HMS LIGHTNING

[jbc1]

Hi all

HMS Lightning struck a mine off the Kentish Knock in 1915 and sank there were no survivors. My great great uncle James John Rutherwood was serving on board. He was a stoker 2nd class. i have only recently discovered this whilst researching my family history
I've found very little on this ship and its crew i'm wondering if anyone else out there had ancestors/relatives on this ship or maybe someone can help with photo's of the ship and its crew

any help would be appreciated.
many thanks

[John Brown]

JBC

Can't help much but just for your information... there was a G J Cox who died on the Lightning when she sank. As he too was a stoker (1st Class) he possibly knew your Great Uncle.

Good hunting

[tonclass]

Destroyer - 320 tons
200ft x 20ft
1 x 12pdr, 5 x 6pdr, 2 x torpedo tubes
Built by Palmer & launched on 10 April 1895.
Mined & sunk on 30 June 1915 in the North Sea.

[jbc1]

JBC

Can't help much but just for your information... there was a G J Cox who died on the Lightning when she sank. As he too was a stoker (1st Class) he possibly knew your Great Uncle.

Good hunting

Hi John

sorry about long delay in reply. Since posting my original message i purchased a copy of the board of enquiry notes from the national archives which were held after the incident
it turns out there were survivors. the ship was in the process of clearing three sighted mines, whilst doing this another mine has struck the ship. the ship broke in half the front portion sunk.they were able to tow the stern back to sheerness dock. it would seem those listed as missing were probably killed in the explosion
the ships captain was cleared of any blame but was "advised" that he might have considered he was in a mine field having already sighted three mines
anywat an amazing piece of history

[jbc1]

JBC

Can't help much but just for your information... there was a G J Cox who died on the Lightning when she sank. As he too was a stoker (1st Class) he possibly knew your Great Uncle.

Good hunting

Hi John

sorry about long delay in reply. Since posting my original message i purchased a copy of the board of enquiry notes from the national archives which were held after the incident
it turns out there were survivors. the ship was in the process of clearing three sighted mines, whilst doing this another mine has struck the ship. the ship broke in half the front portion sunk.they were able to tow the stern back to sheerness dock. it would seem those listed as missing were probably killed in the explosion
the ships captain was cleared of any blame but was "advised" that he might have considered he was in a mine field having already sighted three mines
anyway an amazing piece of history