Able Seaman George Harry Newton

George was born on the 16 July 1884 in Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire, near Thame, Oxford. His mother was named Sarah, and his father Caleb was an agricultural labourer. In 1891 the family were living in Drakes Farm, Bucks. The couple had seven children, Thomas 15, Frederick 13, Louisa, 12. May 10, Louisa 8, and Mary 4, while George was aged 6.

The 1901 Census shows that the family were still living at Drakes Farm, and that some of the children had left home. George was now aged 16 and working as a bricklayer's labourer.

On 30 June 1905, George enlisted in the Royal Navy for a term of five years. He was described as 5 ft 7 ins, with brown hair and hazel eyes. His character was recorded as VG, which meant that no serious crimes had been detected. He started as an Ordinary Seaman where he gained experience as an apprentice. He was promoted to Able Seaman in 1908 which meant he had more responsibilities. George was initially based on HMS Pembroke I, which was a land-based training vessel and barracks situated at Chatham. He was attached to several ships during the first five years, including HMS Swiftsure, Cressy and Endymion.

By 2 July 1910, George had served his 5-year period of engagement and presumably returned to civilian life. Very soon after the outbreak of WW1, on 7 August 1914, George re-enlisted and served on the Cruiser HMS Hawke.

In October 1914, HMS Hawke was deployed with other ships from the 10th Cruiser Squadron in the North Sea as part of efforts for stop German warships from attacking troop convoys from Canada. On the 15 October at 10.30, while out of sight of the rest of the squadron, she was struck by a single torpedo from a German Submarine (which had already sunk three other British cruisers) and quickly capsized.

The rest of the squadron only realised the HSM Hawke was missing some time later, and a destroyer was despatched to search for her. They eventually found a raft carrying 22 men, while another boat with a further 49 survivors was rescued by a Norwegian steamer. Sadly 524 officers and men including George, were drowned.

According to a document “Navy Death Records”, the person who was named as next of kin and was informed of George’s death was a described as a friend. She was a Daisy Clothier, of Floral Cottage, Mitcham, who worked for James Pascall Chocolate Factory in Streatham Road. This may explain why George is commemorated on the Mitcham War Memorial, as this appears to be his only connection with the area, although it is possible he lived in the area when he returned to civilian life in 1910. George is also commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

In August 2024, a deep-sea explorer group discovered the wreck of the HMS Hawke, off the coast of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, which was said to be in a remarkable condition, with guns, and Royal Navy crockery still in place.