View allAll Photos Tagged 30363
Arthropodium cirratum (rengarenga, renga lily, New Zealand rock lily, or maikaika) is a species of herbaceous perennial plant, endemic to New Zealand, where it may once have been farmed. It is used for medicine as well as food, and has symbolic importance in traditional Māori culture. The leaves are 30–60 cm long and 3–10 cm wide. The flower stalk often reaches one metre, and bears many white six-petalled flowers, in groups of two or three, each about 2 cm across. The stamens are tricoloured - purple and white, with yellow at the curled end. The roots are 2–3 cm wide. It is often grown as an ornamental plant. The rhizomes are edible when cooked and can be found throughout the year. The rhizomes were once eaten by the Māori after being cooked in a hāngi. 30363
Gagà Milano is an independent watchmaking brand born in 2004 from the mind of Italian entrepreneur Ruben Tomella. Through a simple yet bold idea, Ruben developed an unconventional and ever-evolving brand. Distinctive designs and creative style earned Gagà Milano a widespread success around the world that keeps shaking up the industry with innovation and design. 46mm case diameter, Serial 30363
53-0363 Boeing KC-97G ex USAF...March Field Air Museum 27/01/18
Check out my other pictures from around the world at www.flickr.com/photos/gspiccies/
The following info is from the museums website.
The museum's KC-97, serial number 53-363, was manufactured as a G model at the Boeing Aircraft plant in Seattle, WA. It was delivered to the Air Force on 26 September 1956. March Field Museum volunteers flew the aircraft from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, in July of 1980. This KC-97L helped form the nucleus of our collection. This aircraft is on loan from the USAF.
According to the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA/RSA), Maxwell AFB, AL, the museum's KC-97L has the following history:
Sep 1956 - To 68th Bombardment (M) Wing (SAC), Lake Charles AFB LA (assignment to Goose AB Newfoundland)
Sep 1957 - To 68th Aerial Refueling (M) Squadron (SAC), Bunker Hill AFB IN (assignment to Ernest Harmon AFB Newfoundland)
Oct 1959 - To Oklahoma Air Materiel Area OK
Dec 1959 - To 305th Aerial Refueling (M) Squadron (SAC), Macdill AFB FL
Jan 1960 - Unit moved to McGuire AFB NJ
Jul 1962 - To 4050th Aerial Refueling Wing (SAC), McGuire AFB NJ
Jan 1963 - To 499th Aerial Refueling Wing (SAC), McGuire AFB NJ
Sep 1964 - To Birmingham Modification Center AL
Nov 1964 - To 136th Aerial Refueling Group (ANG), Dallas AB TX
Apr 1965 - To Birmingham Modification Center AL (converted to KC-97L)
May 1965 - Return to 136th Aerial Refueling Group
Jun 1976 - To Military Aircraft Storage Center AZ
Mar 1980 - Dropped from USAF inventory by transfer to school or museum
Gagà Milano is an independent watchmaking brand born in 2004 from the mind of Italian entrepreneur Ruben Tomella. Through a simple yet bold idea, Ruben developed an unconventional and ever-evolving brand. Distinctive designs and creative style earned Gagà Milano a widespread success around the world that keeps shaking up the industry with innovation and design. 46mm case diameter, Serial 30363
Parked on Hans Street in Knightsbridge, was this LHD Mercedes G 63 AMG, finished in a sandy/gold colour, with a front bull bar. This thing screamed 'Middle-Eastern'. The plate frames suggested the car may've been from the UAE, and previous spots in London, of a similarly golden G 63 on Dubai plates (K 30363) on various carspotting websites confirmed that suspicion.
Knightsbridge, London, United Kingdom
Location - Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.
.
RPM WAP-7 #30363 led slightly before time running 12674 Chennai Central bound CHERAN Express from Coimbatore with its newly augemented LHB (Linke Hoffmann Busch) coaches, gets the starter to enter its destination...
G287OGE was a Volvo Citybus B10M-50 / Alexander RV Type H84F purchased new by Strathclyde PTE as their AH39 in September 1989. It had become Strathclyde Buses by the time of this picture taken in Argyle Street in Glasgow city centre and would later pass to First Glasgow, before reaching Manchester as their 30363.
Photo André Knoerr, Genève. Reproduction autorisée avec mention de la source.
Utilisation commerciale soumise à autorisation spéciale préalable.
Le premier chemin de fer à voie métrique de Suisse a célébré ses 150 ans le 30 septembre 2023 avec une fête populaire couronnée de succès le samedi en gare d'Echallens et des circulations à vapeur à guichet fermé le samedi et le dimanche.
Le Lausanne - Echallens - Bercher LEB avait ouvert la première section entre Cheseaux et Lausanne Chauderon (qui restera terminus provisoire un siècle durant!) le 5 novembre 1873.
Actuellement incorporé dans les Transports Publics de la Région Lausannoise tl, la "Brouette d'Echallens" LEB est devenu un RER moderne circulant en tunnel à double voie en ville et exploité à la cadence de quinze minutes grâce à seize motrices à accès surbaissés.
La G 3/3 8 (SLM 1910) revenue sur sa ligne depuis une cinquantaine d'années, était présentée au public au dépôt d'Echallens.
Le succès de la manifestation incitera peut-être le LEB à rétablir des circulations à vapeur occasionnelles.
30363
Gagà Milano is an independent watchmaking brand born in 2004 from the mind of Italian entrepreneur Ruben Tomella. Through a simple yet bold idea, Ruben developed an unconventional and ever-evolving brand. Distinctive designs and creative style earned Gagà Milano a widespread success around the world that keeps shaking up the industry with innovation and design. 46mm case diameter, Serial 30363
Atlanta, GA
2009 Pierce Arrow XT
0/0/100'
Job #21609
Tower 11 serves the Atlantic Station Community.
Atlanta Fire Station 11:
165 16TH ST NW
Atlanta, GA 30363
Looking towards Birmingham City Centre from Bilberry Hill in Lickey Hills Country Park, one of the oldest parks managed by Birmingham City Council. Close to Barnt Green, in Birmingham, West Midlands.
The first evidence of people settling in the Lickey Hills date back to the Stone Age when a Neolithic hunter lost a flint arrow head on Rednal Hill. The arrow head is leaf-shaped and made of flint and is certainly over 4,000 years old. Additionally a 3,000 year old flint javelin point was found lying on the surface by an observant Mr W H Laurie when the Lickey's road-widening was taking place in 1925.
The Romans constructed a Roman road over the Lickeys very near to the present Rose Hill gap, before it swung north and followed the route of the present day Bristol Road South. The road would have been used to transport salt and other goods between the Roman encampments at Worcester and Metchley, near where Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital now stands. It would have also been used as a military marching route by Roman soldiers.
In Norman times the Lickeys formed part of the royal manor of Bromsgrove and were set aside as a royal hunting forest. As well as stocking the area with deer, the Normans deliberately introduced rabbits to the area that were kept in large enclosures, or 'warrens' hence the road and place names. The word 'forest' means 'place of deer' and did not necessarily mean that the area was totally covered with trees.
The manor was sold by crown charter in 1682 to the Earl of Plymouth. The Earl lived at nearby Tardebigge and his descendants would own the lands at Longbridge, Rednal, Cofton Hackett and the Lickey Hills for the next 250 years.
In 1888 the Birmingham Society for the Preservation of Open Spaces purchased Rednal Hill and handed it to the City in trust. They also arranged for Pinfield Wood and Bilberry Hill to be leased on a peppercorn (nominal) rent. Birmingham City Council finally purchased Cofton Hill, Lickey Warren and Pinfield Wood outright in 1920. With the eventual purchase of the Rose Hill Estate from the Cadbury family in 1923, free public access was finally restored to the entire hills.
For many Birmingham and Black Country people, the Lickey Hills were a traditional day out. When the Birmingham tram network was extended to the Rednal terminus it would carry the crowds from all over the city to the Lickeys. There are records of crowds as far back as the Rose and Crown on busy Sundays, as families queued for the trams to take them home. The terminus and tram tracks were removed in 1953.
In 1904, J. R. R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, moved to Rednal with his mother, who had been ill and was convalescing. The hills became a favourite haunt and are thought to be an inspiration for the mythical Shire, where the hobbits lived in his books.
Bain News Service,, publisher.
Grand Duke Boris
[between ca. 1915 and ca. 1920]
1 negative : glass ; 5 x 7 in. or smaller.
Notes:
Title from unverified data provided by the Bain News Service on the negatives or caption cards.
Forms part of: George Grantham Bain Collection (Library of Congress).
Format: Glass negatives.
Rights Info: No known restrictions on publication.
Repository: Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA, hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
General information about the Bain Collection is available at hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.ggbain
Higher resolution image is available (Persistent URL): hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ggbain.30363
Call Number: LC-B2- 5177-5
British Railways Derby works class 116 Suburban two car diesel-mechanical multiple unit M53819, M53108 (nearest) of Newton Heath Traction Maintenance Depot approaches platform 2 at Rochdale railway station forming the Saturdays excepted 17:50 Manchester Victoria to Rochdale via Oldham (2J79). 18:29, Monday 31st August 1987
(1/250, F5.6)
Note, M53108 was built as W50108 at British Railways’ Litchurch Lane works in Derby in 1957 as part of Lot Number 30213 and was originally paired with W59016 and W50066. As a result of diesel multiple unit vehicles being included in the TOPS numbering system in May 1983 M50108 was renumbered M53108 in May 1983. It was withdrawn from Newton Heath Traction Maintenance Depot in week commencing 17th January 1988 and stored. It was sold for scrap to Vic Berry Limited and arrived at his Leicester yard on 9th May 1988 for cutting up
M53819 was built as W50819 at British Railways’ Litchurch Lane works in Derby in 1957 as part of Lot Number 30363 and was originally paired with W59327 and W50872. As a result of diesel multiple unit vehicles being included in the TOPS numbering system in May 1983 M50819 was renumbered M53819 in June 1983. It was withdrawn from Newton Heath Traction Maintenance Depot in week commencing 17th January 1988 and stored. It was sold for scrap to Vic Berry Limited and arrived at his Leicester yard on 29th March 1988 for cutting up
Ref no 058/07507
Gagà Milano is an independent watchmaking brand born in 2004 from the mind of Italian entrepreneur Ruben Tomella. Through a simple yet bold idea, Ruben developed an unconventional and ever-evolving brand. Distinctive designs and creative style earned Gagà Milano a widespread success around the world that keeps shaking up the industry with innovation and design. 46mm case diameter, Serial 30363
Amongst the many external exhibits at the March Field Air Museum in southern California is this beautiful Boeing KC-97.
Built in 1956, 53-0363 served with various units but for much of that time it was with the Texas Air National Guard until flying here to March in 1980 being one of the first aircraft for the museum.
March, Riverside, California
8th October 2000
Canon EOS100, Kodachrome
20001008 73510 30363 KC97L clean std
Thomas Crisp was born on the 28th. April 1876 in Lowestoft, Suffolk, one of ten children of William and Mary Anne Crisp. Although his father was the owner of a successful boatbuilding firm and thus could afford an education for his children, Thomas did not enjoy school, instead showing a "marked preference for quayside adventure to school routine".
Leaving school, Thomas took to the sea, spending several years as a herring fisherman before joining a fishing trawler out of Lowestoft After fishing he joined the Atlantic steamship S.S. Mobile, becoming her quartermaster and making several trans-Atlantic voyages.
In 1895, aged 19, he met and married Harriet Elizabeth Alp and settled with her at 48 Staithe Road in Burgh St. Peter near Lowestoft, where they had two sons and a daughter.
Returning to fishing Thomas achieved his mate and then skipper qualifications, entitling him to captain a fishing vessel. In 1902 he was taken on by Chambers Co. to crew and then captain their 62 ton ketch George Borrow, LT956, in which he remained for thirteen years. In 1907 the family moved to Lowestoft and in 1913 Tom Crisp Jr. joined his father's crew.
When the First World War began in July 1914, Thomas was at sea. Unaware of the outbreak of war, he remained in the North Sea for several days, and was surprised on his return to learn that enemy submarines were expected off Lowestoft at any moment. When this threat failed to materialise, Thomas returned to fishing, considered too old for military service and working in an occupation vital to Britain's food supplies. In late September, George Borrow passed the Royal Navy's Cressy class armoured cruisers HMS Aboukir, HMS Hogue and HMS Cressy shortly before they were all sunk off the Dutch coast, with over a thousand lives lost, by German submarine U-9 commanded by Kapitänleutnant Otto Eduard Weddigen. Tom Crisp Jr. later wrote of finding bodies in their fishing nets for weeks afterwards.
In early 1915 Tom Crisp Jr. left the vessel to join the Royal Navy. A few weeks later Germany employed the tactic of their submarines surfacing among the undefended fishing fleets and used dynamite to destroy dozens of fishing vessels after releasing the crews in small boats. The George Borrow was among the victims, stopped and scuttled 15 miles ENE of Cromer, Norfolk on the 11th. August 1915 by UB-10 commanded by Oberleutnant zur See Otto Steinbrinck. There was no loss of life, it is not known if Thomas Sr. was aboard at the time. Following the loss of his vessel, he was scouted by a Royal Navy officer recruiting experienced local fishing captains to command a flotilla of tiny fishing vessels, which were to be secretly armed. The boats were intended to be working fishing vessels fitted with a small artillery piece with which to sink enemy submarines as they surfaced alongside, it was hoped they would protect the fishing fleets. Agreeing to this proposal, Thomas became first a seaman and by mid-1916 a Skipper in the Royal Naval Reserve, arranging for his son to join the crew of his boat, the HM Armed Smack I'll Try, LT649 (built ? Porthleven, Cornwall in 1905, 61 tons), armed with a 3-pounder gun. On 1st. February 1917 in the North Sea, I'll Try had its first confrontation with the enemy when two submarines surfaced close to the smack and her companion the Boy Alfred LT200 (built Brixham, Devon in 1908, 58 tons). Despite near misses from enemy torpedoes, both smacks scored hits on their larger opponents and reported them as probable sinking's, although post-war German records show that no submarines were lost on that date. Both skippers were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) and a present of £200 for this action. Thomas was offered a promotion and transfer to an ocean-going Q-ship. He was forced to turn down this offer due to his wife's sudden and terminal illness. She died on the 12th. June 1917, aged 39.
In July, I'll Try was renamed Nelson and Boy Alfred became Ethel & Millie in an effort to maintain their cover. The boats continued to operate together, and Thomas's crew was augmented with two regular seamen and a Royal Marine rifleman, providing Nelson with a crew of ten, including Thomas and his son.
On the 15th. August 1917 the two smacks were engaged in fishing near the Jim Howe Bank off the Humber. At 2.30 pm, Thomas spotted a German U-boat, UC-63 commanded by Oberleutnant zur See Karsten von Heydebreck on the surface 6,000 yards (5,500 m) away, the U-boat also sighted the smack. The fishing gear was cut away and both vessels began firing, the U-boat's weapon scoring several hits before Nelson's gun could be brought to bear. By this stage of the war, German submarine captains were aware of the decoy ship tactics and no longer stopped British merchant shipping, preferring to sink them from a distance with gunfire.
With such a heavy disparity in armament between the smack's 3-pounder and the submarine's 88 mm deck gun the engagement was short lived, the submarine firing eight shots before the Nelson could get within range of her opponent. The fourth shot fired by the U-boat holed the smack's bow under the waterline and the seventh tore off both of Thomas' legs from underneath him. Calling for the confidential papers to be thrown overboard, Thomas dictated a message to be sent by the boat's four carrier pigeons, like many small ships of the era, Nelson did not possess a radio set.
"Nelson being attacked by submarine. Skipper killed. Jim Howe Bank. Send assistance at once".
The sinking smack was abandoned by the nine unwounded crewmen, who attempted to remove their captain, Thomas ordered that he should be thrown overboard rather than slow them down. The crew refused to do so, but found they were unable to move him and left him where he lay. He died in his son's arms a few minutes later. It is said that he was smiling as he died and remained so as the ship was sinking beneath him. Ethel & Millie had just arrived on the scene as Nelson sank, and her captain Skipper Charles Manning called for Nelson's lifeboat to come alongside. Realising that this would greatly overcrowd the second boat, the survivors refused, and Manning sailed onwards towards the submarine, coming under lethal fire as he did so. His vessel was soon badly damaged and began to sink. The crew of Ethel & Millie then abandoned their battered boat and were hauled aboard the German submarine, where the Nelson survivors last saw them standing in line being addressed by a German officer. The seven British sailors of Ethel & Millie were never seen again.
The survivors of Nelson drifted for nearly two days until they arrived at the Jim Howe Buoy, where they were rescued by the fishery protection vessel Dryad. A pigeon named "Red Cock" had reached the authorities in Lowestoft with news of the fate of the boats which caused the Dryad to be despatched to search for survivors.
For his actions Thomas Crisp was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross (VC).
Citation
Action of H.M. Armed Smack "Nelson" on the 15th. August 1917.
On the 15th. August 1917, the Smack "Nelson" was engaged in fishing when she was attacked with gunfire from an enemy submarine. The gear was let go and the submarine's fire was returned. The submarine's fourth shot went through the port bow just below the water line and the seventh shell struck the skipper, partially disembowelling him, and passed through the deck and out through the side of the ship. In spite of the terrible nature of his wound Skipper Crisp retained consciousness, and his first thought was to send off a message that he was being attacked and giving his position. He continued to command his ship until the ammunition was almost exhausted and the smack was sinking. He refused to be moved into the small boat when the rest of the crew were obliged to abandon the vessel as she sank, his last request being that he might be thrown overboard.
(The posthumous award of the Victoria Cross to Skipper Thomas Crisp, D.S.C., R.N.R., 10055 D.A., was announced in London Gazette No. 30363, dated 2nd. November 1917).
The London Gazette, 20th. November 1918.
The medal presentation was made to Tom Crisp Jr. at Buckingham Palace on 19th. December 1917.
Thomas Crisp, VC, DSC, aged 41 is memorialised on his wife's gravestone in Lowestoft Cemetery, Normanston Drive, Lowestoft, Suffolk.
RPM WAP - 7 #30363 thrashes Vasad with 12656 Chennai Central - Ahmedabad Navjeevan SF..
Date : 08/01/18
De 300 tons Liebherr van Van der Tol, met de naam Thunderbird" heeft het karwei erop zitten en vertrekt achterwaarts vanaf de werkplek.
The 300 tons Liebherr LTM from Van der Tol is ready with the job and departs backwards riding from the construction side.
This bus was new to Strathclyde as AH39 in 1989.
seen here on Princes Street.
This is a Volvo Citybus B10M Alexander RV body.
The X81 was Haymarket to Birkenside. The X81 was stopped around the time the 79 stopped, a number of years prior to Dalkeith depot being sold to Morrisons for the land.
This shot from last year was taken in the service corridors below the arena of the roman amphitheatre at Pozzuoli not far from Naples. The area directly under the arena was a large service area, used for delivering scenery, animals, and presumably gladiators, into the arena. This shot shows a line of arches above the outer ring corridor. It's hard to imagine the hustle, and bustle that must have filled this area almost two millennia ago - it's now a quiet and cool place out of the sunshine.
IMG_30363, 30%, cropped & sepia
First Edinburgh Volvo B10M-50 Alexander RV 30363-G2870GE was new to Strathclyde AH39 on route 79 to Rosewell is seen in Edinburgh
c/n 17145.
Built 1956.
US military serial 53-0363.
On display at the March Field Museum, Riverside, CA, USA.
28-2-2016
Tom Crisp was aboard his fathers boat, the Q-ship Nelson in the action that would see his father win a Victoria Cross. Thomas senior would die in his arms, and the young Tom would then take command of the boat for the remainder of the action.
This picture appeared in the edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday, November 10, 1917, accompanying an article on the award of the V.C.
28th April 1876 – Birth of Thomas senior
Source – Catalogue entry for his Naval Reservist service records at the National Archive.
The birth of a Thomas Crisp was recorded in the Mutford District of Suffolk in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1876.
Mutford District included Lowestoft and the nearby villages.
1881 Census of England and Wales
The 4 year old Thomas Crisp, born Lowestoft, was recorded living at 3 Rant Score East, Lowestoft. This was the household of his parents, William, (aged 32, Boat Builder, born Lowestoft) and Maryann, (aged 31, born Somerleyton, Suffolk).
As well as Thomas their other children are:-
William…………aged 9…….born Lowestoft
Maryann………..aged 7……..born Lowestoft
Louisa…………..aged 2……..born Lowestoft
There is no obvious match for his future wife on this census
1891 Census of England and Wales
The is no obvious match for Thomas – however he would have been old enough to have been at sea.
His parents, William, (42) and Mary A, (41), were recorded living at 17 Seago Street, Lowestoft. Children living with them are:-
William…..aged 19….Bakers Assistant
Louisa…….aged 12
Lydia……..aged 9
John………aged 8…..born Lowestoft
Frederick…aged 5…..born Lowestoft
Elizabeth…aged 4…………born Lowestoft
George E ...aged 9 months…born Lowestoft
They also have a niece living with as a Housekeeper, the 14 year old Elizabeth Nunn.
The most likely match for his future wife is the 13 year old Harriett Alp, born Burgh St Peter, Norfolk, who was recorded living at a dwelling on Beccles Road, Aldeby, Norfolk. This was the household of her widowed grandmother Harriett Wright, (aged 62 and a Charwoman from Aldeby). Harriet Wright has a son living with her, a 41 year old single Fisherman Samuel Alp, (born Aldeby). She also has another grand-daughter living with her – the 8 year old Emily Burroughs, born Wheatacre, Norfolk.
1895 – Marriage
The marriage of a Thomas Crisp and Harriet Elizabeth Alp was recorded in the Mutford District in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1895.
18th February 1896 – birth of son Thomas William?
The Naval Reservist Service Records for a DA 4332 Thomas William Crisp, born “Boro St Peter, Suffolk” on the 18th February 1896, are held at the National Archive under reference BT 377/7/50806
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8511873
However I suspect he lied about his age as this does not tie in with any of the civil records.
The birth of a Thomas William Crisp was recorded in the Loddon District of Norfolk in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1899.
Loddon District included Burgh St Peter
www.ukbmd.org.uk/genuki/reg/districts/loddon.html
1897 – Birth of daughter Harriet
The birth of a Harriet Victoria M Crisp was recorded in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1897 in the Mutford District.
1901 Census of England and Wales
The 24 year old Thomas, a Mate of a Fishing Smack born Lowestoft, was recorded as the married head of a household at Staithe Road, Burgh St Peter, Norfolk. He lives there with his wife, Harriet Elizabeth, (aged 23, born Burgh St Peter, Norfolk. The couple have two children, Harriet Victoria May, (aged 3, born Lowestoft) and Thomas William, (aged 2, born Burgh St Peter).
1910 – birth of son Charles
The birth of a Charles M Crisp was registered in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1910.
1911 Census of England and Wales
There is no obvious match for Thomas on this census.
His wife, the 33 year, Harriett Elizabeth, born Burgh St Peter, Norfolk, was recorded living at 56 Roman Road, Lowestoft, She has been married 15 years. The couple have had 5 children, of which 3 were then still alive. These were:-
Harriett Victoria May….aged 13….born Lowestoft
Thomas William……….aged 12….born Wheatacre, Norfolk
Charles Montgomery…aged 6 months…born Lowestoft.
Post August 1911 it became compulsory when registering a birth with the Civil Authorities in England and Wales to also record the mothers maiden name. A search of the General Registrars Office Index of Births for England and Wales 1911-1983 brings up just on match for a child registered with the surname Crisp, mothers maiden name Alp, and that was a Margaret E, registered in the Mutford District in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1914. Given the date and location its very likely this was another child of Thomas and Harriett.
12th June 1917 – death of Harriett.
Date from the headstone.
The local council have put the cemetery records online. The 39 year old Harriett Elizabeth Crisp of 27 Stanford Street, Lowestoft, wife of Thomas Crisp, was buried on the 16th June 1917.
apps.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/pages/cemeteries/Lowestoft/colman...
On the day
Skipper Thomas Crisp's award of a posthumous Victoria Cross in 1917, when in command of a small sailing Q-ship, is one of the most personal and poignant. As he lay dying, his side split open by shell-fire, his last words to his son were, "Tom, I'm done. Throw me overboard."
That action led to the loss of two smacks. Skipper Crisp was the only man killed on HM Q-Ship Nelson, but all were lost on HMS Q-Ship Ethel and Millie.
The London Gazette 20 November 1918
(Fuller account following the Armistice)
from the Admiralty
With reference to announcements of the award of the Victoria Cross to naval officers and men for services in action with enemy submarines, the following (is the account of the action for which this award was made) —
Action of H.M. Armed Smack Nelson on the 15th August, 1917.
On the 15th August, 1917, the Smack Nelson was engaged in fishing when she was attacked by gunfire from an enemy submarine. The gear was let go and the submarine's fire was returned. The submarine's fourth shot went through the port bow just below the waterline, and the seventh shell struck the skipper, Thomas Crisp, partially disembowelling him, and passed through the deck and out through the side of the ship. In spite of the terrible nature of his wound Skipper Crisp retained consciousness, and his first thought was to send off a message that he was being attacked and giving his position. He continued to command his ship until the ammunition was almost exhausted and the smack was sinking. He refused to be moved into the small boat when the rest of the crew were obliged to abandon the vessel as she sank, his last request being that he might be thrown overboard.
(The posthumous award of the Victoria Cross to Skipper Thomas Crisp, D.S.C., R.N.R., 10055 D.A., was announced in London Gazette No. 30363, dated the 2nd November, 1917.)
An Account of the Action
Wednesday 15 August 1917
North Sea
Admiralty hired smacks Nelson, also Ethel and Millie operating as Q-ships, sunk in action with U.63, leading to the award of a posthumous VC to Nelson's skipper:
G. & E., also known as Bird, Extirpator, Foam Crest, I’ll Try, Ledger No.929, Nelson, S.3 (H - listed as Nelson), operating as Nelson, special service/submarine decoy/Q-ship, fishing smack, c61/1905, Lowestoft-reg LT649, taken up 8/8-9/15 and again 22/1/16, probably only armed with 1-3pdr at this time, auxiliary engined by 8/17, Skipper T Crisp RNR, on patrol, fishing on Jim Howe Bank with trawl shot. Submarine sighted at 1445, 3 or 4 miles away, opened fire and although Nelson was hopelessly outranged, she replied. Started to receive hits and take in water, seventh shell went through the skipper's left side, mortally wounding him, Second Hand Tom Crisp, his son, took over command. Nelson continued firing until nearly out of ammunition, crew abandoned ship, tried to lift the skipper into the boat but his only response was "Tom, I'm done, throw me overboard". They left him on board, Nelson was shelled until she sank off Mabelthorpe, Lincs; only the skipper was lost, Ethel & Millie beckoned the survivors on board but they continued rowing west, next day they sighted minesweeper Dryad and other sweepers, but were not seen, then on the Friday made fast to the Jim Howe Bank buoy and in the afternoon finally rescued by Dryad. Skipper Thomas Crisp RNR was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, Second Hand Thomas Crisp the DSM
ETHEL & MILLIE, also known as Boy Alfred, Ledger No.929, S.3, possibly Ethel and Emily, special service/submarine decoy/Q-ship, fishing smack, 58/1908, Lowestoft-reg LT200, taken up 1/2/17, 1-6pdr, 7 crew, Skipper William “Johnsey” Manning. After Nelson was sunk, UC.63 turned its attention to Ethel & Millie which was soon hit and stopped, then probably sunk by bomb; 1 officer, 6 ratings lost. According to the younger Thomas Crisp, the crew were picked up by the submarine, and last seen lined up on the foredeck. No survivors were found, only a pigeon message picked up saying she was being attacked by a U-boat. It is suggested they were drowned when the U-boat submerged.
The two smacks were sunk by UC.63 (Commander Oberleutenant Karsten von Heydebreck) on Wednesday, August 15th 1917 over Jim Howe Bank some time after 2.45pm.
UC.63 (Oberleutenant Karsten von Heydebreck) - sunk by Her Majesty’s Submarine E.52 (Albert P Addison, Captain) November 1st 1917, 26 hands lost, one survivor Petty Officer 2nd class Fritz Marshal. Last known position Latitude N51 23.000 Longitude E2 00.000 Goodwin Sands.
UC.63 - Type UC11, Shipyard A G Weser, Breen (Werk 261), ordered 12/01/16, laid down 03/04/16, launched 06/01/17, commissioned 30/01/17.
9 patrols between 27/04/17 and 01/11/17, served with Flandern Flotilla, 36 ships sunk for a total of 36,404 tons.
www.naval-history.net/WW1Memoir-Hales.htm
In July, I'll Try was renamed Nelson and Boy Alfred became Ethel & Millie, in an effort to maintain their cover. The boats continued to operate together and Crisp's crew was augmented with two regular seamen and a Royal Marine rifleman, providing the Nelson with a crew of ten, including Crisp and his son. The smacks set out as usual on 15 August and pulled in a catch during the morning before making a sweep near the Jim Howe Bank in search of cruising enemies. At 2.30 pm, Crisp spotted a German U-boat on the surface 6,000 yards (5,500 m) away. The U-boat also sighted the smack and both vessels began firing at once, the U-boat's weapon scoring several hits before Nelson's could be brought to bear. By this stage in the war, German submarine captains were aware of the decoy ship tactics and no longer stopped British merchant shipping, preferring to sink them from a distance with gunfire.
With such a heavy disparity in armament between the smack's 3 pounder and the submarine's 88 mm deck gun the engagement was short lived, the submarine firing eight shots before the Nelson could get within range of her opponent. The fourth shot fired by the U-boat holed the smack, and the seventh tore off both of Crisp's legs from underneath him. Calling for the confidential papers to be thrown overboard, Crisp dictated a message to be sent by the boat's four carrier pigeons: like many small ships of the era, the Nelson did not possess a radio set.
"Nelson being attacked by submarine. Skipper killed. Jim Howe Bank. Send assistance at once."
The sinking smack was abandoned by the nine unwounded crew, who attempted to remove their captain, who ordered that he should be thrown overboard rather than slow them down. The crew refused to do so, but found they were unable to move him and left him where he lay. He died in his son's arms a few minutes later. It is said that he was smiling as he died and remained so as the ship sank underneath him. The Ethel & Millie had just arrived on the scene as the Nelson sank, and her captain Skipper Charles Manning called for Nelson's lifeboat to come alongside. Realising that this would greatly overcrowd the second boat, the survivors refused and Manning sailed onwards towards the submarine, coming under lethal fire as he did so. His vessel was soon badly damaged and began to sink
The crew of the Ethel & Millie then abandoned their battered boat and were hauled aboard the German submarine, where the Nelson survivors last saw them standing in line being addressed by a German officer. The seven British sailors of the Ethel & Millie were never seen again, and much controversy exists surrounding their disappearance. Prevailing opinion at the time was that they were murdered and dumped overboard by the German crew or abandoned at sea without supplies, but these scenarios cannot be substantiated. Another theory is that they were taken prisoner aboard the boat and killed when the submarine was itself sunk. The son of Arthur Soanes, a sailor who disappeared in this incident, later claimed to have contacted his father through his powers as a spiritual medium, reporting that he had died on board the German vessel. UC 63 has been named as the submarine that sank both vessels.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Crisp
Postscript
The 1918 Probate Calendar records that Thomas Crisp of 27 Stanford Street, Lowestoft, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve, died 15th August 1917 at sea or near Jim Howe Bank buoy. Limited Administration was granted at the Ipswich court on the 15th March 1918 to William Crisp, Grocer. His effects were valued at £435 4s 8d.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar?surname=Crisp&y...
A further grant appears in the 1920 Probate, which supersedes the earlier administration order. This was granted on the 27th March 1920 to Thomas William Crisp, mate of a fishing smack. The estate was then worth £345 16s 8d.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar?surname=Crisp&y...
1979 – death of Thomas William
It may be a co-incidence but the death of a Thomas William Crisp was recorded in the Waveney District of Suffolk in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1979. After several local government re-organisations, the area previously part of Mutford District had become part of Waveney District. By this stage the published register also included the date of birth. In this case it is recorded as the 18th February 1899.
The 1979 Probate Calendar records that Thomas William Crisp of 57 Waveney Crescent, Lowestoft, Suffolk died on the 2nd February 1979. Probate was granted at the Ipswich Court on the 23rd May 1979. His estate was valued at £1,327.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar?surname=Crisp&y...
Mildly photoshopped to minimise visual impact of damage present on the original image.
This picture appeared in the edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday, November 10, 1917, accompanying an article on the award of the V.C.
The picture of Thomas has an early equivalent of photoshopping – a V.C. appears to have been pinned to his chest.
That sailor on CWGC is:-
CRISP, THOMAS
Rank:……………….......Skipper
Date of Death:……..15/08/1917
Age:…………………......41
Service:……………......Royal Naval Reserve
……………………...........H.M. Smack "Nelson."
Awards:……………......V C, D S C
Panel Reference:….25.
Memorial:…………......CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL
Additional Information:
Father of T. W. Crisp, of 41, Stanford St., Lowestoft, Suffolk. The tenor bell at St. Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, is named the "VC Bell" and dedicated to him.
Citation
An extract from the London Gazette, No. 30363, dated 30th Oct., 1917, records the posthumous award of V.C. "For service in action with enemy submarines."
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/3052474/CRISP,%20THOMAS
There is no obvious match on the WW1 Naval Casualties database.
The Royal Naval Reservist Service Records for DA 10055 Thomas Crisp, born Lowestoft on
Thomas is also remembered at St John’s Church in Lowestoft.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Suffolk/LowestoftStJohnsChurch.html
Thomas is also remembered at St Andrew’s Church in Lowestoft.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Suffolk/LowestoftStJohnsChurch.html
28th April 1876 – Birth of Thomas senior
Source – Catalogue entry for his Naval Reservist service records at the National Archive.
The birth of a Thomas Crisp was recorded in the Mutford District of Suffolk in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1876.
Mutford District included Lowestoft and the nearby villages.
1881 Census of England and Wales
The 4 year old Thomas Crisp, born Lowestoft, was recorded living at 3 Rant Score East, Lowestoft. This was the household of his parents, William, (aged 32, Boat Builder, born Lowestoft) and Maryann, (aged 31, born Somerleyton, Suffolk).
As well as Thomas their other children are:-
William…………aged 9…….born Lowestoft
Maryann………..aged 7……..born Lowestoft
Louisa…………..aged 2……..born Lowestoft
There is no obvious match for his future wife on this census
1891 Census of England and Wales
The is no obvious match for Thomas – however he would have been old enough to have been at sea.
His parents, William, (42) and Mary A, (41), were recorded living at 17 Seago Street, Lowestoft. Children living with them are:-
William…..aged 19….Bakers Assistant
Louisa…….aged 12
Lydia……..aged 9
John………aged 8…..born Lowestoft
Frederick…aged 5…..born Lowestoft
Elizabeth…aged 4…………born Lowestoft
George E ...aged 9 months…born Lowestoft
They also have a niece living with as a Housekeeper, the 14 year old Elizabeth Nunn.
The most likely match for his future wife is the 13 year old Harriett Alp, born Burgh St Peter, Norfolk, who was recorded living at a dwelling on Beccles Road, Aldeby, Norfolk. This was the household of her widowed grandmother Harriett Wright, (aged 62 and a Charwoman from Aldeby). Harriet Wright has a son living with her, a 41 year old single Fisherman Samuel Alp, (born Aldeby). She also has another grand-daughter living with her – the 8 year old Emily Burroughs, born Wheatacre, Norfolk.
1895 – Marriage
The marriage of a Thomas Crisp and Harriet Elizabeth Alp was recorded in the Mutford District in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1895.
18th February 1896 – birth of son Thomas William?
The Naval Reservist Service Records for a DA 4332 Thomas William Crisp, born “Boro St Peter, Suffolk” on the 18th February 1896, are held at the National Archive under reference BT 377/7/50806
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8511873
However I suspect he lied about his age as this does not tie in with any of the civil records.
The birth of a Thomas William Crisp was recorded in the Loddon District of Norfolk in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1899.
Loddon District included Burgh St Peter
www.ukbmd.org.uk/genuki/reg/districts/loddon.html
1897 – Birth of daughter Harriet
The birth of a Harriet Victoria M Crisp was recorded in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1897 in the Mutford District.
1901 Census of England and Wales
The 24 year old Thomas, a Mate of a Fishing Smack born Lowestoft, was recorded as the married head of a household at Staithe Road, Burgh St Peter, Norfolk. He lives there with his wife, Harriet Elizabeth, (aged 23, born Burgh St Peter, Norfolk. The couple have two children, Harriet Victoria May, (aged 3, born Lowestoft) and Thomas William, (aged 2, born Burgh St Peter).
1910 – birth of son Charles
The birth of a Charles M Crisp was registered in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1910.
1911 Census of England and Wales
There is no obvious match for Thomas on this census.
His wife, the 33 year, Harriett Elizabeth, born Burgh St Peter, Norfolk, was recorded living at 56 Roman Road, Lowestoft, She has been married 15 years. The couple have had 5 children, of which 3 were then still alive. These were:-
Harriett Victoria May….aged 13….born Lowestoft
Thomas William……….aged 12….born Wheatacre, Norfolk
Charles Montgomery…aged 6 months…born Lowestoft.
Post August 1911 it became compulsory when registering a birth with the Civil Authorities in England and Wales to also record the mothers maiden name. A search of the General Registrars Office Index of Births for England and Wales 1911-1983 brings up just on match for a child registered with the surname Crisp, mothers maiden name Alp, and that was a Margaret E, registered in the Mutford District in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1914. Given the date and location its very likely this was another child of Thomas and Harriett.
12th June 1917 – death of Harriett.
Date from the headstone.
The local council have put the cemetery records online. The 39 year old Harriett Elizabeth Crisp of 27 Stanford Street, Lowestoft, wife of Thomas Crisp, was buried on the 16th June 1917.
apps.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/pages/cemeteries/Lowestoft/colman...
On the day
Skipper Thomas Crisp's award of a posthumous Victoria Cross in 1917, when in command of a small sailing Q-ship, is one of the most personal and poignant. As he lay dying, his side split open by shell-fire, his last words to his son were, "Tom, I'm done. Throw me overboard."
That action led to the loss of two smacks. Skipper Crisp was the only man killed on HM Q-Ship Nelson, but all were lost on HMS Q-Ship Ethel and Millie.
The London Gazette 20 November 1918
(Fuller account following the Armistice)
from the Admiralty
With reference to announcements of the award of the Victoria Cross to naval officers and men for services in action with enemy submarines, the following (is the account of the action for which this award was made) —
Action of H.M. Armed Smack Nelson on the 15th August, 1917.
On the 15th August, 1917, the Smack Nelson was engaged in fishing when she was attacked by gunfire from an enemy submarine. The gear was let go and the submarine's fire was returned. The submarine's fourth shot went through the port bow just below the waterline, and the seventh shell struck the skipper, Thomas Crisp, partially disembowelling him, and passed through the deck and out through the side of the ship. In spite of the terrible nature of his wound Skipper Crisp retained consciousness, and his first thought was to send off a message that he was being attacked and giving his position. He continued to command his ship until the ammunition was almost exhausted and the smack was sinking. He refused to be moved into the small boat when the rest of the crew were obliged to abandon the vessel as she sank, his last request being that he might be thrown overboard.
(The posthumous award of the Victoria Cross to Skipper Thomas Crisp, D.S.C., R.N.R., 10055 D.A., was announced in London Gazette No. 30363, dated the 2nd November, 1917.)
An Account of the Action
Wednesday 15 August 1917
North Sea
Admiralty hired smacks Nelson, also Ethel and Millie operating as Q-ships, sunk in action with U.63, leading to the award of a posthumous VC to Nelson's skipper:
G. & E., also known as Bird, Extirpator, Foam Crest, I’ll Try, Ledger No.929, Nelson, S.3 (H - listed as Nelson), operating as Nelson, special service/submarine decoy/Q-ship, fishing smack, c61/1905, Lowestoft-reg LT649, taken up 8/8-9/15 and again 22/1/16, probably only armed with 1-3pdr at this time, auxiliary engined by 8/17, Skipper T Crisp RNR, on patrol, fishing on Jim Howe Bank with trawl shot. Submarine sighted at 1445, 3 or 4 miles away, opened fire and although Nelson was hopelessly outranged, she replied. Started to receive hits and take in water, seventh shell went through the skipper's left side, mortally wounding him, Second Hand Tom Crisp, his son, took over command. Nelson continued firing until nearly out of ammunition, crew abandoned ship, tried to lift the skipper into the boat but his only response was "Tom, I'm done, throw me overboard". They left him on board, Nelson was shelled until she sank off Mabelthorpe, Lincs; only the skipper was lost, Ethel & Millie beckoned the survivors on board but they continued rowing west, next day they sighted minesweeper Dryad and other sweepers, but were not seen, then on the Friday made fast to the Jim Howe Bank buoy and in the afternoon finally rescued by Dryad. Skipper Thomas Crisp RNR was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, Second Hand Thomas Crisp the DSM
ETHEL & MILLIE, also known as Boy Alfred, Ledger No.929, S.3, possibly Ethel and Emily, special service/submarine decoy/Q-ship, fishing smack, 58/1908, Lowestoft-reg LT200, taken up 1/2/17, 1-6pdr, 7 crew, Skipper William “Johnsey” Manning. After Nelson was sunk, UC.63 turned its attention to Ethel & Millie which was soon hit and stopped, then probably sunk by bomb; 1 officer, 6 ratings lost. According to the younger Thomas Crisp, the crew were picked up by the submarine, and last seen lined up on the foredeck. No survivors were found, only a pigeon message picked up saying she was being attacked by a U-boat. It is suggested they were drowned when the U-boat submerged.
The two smacks were sunk by UC.63 (Commander Oberleutenant Karsten von Heydebreck) on Wednesday, August 15th 1917 over Jim Howe Bank some time after 2.45pm.
UC.63 (Oberleutenant Karsten von Heydebreck) - sunk by Her Majesty’s Submarine E.52 (Albert P Addison, Captain) November 1st 1917, 26 hands lost, one survivor Petty Officer 2nd class Fritz Marshal. Last known position Latitude N51 23.000 Longitude E2 00.000 Goodwin Sands.
UC.63 - Type UC11, Shipyard A G Weser, Breen (Werk 261), ordered 12/01/16, laid down 03/04/16, launched 06/01/17, commissioned 30/01/17.
9 patrols between 27/04/17 and 01/11/17, served with Flandern Flotilla, 36 ships sunk for a total of 36,404 tons.
www.naval-history.net/WW1Memoir-Hales.htm
In July, I'll Try was renamed Nelson and Boy Alfred became Ethel & Millie, in an effort to maintain their cover. The boats continued to operate together and Crisp's crew was augmented with two regular seamen and a Royal Marine rifleman, providing the Nelson with a crew of ten, including Crisp and his son. The smacks set out as usual on 15 August and pulled in a catch during the morning before making a sweep near the Jim Howe Bank in search of cruising enemies. At 2.30 pm, Crisp spotted a German U-boat on the surface 6,000 yards (5,500 m) away. The U-boat also sighted the smack and both vessels began firing at once, the U-boat's weapon scoring several hits before Nelson's could be brought to bear. By this stage in the war, German submarine captains were aware of the decoy ship tactics and no longer stopped British merchant shipping, preferring to sink them from a distance with gunfire.
With such a heavy disparity in armament between the smack's 3 pounder and the submarine's 88 mm deck gun the engagement was short lived, the submarine firing eight shots before the Nelson could get within range of her opponent. The fourth shot fired by the U-boat holed the smack, and the seventh tore off both of Crisp's legs from underneath him. Calling for the confidential papers to be thrown overboard, Crisp dictated a message to be sent by the boat's four carrier pigeons: like many small ships of the era, the Nelson did not possess a radio set.
"Nelson being attacked by submarine. Skipper killed. Jim Howe Bank. Send assistance at once."
The sinking smack was abandoned by the nine unwounded crew, who attempted to remove their captain, who ordered that he should be thrown overboard rather than slow them down. The crew refused to do so, but found they were unable to move him and left him where he lay. He died in his son's arms a few minutes later. It is said that he was smiling as he died and remained so as the ship sank underneath him. The Ethel & Millie had just arrived on the scene as the Nelson sank, and her captain Skipper Charles Manning called for Nelson's lifeboat to come alongside. Realising that this would greatly overcrowd the second boat, the survivors refused and Manning sailed onwards towards the submarine, coming under lethal fire as he did so. His vessel was soon badly damaged and began to sink
The crew of the Ethel & Millie then abandoned their battered boat and were hauled aboard the German submarine, where the Nelson survivors last saw them standing in line being addressed by a German officer. The seven British sailors of the Ethel & Millie were never seen again, and much controversy exists surrounding their disappearance. Prevailing opinion at the time was that they were murdered and dumped overboard by the German crew or abandoned at sea without supplies, but these scenarios cannot be substantiated. Another theory is that they were taken prisoner aboard the boat and killed when the submarine was itself sunk. The son of Arthur Soanes, a sailor who disappeared in this incident, later claimed to have contacted his father through his powers as a spiritual medium, reporting that he had died on board the German vessel. UC 63 has been named as the submarine that sank both vessels.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Crisp
Postscript
The 1918 Probate Calendar records that Thomas Crisp of 27 Stanford Street, Lowestoft, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve, died 15th August 1917 at sea or near Jim Howe Bank buoy. Limited Administration was granted at the Ipswich court on the 15th March 1918 to William Crisp, Grocer. His effects were valued at £435 4s 8d.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar?surname=Crisp&y...
A further grant appears in the 1920 Probate, which supersedes the earlier administration order. This was granted on the 27th March 1920 to Thomas William Crisp, mate of a fishing smack. The estate was then worth £345 16s 8d.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar?surname=Crisp&y...
1979 – death of Thomas William
It may be a co-incidence but the death of a Thomas William Crisp was recorded in the Waveney District of Suffolk in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1979. After several local government re-organisations, the area previously part of Mutford District had become part of Waveney District. By this stage the published register also included the date of birth. In this case it is recorded as the 18th February 1899.
The 1979 Probate Calendar records that Thomas William Crisp of 57 Waveney Crescent, Lowestoft, Suffolk died on the 2nd February 1979. Probate was granted at the Ipswich Court on the 23rd May 1979. His estate was valued at £1,327.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar?surname=Crisp&y...
Mildly photoshopped to minimise visual impact of damage present on the original image.
In loving memory of
HARRIETT ELIZABETH
CRISP
Who died June 12th 1917
Aged 39 years
Also of
SKIPPER THOMAS CRISP
V.C. D.S.C.
Beloved husband of the above
Who was killed on board HMS Nelson
August 15th 1917
Aged 41 years.
That sailor on CWGC is:-
CRISP, THOMAS
Rank:……………….......Skipper
Date of Death:……..15/08/1917
Age:…………………......41
Service:……………......Royal Naval Reserve
……………………...........H.M. Smack "Nelson."
Awards:……………......V C, D S C
Panel Reference:….25.
Memorial:…………......CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL
Additional Information:
Father of T. W. Crisp, of 41, Stanford St., Lowestoft, Suffolk. The tenor bell at St. Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, is named the "VC Bell" and dedicated to him.
Citation
An extract from the London Gazette, No. 30363, dated 30th Oct., 1917, records the posthumous award of V.C. "For service in action with enemy submarines."
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/3052474/CRISP,%20THOMAS
There is no obvious match on the WW1 Naval Casualties database.
The Royal Naval Reservist Service Records for DA 10055 Thomas Crisp, born Lowestoft on
Thomas is also remembered at St John’s Church in Lowestoft.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Suffolk/LowestoftStJohnsChurch.html
Thomas is also remembered at St Andrew’s Church in Lowestoft.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Suffolk/LowestoftStJohnsChurch.html
28th April 1876 – Birth of Thomas
Source – Catalogue entry for his Naval Reservist service records at the National Archive.
The birth of a Thomas Crisp was recorded in the Mutford District of Suffolk in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1876.
Mutford District included Lowestoft and the nearby villages.
1881 Census of England and Wales
The 4 year old Thomas Crisp, born Lowestoft, was recorded living at 3 Rant Score East, Lowestoft. This was the household of his parents, William, (aged 32, Boat Builder, born Lowestoft) and Maryann, (aged 31, born Somerleyton, Suffolk).
As well as Thomas their other children are:-
William…………aged 9…….born Lowestoft
Maryann………..aged 7……..born Lowestoft
Louisa…………..aged 2……..born Lowestoft
There is no obvious match for his future wife on this census
1891 Census of England and Wales
The is no obvious match for Thomas – however he would have been old enough to have been at sea.
His parents, William, (42) and Mary A, (41), were recorded living at 17 Seago Street, Lowestoft. Children living with them are:-
William…..aged 19….Bakers Assistant
Louisa…….aged 12
Lydia……..aged 9
John………aged 8…..born Lowestoft
Frederick…aged 5…..born Lowestoft
Elizabeth…aged 4…………born Lowestoft
George E ...aged 9 months…born Lowestoft
They also have a niece living with as a Housekeeper, the 14 year old Elizabeth Nunn.
The most likely match for his future wife is the 13 year old Harriett Alp, born Burgh St Peter, Norfolk, who was recorded living at a dwelling on Beccles Road, Aldeby, Norfolk. This was the household of her widowed grandmother Harriett Wright, (aged 62 and a Charwoman from Aldeby). Harriet Wright has a son living with her, a 41 year old single Fisherman Samuel Alp, (born Aldeby). She also has another grand-daughter living with her – the 8 year old Emily Burroughs, born Wheatacre, Norfolk.
1895 – Marriage
The marriage of a Thomas Crisp and Harriet Elizabeth Alp was recorded in the Mutford District in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1895.
18th February 1896 – birth of son Thomas William?
The Naval Reservist Service Records for a DA 4332 Thomas William Crisp, born “Boro St Peter, Suffolk” on the 18th February 1896, are held at the National Archive under reference BT 377/7/50806
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8511873
However I suspect he lied about his age as this does not tie in with any of the civil records.
The birth of a Thomas William Crisp was recorded in the Loddon District of Norfolk in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1899.
Loddon District included Burgh St Peter
www.ukbmd.org.uk/genuki/reg/districts/loddon.html
1897 – Birth of daughter Harriet
The birth of a Harriet Victoria M Crisp was recorded in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1897 in the Mutford District.
1901 Census of England and Wales
The 24 year old Thomas, a Mate of a Fishing Smack born Lowestoft, was recorded as the married head of a household at Staithe Road, Burgh St Peter, Norfolk. He lives there with his wife, Harriet Elizabeth, (aged 23, born Burgh St Peter, Norfolk. The couple have two children, Harriet Victoria May, (aged 3, born Lowestoft) and Thomas William, (aged 2, born Burgh St Peter).
1910 – birth of son Charles
The birth of a Charles M Crisp was registered in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1910.
1911 Census of England and Wales
There is no obvious match for Thomas on this census.
His wife, the 33 year, Harriett Elizabeth, born Burgh St Peter, Norfolk, was recorded living at 56 Roman Road, Lowestoft, She has been married 15 years. The couple have had 5 children, of which 3 were then still alive. These were:-
Harriett Victoria May….aged 13….born Lowestoft
Thomas William……….aged 12….born Wheatacre, Norfolk
Charles Montgomery…aged 6 months…born Lowestoft.
Post August 1911 it became compulsory when registering a birth with the Civil Authorities in England and Wales to also record the mothers maiden name. A search of the General Registrars Office Index of Births for England and Wales 1911-1983 brings up just on match for a child registered with the surname Crisp, mothers maiden name Alp, and that was a Margaret E, registered in the Mutford District in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1914. Given the date and location its very likely this was another child of Thomas and Harriett.
12th June 1917 – death of Harriett.
Date from the headstone.
The local council have put the cemetery records online. The 39 year old Harriett Elizabeth Crisp of 27 Stanford Street, Lowestoft, wife of Thomas Crisp, was buried on the 16th June 1917.
apps.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/pages/cemeteries/Lowestoft/colman...
On the day
Skipper Thomas Crisp's award of a posthumous Victoria Cross in 1917, when in command of a small sailing Q-ship, is one of the most personal and poignant. As he lay dying, his side split open by shell-fire, his last words to his son were, "Tom, I'm done. Throw me overboard."
That action led to the loss of two smacks. Skipper Crisp was the only man killed on HM Q-Ship Nelson, but all were lost on HMS Q-Ship Ethel and Millie.
The London Gazette 20 November 1918
(Fuller account following the Armistice)
from the Admiralty
With reference to announcements of the award of the Victoria Cross to naval officers and men for services in action with enemy submarines, the following (is the account of the action for which this award was made) —
Action of H.M. Armed Smack Nelson on the 15th August, 1917.
On the 15th August, 1917, the Smack Nelson was engaged in fishing when she was attacked by gunfire from an enemy submarine. The gear was let go and the submarine's fire was returned. The submarine's fourth shot went through the port bow just below the waterline, and the seventh shell struck the skipper, Thomas Crisp, partially disembowelling him, and passed through the deck and out through the side of the ship. In spite of the terrible nature of his wound Skipper Crisp retained consciousness, and his first thought was to send off a message that he was being attacked and giving his position. He continued to command his ship until the ammunition was almost exhausted and the smack was sinking. He refused to be moved into the small boat when the rest of the crew were obliged to abandon the vessel as she sank, his last request being that he might be thrown overboard.
(The posthumous award of the Victoria Cross to Skipper Thomas Crisp, D.S.C., R.N.R., 10055 D.A., was announced in London Gazette No. 30363, dated the 2nd November, 1917.)
An Account of the Action
Wednesday 15 August 1917
North Sea
Admiralty hired smacks Nelson, also Ethel and Millie operating as Q-ships, sunk in action with U.63, leading to the award of a posthumous VC to Nelson's skipper:
G. & E., also known as Bird, Extirpator, Foam Crest, I’ll Try, Ledger No.929, Nelson, S.3 (H - listed as Nelson), operating as Nelson, special service/submarine decoy/Q-ship, fishing smack, c61/1905, Lowestoft-reg LT649, taken up 8/8-9/15 and again 22/1/16, probably only armed with 1-3pdr at this time, auxiliary engined by 8/17, Skipper T Crisp RNR, on patrol, fishing on Jim Howe Bank with trawl shot. Submarine sighted at 1445, 3 or 4 miles away, opened fire and although Nelson was hopelessly outranged, she replied. Started to receive hits and take in water, seventh shell went through the skipper's left side, mortally wounding him, Second Hand Tom Crisp, his son, took over command. Nelson continued firing until nearly out of ammunition, crew abandoned ship, tried to lift the skipper into the boat but his only response was "Tom, I'm done, throw me overboard". They left him on board, Nelson was shelled until she sank off Mabelthorpe, Lincs; only the skipper was lost, Ethel & Millie beckoned the survivors on board but they continued rowing west, next day they sighted minesweeper Dryad and other sweepers, but were not seen, then on the Friday made fast to the Jim Howe Bank buoy and in the afternoon finally rescued by Dryad. Skipper Thomas Crisp RNR was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, Second Hand Thomas Crisp the DSM
ETHEL & MILLIE, also known as Boy Alfred, Ledger No.929, S.3, possibly Ethel and Emily, special service/submarine decoy/Q-ship, fishing smack, 58/1908, Lowestoft-reg LT200, taken up 1/2/17, 1-6pdr, 7 crew, Skipper William “Johnsey” Manning. After Nelson was sunk, UC.63 turned its attention to Ethel & Millie which was soon hit and stopped, then probably sunk by bomb; 1 officer, 6 ratings lost. According to the younger Thomas Crisp, the crew were picked up by the submarine, and last seen lined up on the foredeck. No survivors were found, only a pigeon message picked up saying she was being attacked by a U-boat. It is suggested they were drowned when the U-boat submerged.
The two smacks were sunk by UC.63 (Commander Oberleutenant Karsten von Heydebreck) on Wednesday, August 15th 1917 over Jim Howe Bank some time after 2.45pm.
UC.63 (Oberleutenant Karsten von Heydebreck) - sunk by Her Majesty’s Submarine E.52 (Albert P Addison, Captain) November 1st 1917, 26 hands lost, one survivor Petty Officer 2nd class Fritz Marshal. Last known position Latitude N51 23.000 Longitude E2 00.000 Goodwin Sands.
UC.63 - Type UC11, Shipyard A G Weser, Breen (Werk 261), ordered 12/01/16, laid down 03/04/16, launched 06/01/17, commissioned 30/01/17.
9 patrols between 27/04/17 and 01/11/17, served with Flandern Flotilla, 36 ships sunk for a total of 36,404 tons.
www.naval-history.net/WW1Memoir-Hales.htm
In July, I'll Try was renamed Nelson and Boy Alfred became Ethel & Millie, in an effort to maintain their cover. The boats continued to operate together and Crisp's crew was augmented with two regular seamen and a Royal Marine rifleman, providing the Nelson with a crew of ten, including Crisp and his son. The smacks set out as usual on 15 August and pulled in a catch during the morning before making a sweep near the Jim Howe Bank in search of cruising enemies. At 2.30 pm, Crisp spotted a German U-boat on the surface 6,000 yards (5,500 m) away. The U-boat also sighted the smack and both vessels began firing at once, the U-boat's weapon scoring several hits before Nelson's could be brought to bear. By this stage in the war, German submarine captains were aware of the decoy ship tactics and no longer stopped British merchant shipping, preferring to sink them from a distance with gunfire.
With such a heavy disparity in armament between the smack's 3 pounder and the submarine's 88 mm deck gun the engagement was short lived, the submarine firing eight shots before the Nelson could get within range of her opponent. The fourth shot fired by the U-boat holed the smack, and the seventh tore off both of Crisp's legs from underneath him. Calling for the confidential papers to be thrown overboard, Crisp dictated a message to be sent by the boat's four carrier pigeons: like many small ships of the era, the Nelson did not possess a radio set.
"Nelson being attacked by submarine. Skipper killed. Jim Howe Bank. Send assistance at once."
The sinking smack was abandoned by the nine unwounded crew, who attempted to remove their captain, who ordered that he should be thrown overboard rather than slow them down. The crew refused to do so, but found they were unable to move him and left him where he lay. He died in his son's arms a few minutes later. It is said that he was smiling as he died and remained so as the ship sank underneath him. The Ethel & Millie had just arrived on the scene as the Nelson sank, and her captain Skipper Charles Manning called for Nelson's lifeboat to come alongside. Realising that this would greatly overcrowd the second boat, the survivors refused and Manning sailed onwards towards the submarine, coming under lethal fire as he did so. His vessel was soon badly damaged and began to sink
The crew of the Ethel & Millie then abandoned their battered boat and were hauled aboard the German submarine, where the Nelson survivors last saw them standing in line being addressed by a German officer. The seven British sailors of the Ethel & Millie were never seen again, and much controversy exists surrounding their disappearance. Prevailing opinion at the time was that they were murdered and dumped overboard by the German crew or abandoned at sea without supplies, but these scenarios cannot be substantiated. Another theory is that they were taken prisoner aboard the boat and killed when the submarine was itself sunk. The son of Arthur Soanes, a sailor who disappeared in this incident, later claimed to have contacted his father through his powers as a spiritual medium, reporting that he had died on board the German vessel. UC 63 has been named as the submarine that sank both vessels.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Crisp
Postscript
The 1918 Probate Calendar records that Thomas Crisp of 27 Stanford Street, Lowestoft, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve, died 15th August 1917 at sea or near Jim Howe Bank buoy. Limited Administration was granted at the Ipswich court on the 15th March 1918 to William Crisp, Grocer. His effects were valued at £435 4s 8d.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar?surname=Crisp&y...
A further grant appears in the 1920 Probate, which supersedes the earlier administration order. This was granted on the 27th March 1920 to Thomas William Crisp, mate of a fishing smack. The estate was then worth £345 16s 8d.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar?surname=Crisp&y...
1979 – death of Thomas William
It may be a co-incidence but the death of a Thomas William Crisp was recorded in the Waveney District of Suffolk in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1979. After several local government re-organisations, the area previously part of Mutford District had become part of Waveney District. By this stage the published register also included the date of birth. In this case it is recorded as the 18th February 1899.
The 1979 Probate Calendar records that Thomas William Crisp of 57 Waveney Crescent, Lowestoft, Suffolk died on the 2nd February 1979. Probate was granted at the Ipswich Court on the 23rd May 1979. His estate was valued at £1,327.