.

On the 8th of October in 1940, Jack Padwa is issued with a photographic pass stating that he was employed by the Government of Palestine and it is requested that every assistance be given to him in the performance of his duties. 

On the 16th of October in 1940, only eight days after receiving his government pass, he receives another photographic pass stating that he is authorised to carry a pistol and 10 rounds of ammunition. Not only is he working for the Government of Palestine but he is to be given every assistance in his work and that work requires him to be armed.

On the 15th of February in 1941, Jack Padwa is issued with a photographic pass stating that he is employed by the General Intelligence Force HQ, British Forces Palestine and is attached to the Area Security Officer, Southern Palestine. It is requested that every assistance be given to him in the execution of his duties.

S  

continued.........................

So now we have evidence what Jack Padwa had previously stated and that was he was working for the 'Palestine Intelligence Services' and it should be remembered he was also armed.

Hi,

George Churchill Simmons also had 2 other items which had survived the test of time.

The first one was a ''Players Navy Cut cigarette metal tin which would have held 50 cigarettes.'' Obviously many sailors would have smoked in the 1930's and 1940's and I suspect George must have been one of them. I did not bother to photograph the tin and originally it only held his medals.

The second item is a ''cargo poster showing the layout of the SS Empire Trader in 1939.'' It is a bit dirty as you would expect considering its age. This poster is 3 feet by 2 feet and so it is a large item.

It has a few tears along the fold seams and normally I would repair these using a special document repair tape. 

But for the first time this special document repair tape is not working and will not adhere to the poster.

I suspect the cargo ship poster was displayed somewhere in the engine room and I believe there is still an ingrained layer of grease/oil etc on the poster from being exposed to this kind of atmosphere. You can almost feel it and in some ways, the poster, is now almost like the touching vellum. Anyway it is quite interesting so I have included some photographs of it.

Hi,

''One story often leads to another.''

On the 3rd of September in 1939 with the outbreak of the 2nd World War, Captain Langsdorff with the German pocket-battleship the ''Graf Spee'' was ordered to commence raiding operations on British merchant ships but was not to engage the Royal Navy.

This tactic resulted in the capture or sinking of 9 merchant ships before the Graf Spee was finally engaged in the ''Battle of the River Plate.''

One of these ships was the ''SS Tairoa'' and it was Captained by William Burnaby S. Star who was of British Indian descent. Captain William Star and his Indian crew were held in the ''German tanker support ship Altmark.'' Later I believe, officers of the captured and sunk ships were transferred to the Graff Spee and the crewmen remained in cramped and difficult conditions within the Altmark. Captain William Star, to his great credit, refused to be moved because he feared his Indian crew might be badly treated so he remained on the Altmark to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Captain William Star could speak Urdu so could translate what was going on. It should also be noted that Captain William Burnaby Southouse Star was the oldest prisoner on the Altmark as he was 63 years old.

When the German tanker Altmark had completed her duties she headed for home but was intercepted by HMS Cossack in a Norwegian Fjord and the Royal Navy freed approximately 340 British merchant navy sailors and which obviously included Captain Starr. On the return to his wife and family in Liverpool, he actually only stayed for 10 hours before travelling to London to say he was ready for his next assignment and that was to command the ''SS Empire Trader.'' It can be easily seen this was a man who believed in doing his duty, was dedicated and above all was caring and fair to all the members of his crew.

Captain William Burnaby Southouse Star was also ''commended for brave conduct'' whilst Master of the SS Tairoa and this was published in the London Gazette on the 24th of May in 1940. 

Now our story comes meets a man called ''George Churchill Simmons'' who was born in Scarborough, in 1885. George Simmons marries Lily Monks in 1917 and they had a daughter in 1918. George Simmons had previously served in the Merchant Navy during the 1st World War.

He joined SS Tainui in January of 1938, as the 2nd Engineer and his family home was at 14 Hatfield Street, Southport, in Lancashire. The ship's name of ''SS Tainui'' was changed to the ''SS Empire Trader'' in 1939 and she was a 9,900 ton defensively armed merchant ship. She left Liverpool on the 22nd of May in 1940 and was heading to Durban. On the 25th of May in 1940, the SS Empire Trader joined a convoy but eventually when nearing her destination or dispersing point, she continued on alone.

On the 5th of June in 1940, off the West Coast of Africa [Freetown, Seirre Leone] George Churchill Simmons [55] went missing and was declared ''presumed disappearance'' but later his merchant navy card details where changed to read, ''missing, supposed drowned.''

There are three possible scenario's ie he was swept overboard in rough seas, he committed suicide and jumped overboard or he was murdered and was thrown overboard.

Knowing the ship's Captain was William Star, I am sure the circumstances of the disappearance of the 2nd Engineer, would have been thoroughly investigated and recorded in the ship's log. I believe these are sometimes available at the National Archives but unfortunately at the moment, I am not sure how to obtain/research such material so that will have to wait until a latter date.

Previously the story began with Petty Officer Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett and HMS Ajax and the Graff Spee.

Then we have Captain William Burnaby Southouse Star and the SS Tairoa and the Graff Spee and the Altmark.

Then the story moves on the Captain William Burnaby Star and the SS Empire Trader and 2nd engineer George Churchill Simmons and who knows where it could finally end.

George Churchill Simmons was awarded the Mercantile marine and British War medals for WW1 and the War medal and 1939/45 Star and the Atlantic Star for WW2. The British War medal [WW1] is the only missing medal.

Hi,

''If ever a man was destined to serve..........it was Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett.''

After returning from his merchant navy voyage to Australia, Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett ............became 6842556 Rifleman Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett of the King's Royal Rifle Corps.

The date of joining the British Army was 31/1/1924 and Wallace Bartlett signed up for 7 years with the Colours and 5 years in the Army Reserve.

Unfortunately his army service only last 37 days but the army stated his performance had been ''satisfactory'' during that period.

Unfortunately Wallace had told a ''little white lie'' and stated he was 18 years old when he really was on 17 years old. They gave him his discharge papers and a travel warrant so that he could return home safely. 

Photographs of several of the military forms have been attached.

Wallace Bartlett was not disappointed and applied to join the Royal Navy as a Stoker but again he was informed that the minimum age for joining was 18. 

On the 25/2/1925, a letter from Gravesend Sea School stated it was now convenient for him to return to the School and he will be trained up in ''Wireless.'' The new class was about to start next Wednesday morning. Everybody appear to have been impressed by his ability and enthusiasm.

Only a few months later Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett joins the Royal Navy and begins training as a stoker. This brings his story the full circle, as we have already discussed his Royal Navy service. 

I am still researching his family connections and at a later date, I will post the results and his ancestry Naval records. 

Hi,

So what happened next..........................

Well on the 13/10/1923, Mrs Louise E Bartlett is officially informed by the Sea School that her son has left the School to join the merchant navy ship, ''S.S. Port Caroline.'' 

The letter is addressed to the family home at 2 Highwood Cottages, South Wield, in Essex.

Dated 2/1/1924, the Merchant Navy ''Continuous Certificate of Discharge'' book for Wallace Oswald Bartlett, serial number 1093489, has an official entry for the S.S. Port Caroline placed in it. The journey was from London to Australia and back. Wallace Bartlett was engaged as a ''Deck Boy'' and his conduct was listed as being ''very good.'' 

Wallace had successfully completed his first sea passage and they were happy with his performance but what happened next?

Hi,

There is one small correction needed to ensure the information is accurate and that is :-

Mrs Louise E Bartlett was informed that her son had left the Sea School on the 13th of June in 1923 and his engagement with the Merchant ship S.S. Port Caroline began on the 13th of June in 1923 and lasted until his return to London on the 19/12/1923. 

Hi,

So what happens next?

On the 21/12/1922, Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett's application to join the ''Sea School'' is accepted and that his starting date is 5/3/1923.

The Gravesend Sea School in Kent was established in 1918 by the Shipping Federation to provide training for boys aged between 16 to 18 who wished to pursue a career in the British Merchant Navy.

The Sea School was located in Commercial Place, in Gravesend. The building had been a hotel and then in 1882 became a hostel for sailors between voyages or who were destitute or shipwrecked. 

It then became the Sea School in 1918 where Wallace Bartlett studied to become a merchant seaman learning all the basic skills of seamanship.

Everything seemed to be going fine and I have added some of the documentation which relates to the School and this period.

Hi,

I appreciate your comments so thank you for enjoying his story.

Now you will meet Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett and his family.

As we have already stated Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett was born in Middlesex, in 1906 and his parents were Frederick George and Louise Eleanor Bartlett and attached is some early photographs of them. The small photograph is again the original and the larger one is the digital copy.

I would suggest that Wallace was very close to his mother because in one of the letters he sent to her from HMS Ajax in 1938, he thanks his mother for all the letters he receives from her. The letters are very basic and revolve around the family and who says what and who did what etc. This again is showing a close family connection.

The next photographs relates to 1911 and it is of a ''tobacco dealer's licence'' which was issued to Wallace's mother Louise Eleanor Bartlett for the selling of tobacco and snuff. The address is 348 Hertford Road, Enfield, in Middlesex. Even in 1911, the Customs and Excise men/government wanted their money...............

The next photographs relate the Wallace Bartlett's ''Almanack and Diary for 1911'' and Wallace is residing in the family home at Highwood, Bishop's Hall Estate, in Brentwood. After studying the diary, I believe, most of the entries were listed when Wallace was approximately between 15 and 17 years old ie 1921 to 1923 or maybe even in 1924. This is because major changes occur in his life when he reaches the age of 17 and 18 years old. The diary is not used as a diary but more as a note book for writing down his beliefs and thoughts. I have photographed some entries to give you an idea of what I mean by that. 

The entry ''drowned in the deep and mother's tears'' turnout to be very sad but very true.

.

Hi,

Petty Officer [Stoker] Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett must have enjoyed HMS Ajax's South American official cruise which covered the period between 8/12/1938 to 28/2/1939.

Here we have two HMS Ajax cruise cards which Wallace sent to his mother and one of them he signed.

On the 23/8/1939, Wallace Bartlett sent a letter to his mother but unfortunately only the envelope survived but this is an official HMS Ajax's envelope.

There are some other interesting points about Wallace Bartlett's life but I will have to cover them another day.

Hi,

This is the last point I want to make today but if I don't add it now......I will probably forget.

Petty Officer [Stoker] Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett was due to be awarded his Royal Navy Long Service medal in 1940 but his death on HMS Imogen meant this was never done.

Hi,

That is much appreciated because my wife also believed it was from Antwerp and it is a wooden shoe.

Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett also had a couple of items from HMS Repulse :-

The ''Leaguers on HMS Repulse'' performing the pyramid on the parallel bars. You probably need to see the actual item in question to really study the details but I have tried to attach a reasonable quality of photograph of the sketch.

There is also a photograph of ''HMS Repulse's Engine Room Department Social and Recreation Club payment card.''

Wallace later transferred to his next ship - HMS Hermes [aircaft carrier]. Wallace appears to have been a very good and professional photographer because his photograph albums were extremely nice and were snapped up at auction. There is his 2 Hermes blazer navy badges and the other badges are Royal Navy badges.

Hi,

Petty Officer [Stoker] Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett was then transferred to his next ship - HMS Ajax.

In May and June of 1938, he wrote 2 letters to his mother which we still have today...........

Hi,

Here are some clearer photographs of Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett.

The small photographs are the original and the larger photograph is obviously the digital copies.

We know that Wallace Bartlett believed that boxing was a '''Noble English Sport''' because he actually said this in his diary from 1911. I believe the entries were put in the diary, some years after 1911, when he was older or else he was one extremely clever and athletic 5 year old. I would suggest this from looking at his hand writing and the entries in the diary probably relate to his early teen years or thereabouts. 

From the photograph you can see he won a considerable number of medals and cups.

In the collection we have 2 navy boxing medals that were awarded to him.  

I will add some more of the details and photographs, probably tomorrow.

Hi,

I should have explained there is a 'Player's Navy Cut cigarette packet,' which would have originally contained 5 cigarettes and it would suggests that Petty Officer Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett was a smoker. The packet has kept its shape because it is filled with cigeratte cards ie dogs, wild animals etc.

The souvenir shoe pin-cushion has never been used and would, most likely, have been a gift to his mother but I have not a clue to where ''d'anver'' or ''anver'' is located?

Hi.

'Petty Officer [Stoker] Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett who served on HMS Ajax, during the Battle of the River Plate and witnessed the destruction of the Admiral Graf Spee.

I have always thought that the, 'Battle of the River Plate,' was an exceptional story and that it would be great to have a set of medals issued to somebody that was actually there and was part of the naval engagement but such groups are always difficult to find and often very expensive.

But recently I bought a lot on ebay which had approximately 40 documents, of one sort or another, relating to Petty Officer [Stoker] Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett. It covered his life from being a youth and up until his death. He served on HMS Ajax during the battle in 1939 and sadly died onboard HMS Imogen in 1940 and so I decided I would create a Petty Officer Wallace Bartlett file/presentation that would satisfy my desire on having something from this particular naval engagement.

Then, by total chance or by a collector's miracle, I spotted his medals and a few other items up for sale on ebay and these were from a different collector. 

So, this is the story of these two parts of his life being brought back together again. 

Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett was born in Harrow, in Middlesex, on the 22nd of August in 1906 and his parents were Frederick George and Louise Eleanor Bartlett. [Nee Fensom]

Wallace O. F. Bartlett joins the Royal Navy on the 20th of July in 1925 and he is physically described as being:-

Five feet and seven and a half inches tall.

Has a chest measurement of thirty seven and a half inches.

Brown hair.

Grey eyes.

Fresh complexion.

Previous occupation was gardener.

Wallace Bartlett was given the service number of K66579.

Signed up for 7 years under the colours and with 5 years on the Reserve List.

I will only record his main naval service and not go into the many instances when he returned to naval training establishments ie Penbroke II and Boscawen [Albury and Harrier] etc.

2/12/1925 to 31/12/1928 served with HMS Repulse and on the 20/7/1926 he was promoted to 'Stoker 1.' There is a small newspaper article/sketch showing the 'Leaguers on HMS Repulse' performing a pyramid on the parallel bars and Wallace Bartlett is believed to be in the picture. There is also Wallace Bartlett's HMS Repulse, 'The Engine Room Department Social and Recreation Club payment card.'

On the 3/10/1930, Leading Stoker Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett is transferred to HMS Hermes, the aircraft carrier and remains with the ship until 6/9/1933. During his service with HMS Hermes he took many photographs of her and her aircraft and also of visiting China. I later found out that 3 of these photograph albums were sold at a separate auction.

On the 11/1/1938, Petty Officer [Stoker] Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett is serving on HMS Ajax and he remained there until the 25/5/1940. On the 11/9/1939, Petty Officer [Stoker] Wallace Oswald Fensom Bartlett had been a Petty Officer [Stoker] for over a 6 year period.

Petty Officer [Stoker] Wallace O. F. Bartlett was serving on HMS Ajax during the famous 'Battle of the River Plate' in which the German heavy cruiser 'Admiral Graf Spee' was scuttled by the Germans, after the ship's engagement with British Force G. The naval engagement occurred on the 13th of December in 1939 and was the first naval engagement of the Second World War.

Whilst serving on HMS Ajax Wallace Bartlett wrote two letters to his mother, one in May and the other in June of 1938 and these are part of the collection.

Between 8/12/1938 and 28/2/1939, HMS Ajax was on a South America cruise and there are two HMS Ajax cruise cards which details the places and route taken by the ship and one of these cards was signed by Wallace and given to his mother, along with a second card. 

On the 23/8/1939, Wallace sent his mother another letter but only the envelope remains but it is an officially decorated HMS Ajax envelope.

There is also, one or two other items, that relate to this famous battle at sea.

On the 13/6/1940, Petty Officer [Stoker] Wallace Osborn Fensom Bartlett joins the crew of HMS Imogen and remained with the ship until it was sunk on the 16/7/1940. The accident/collision with HMS Glasgow was in thick fog and resulted in the sinking of HMS Imogen and the death of P.O. Bartlett who went down with his ship. The accident occurred shortly before midnight whilst in the Pentland Firth in thick fog and the ship had to be abandoned. 17 crew members were killed by the collision but HMS Glasgow was able to pick up the remaining crew of which eleven were wounded and one later died from his injuries. HMS Glasgow sustained damage to her bow. HMS Glasgow proceeded to Scapa Flow and arrived around 9.45am on the 17th of July in 1940. 

Hi,

'''''Tragedy in the Family.'''''

Stanley Gordon Meek was 37 years old and was the ship's Chief Steward on the S.S. Glenfinlas, with the Glen Line, in August of 1940.

The S.S. Glenfinlas was sailing from the Far East to London and had embarked at Singapore and Port Swettenham.

On the 10th of August in 1940, the S.S. Glenfinlas was entering the Thames River estuary so as to dock at the port and disembark her passengers etc. Harry Roberts, 2nd steward said he saw, ''Stanley Meek dash out of the room without saying anything. Stanley Meek then went into the Saloon on the starboard side of the ship and a moment later Harry Roberts witnessed Stanley Gordon Meek in mid-air between the top level of the ship and the level of the sea in the Thames River.'' Harry Roberts also stated he thought, ''Chief Steward Stanley Meek had recently appeared to be nervous and worried.''

A small boat picked up the body of Stanley Meek.

The coroner, at the Inquest held at Southend, found that Stanley Gordon Meek had drowned whilst the balance of his mind was disturbed.

On Stanley Gordon Meek's Merchant Seamen record it states, ''the company had done all in their power for the deceased man.''

I have found only 2 newspaper articles relating to Stanley Gordon Meek's death and they were published by :-

[a] Chelmsford Chronicle dated the 16th of August in 1940.

[b] Essex Newsman dated the 17th of August in 1940.

Both these newspaper articles share the same basic story of events.

Stanley Gordon Meek was Edward Watkins [ex City of London Police Constable 881.] grandson.

Stanley Gordon Meek's mother was Julia Ann Meek [nee Watkins] who was Edward Watkins daughter.

The above is the sad ending for Edward Watkins grandson and we will probably never know what drove him to end his life in such a way. It should be remembered that World War II had already started and there was a great deal of suffering in the world. I did not have a high expectation of finding any coverage of this one act of suicide. Fortunately, I was wrong and so we have an eye-witness account of Stanley Gordon Meek's last minutes on the S.S. Glenfinlas which highlights the last acts of an individual in pain.