HMS Commonwealth

[kc]

Unidentified crew members of HMS Commonwealth (1906 - 1921). We know they are from Commonwealth, but perhaps they are of use to those looking for relatives from this ship.

http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/images/hmscommonwealthcrew3.jpg

http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/images/hmscommonwealthcrew2.jpg

http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/images/hmscommonwealthcrew8.jpg

http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/images/hmscommonwealthcrew5.jpg

http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/images/hmscommonwealthcrew7.jpg

http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/images/hmscommonwealthcrew6.jpg

http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/images/hmscommonwealthcrew9.jpg

http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/images/hmscommonwealthcrew4.jpg

http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/images/hmscommonwealthcrew10.jpg

http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/images/hmscommonwealthcrew.jpg

[mazzie74]

My Great-Grandfather was Thomas Henry Harris (1891-1973) from Deal in Kent (later lived at Gillingham in Kent), and he served on the H.M.S. Commonwealth from 15th January 1920 - 9th April 1921.

I have his marriage certificate from February 1920 and this also states that his address is H.M.S. Commonwealth (Occupation - Leading Stoker). I have a photo of his wedding so the name on the cap is obviously Commonwealth.

I can't recognise him on any of the photos posted previously, but I will add his photo so that this thread has another Commonwealth veteran.

I have another photo of him in Navy uniform, but I can't make out the name on the cap. However, he served on many ships from 1909-1929.

Out of interest, Thomas' brother-in-law Richard Edward Magee (1876-1914) also served on the Commonwealth from 14th May 1912 - 16th September 1913. I don't have a photo of him, but I know that he was lost on the H.M.S. Pathfinder on 5th September 1914 when it was struck by a torpedo off the Berwickshire coast in Scotland.

Regards,

Darin.

[tedman1973]

Hi there,

I thought you'd be interested to know that in the second from last photo you have posted appears my great grandfather Harry Farley (1887-1945) who served as a stoker on HMS Commonwealth in 1917 (he is sitting third from right in the front row).

Regards,


Edward Snow

[RCN]

Photo of the Royal Marine Band of HMS Commonwealth taken in 1909.

Bandmaster is Henry Richard Eaves, shown centre wearing medals, beside the detachment officer.
Eaves was Bandmaster on Commonwealth from 28 May '07 until 5 Aug '00.

I dont have the names of his band unfortunately, but I do have his medals.

Bryan

[peter baker]

The eighth photo down of the lone sailor is my maternal grandfather Frederick Charles Garrison who served as a leading cook/cook's mate on board HMS Commonwealth. (His civilian profession was a baker and confectioner). He was born in 1893 and joined the Royal Navy in 1911. He spent some periods at HMS Pembroke which was, I believe, a shore base. He also served on HMS Lord Nelson and HMS Caernarvon. He was present at the Gallipoli campaign. I also remember anecdotes of when he had to cook for the Prince of Wales who later became King Edward VIII. Hope this information is of interest to others.