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Name: ST. JOHN-KNELLER, Hastings Godfrey Laureston
Birth Date: 23 Jan 1876 Barbados
Death Date: 3 Oct 1918 died in collision on SS Burutu off Fishguard in Irish Sea
First Date: 1904
Profession: Executive Engineer PWD
Married: 1. In Stonehouse, Devon 8 Oct 1897 Edith Beatrice Roe b. 8 Sep 1876 Plymouth, d. 29 Dec 1951 Netherhampton, Wilts. (later m. Harold Eustace Coad 1876-1965); 2. Clara Doris Walters b. 28 Aug 1884 Aston Manor, Warks. (later m. Ronald Ian Pratt 1897-1974)
Children: 1. Edith B. (1899) 2. Mona (Birkett) (29 Sep 1913 Worthing-11 Oct 1987 Worthing); dau Joycelyn (Collard) (29 Aug 1915 Ramsgate-2001 Bournemouth); Dulcie (29 Apr 1917 Worthing-2001 Thanet); Muriel (29 Apr 1917 Worthing-1996 Bournemouth)
Book Reference: Gillett, North
School: Weymouth College; Crystal Palace School of Engineering
General Information:
In convoy at night, 3rd October 1918, showing no lights to avoid detection by U-boats, collided with outbound SS City of Calcutta.
Location described as 25 miles SW of Bardsey, or as 25 miles W of Fishguard. [these positions are over 20 miles apart]. Another report states North of Padstow. Sank within 10 minutes with only one boat getting away. 25 crew and 25 passengers survived. 148 estimated to have been lost, including Captain W. E. Potter (from Liscard).
Reports name 70[deaths at sea] or 77 [Elder Dempster Roll of Honour] crew lost and she had 4 gunners aboard also.