HMS Pheasant, Admiralty M Class destroyer painting by Martin Laird
On the 1st of March 1917, HMS Pheasant struck a mine just off Rora Head, Hoy, Orkney. The explosion and ensuing confusion of the rescue operation resulted in all 89 on board losing their lives. Only one body was ever recovered. Midshipman Reginald Cotter is buried in Lyness Naval Cemetery, Hoy.
The grave of Midshipman Reginald Cotter, age 20, Lyness Naval Cemetery Hoy
The Orkney News has published several articles about HMS Pheasant. To find them please use the search button.
Some of the men who were killed when HMS Pheasant sank.
Able Seaman Tom Howarth age 22, (possibly younger)Able Seaman Samuel Haworth, age 23Ordinary Seaman Ivor Weaver, age 21 (possibly younger)Ordinary Seaman Harry (Henry) Martin, age 22Petty Office James Atcheson, age 36Able Seaman John Hamilton’s (age 20 (or younger) medals Able Seaman James Hamilton, age 25Gunner Sydney Herlihy, age 41Ordinary Seaman Frederick Edworthy, age 20Leading Seaman Cyril Grebbell, age 26Able Seaman Angus McDonald, age 32Ordinary Seaman Arthur Merton Fisher, age 24Signalman David Davies, age 28Able Seaman Henry (Harry) Hollowood, age 23Leading Seaman Harry Sultan, age 24Harry Sultan’s Battle of Jutland medal Image courtesy Samantha NicholsonWorld War 1 ‘Death Penny’ Harry Sultan’s family was sent. Image courtesy Samantha NicholsonImage courtesy of Samantha NicholsonTelegram informing of the death of William BowenChief Stoker William Bowen, age 38 Able Seaman Percy William Searle, age 20Lieutenant H W Douglas Griffith, age 29Able Seaman William Porter, age 20Stoker Chas Neale, age 23Grave marker
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