The World Wars

Visitor Comments

Posted by Pedro on 12/03/2006

During the war, we had in Goole a local character called Percy Woolass. He got the job of pasting bill posters all over town. The posters read "AWAKE your country needs You". Alas Percy put them all over town including the walls of the cemetery.

Posted by Pedro on 24/03/2006

Just perusing some local shipping companies and ships. Hook Steamship Company (Goole and Hull Steam Towing)

S.S ARUBA, sunk by E-boat 1941
SS KALUA, Hook Steamship Co, sunk by bombing off the Tyne
SS LULONGA, Hook Steamship Co. sunk by E-boat
SS BLACKTOFT Weatherall Steamship Co, lost to E-boat 1945

Posted by Pedro on 25/03/2006

Jimmy Stanley was landlord of the Peacock pub during the war when a plane crashed on it. His wife jumped from the burning building killing a soldier who tried to catch her; she was a rather large lady, and the soldier received a broken neck. Jimmy Stanley Junior, her son, unfortunately died in the fire age thirteen years. He was known to us at the time as "Snowball" (blond hair). On his grave in Goole cemetery is the vase contributed by all his school friends at the Secondary School.

When the plane crashed on the Peacock one of the engines passed over Botleys and demolished one of the middle houses unfortunately killing the lady occupier (name just escapes me). Her remains were found in the cellar kitchen of the same property.

Posted by Christine on 18/05/2011

When the Peacock hotel was damaged. I was very small at the time and remember being carried by my dad from Alexandra Street to Dunhill Road where my grandfather lived. We went via Mad Dog Lane for safety. Around the same time there was damage to Wardle's garage and this might have been the reason for the evacuation. Hope someone can make my memories more accurate.

Posted by Bill on 18/05/2011

This info is from "Goole at War", vol. 2, p.117, by Mike Marsh.

"On August 31 1943 two Wellington bombers collided over Goole. There were injuries and fatalities in different part of the town. At the Peacock there were two tragic deaths. William "Jimmy" Stanley the licensee's 12 year old son, who was asleep, was killed by falling wreckage. The building caught fire trapping the surviving members of the family on the upper floor. Some soldiers from the next door building held a blanket so that surviving members of the family could escape by jumping from the upper floor. One of the people who jumped fell awkwardly and landed on one of the soldiers holding the blanket. He was knocked to the ground, suffered a fractured skull and died in hospital a few hours later. His name was Kenneth Wood."

Posted by Peacock on 29/05/2011

The landlady was my grandmother, when she jumped she landed on a young man who was helping to hold the blanket for her and her daughters to jump into. Her son Jim was killed aged twelve when the plane landed on the Peacock. My mother was the eldest daughter but was married and lived in Ouse Street.

Posted by Corby on 05/10/2018

Parishes furniture shop was opposite old library. This was where the two Wellington bombers collided over Goole causing this shop to be destroyed; apart from the office which was on a mezzanine floor at the back, which became our gang headquarters.

Posted by Peter on 11/05/2006

Does anyone recall the evacuated French soldiers brought to Goole after being liberated from Lorient by Bennett's ship SPARTA in operation Ariel in June 1940? My uncle remembers the alleyways behind Parliament Street and Gordon Street being full of thousands of them, all just sitting around. My grandfather operated the gun fitted to the rear of Sparta as they were dive-bombed by stukas. Apparently they were sitting ducks as they didn't have time to set the range of the guns and the shells exploded way above the planes.

Posted by Pedro on 12/05/2006

Don't recall any repatriated troops in Goole apart from Italian POWs. Many billeted in Mariner Street and Centenary Road. Lots of American forces though prior to Dunkirk landings. The Americans had tanks and bren gun carriers placed in the then Adelphi Garage at the bottom of Phoenix Street.

Posted by George on 12/05/2006

SPARTA - OPERATION AERIAL

The authoritative book about the ships that took part in all the 1940 evacuations lists Sparta as making one voyage with troops, Brest to Falmouth on 17-18 June. I just find it odd that she would bring a large number of French troops all the way to Goole with the extra hazards of the east coast. Could memories be playing tricks and this was some other occasion? Just a thought that occurred to me!

Posted by Peter on 14/05/2006

As regards operation Ariel, I am assuming the ship was Sparta as I believe it was the only Bennett's ship left at this stage (apart from the lighter HYDRA). I have a letter written by my grandfather from Lorient on 1 June 1940. He was on the COREA when it was mined and then went for gunnery training in Rosythe when he recovered from his injuries. He sailed with Bennett's on the Corea, Sparta and Syria (among others earlier in his deep-sea career). It's possible the Sparta was not the ship he was on.

As for the troops in Gordon Street and Parliament St., I don't know whether they were part of this evacuation or not. Apparently though, there were about 3,000 troops brought back from Lorient, and no-one could get near the toilets for the whole journey!

Posted by Suzanne on 08/01/2011

My great-grandfather was Capt. E. Willmott of SS Sparta. I have pictures of Sparta pre-World War I as my grandmother Dellamotte Willmott grew up on Sparta.

Posted by Old Codger on 02/05/2014

I had a photo of the MV Sparta laid alongside another ship at No. 1 Shed, South Street in 1933. No work could be found for them, I think the other ship was the BINBROOK. Porters wood yard and the Alum Works chimney are in the background.

Posted by David on 13/05/2006

I wonder if I might ask a favour of someone? Distance is problem for me. I am seeking confirmation that my dad's name appears on the Merchant Navy memorial near Lock Hill. The name to look for would be David Jackson on the MV CEDARBANK.

Posted by Pedro on 13/05/2006

The majority of plaques were placed by family members, some ex-seamen who died natural causes are commemorated there. Others lost with ships are also named on the memorial.

Posted by David on 19/05/2006

My son came over to see me the other day; we got talking, as you do and I showed him this site. He then tells me that at some time last year, he organised a plaque. I still haven't seen it, not too concerned about that, but would like confirmation that it is in situ. Thanks.

Posted by Pedro on 19/05/2006

I will check it out but won't be back in Goole myself until July. Getting back to the Cedarbank, I have all the names of all the crew lost on her, fourteen in total, but unable to find anything about the gunner listed as missing on her. In fact I can't find any gunner lost on 21 April 1940. Just wondered if you had any info on him as I'm beginning to doubt that a fifteenth man was lost on her.

Posted by David on 21/05/2006

The gunner on MV Cedarbank was W. McGrath, 200 Commercial Road, Liverpool. This is from the crew list I have in my possession.

Posted by Pedro on 21/05/2006

I have William McGrath listed as missing, but registered as deckhand. He is in the fourteen lost crew, but the archives state fifteen lost including one gunner. I feel a mistake somewhere.

Posted by David on 24/05/2006

What can I say! The crew list I have is a copy of the original from Andrew Weir. I can't go along with this but many many years ago some guy from Goole who was in the service contacted my mother and told her that, shortly after the war, he was in one of the South American ports where he reckons he had seen my dad, not to speak to though. He may have been mistaken, certainly misguided, as my grandmother Rebecca took up spiritualism in an effort to contact my dad and nearly drove herself insane trying to contact him. I could ramble on for hours but you don't want that.

Posted by Pedro on 29/05/2006

My brother checked the memorial site on Lock Hill this weekend and assures me that the plaque is indeed there.

Posted by David on 31/05/2006

Pedro, many thanks to you and your brother for checking things out for me. Yesterday a letter arrived from an old friend of my late aunt Rose Newsome (LEA). Enclosed was a photo that appeared in the Goole Times some years ago. It shows five Goole river pilots, one of whom is Captain William Lea (Joe's brother). The others shown are as follows, E.W. Woodhead, W. Sherburn, B. George and A.E. Blackburn.

Somewhere in my ditty box I also have a Goole Times photo taken at the turn of last century of William on the Blacktoft Ferry surrounded by a bevy of attractive young ladies dressed in the style of the period.

Posted by Maria on 19/10/2006

My great-grandfather who was lost on the MV CEDARBANK on 21 April 1940: Name: PEARCE, JOSEPH Initials: J Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Donkeyman Regiment/Service: Merchant Navy Unit Text: M.V. Cedarbank (Glasgow) Age: 46 Date of Death: 21/04/1940 Additional information: Son of Mr and Mrs Joseph Pearce. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 25. Memorial: TOWER HILL MEMORIAL

Posted by Ros on 04/03/2007

William McGrath of MV Cedarbank was my grandfather. My grandmother said he was a gunner but when I saw him listed as a deckhand I thought she had got it wrong, so I was really intrigued to read these comments. If anyone has any further information, I'd be grateful. Thanks.

Posted by David on 05/03/2007

Ros, looking back on this site you will see that my dad David Jackson was lost when the Cedarbank went down. Prior to the Cedarbank he was master on the INVERBANK but was second officer, navigation and guns when the ship went down. Feel free to contact me if you want to have a chat.

Posted by Jan on 10/01/2008

I understand that my uncle, William Tudor, was lost when the MV Cedarbank was torpedoed during WWII. I was wondering if anyone could provide some information on William Tudor? I am researching our family tree and would appreciate any information about my uncle. Thanks.

Posted by Pedro on 13/01/2008

Jan, your uncle William Neil Tudor, son of William and Elsie Mary Tudor of Bridport, Dorsetshire, was the youngest member of the crew at sixteen years of age. His rating was cabin boy. He was lost with thirteen crew members and one Royal Navy gunner. 30 crew were rescued.

Posted by Jan on 14/01/2008

Pedro, thank you for the information you have provided about my Uncle William Neil Tudor (he was always known as Neil in the family) and the MV Cedarbank. I am so glad that I found you on the Internet and am truly amazed at the swift response to my recent query.

Posted by David on 19/05/2006

Regarding the Italian POW camps in Goole. Whilst I accept that I moved away from Goole when very young, I always returned during school holidays and I recall being somewhat confused at the sight of these men - the deadly enemy - wondering about town and mixing with the locals. In fact I recall seeing them on Sundays at the Salvation Army, dressed in British Army uniform dyed dark brown with large yellow patches on the jackets and trousers. Of course they were dark days, not always that dark, but as I grew older I came to understand the position that Italy had found herself in during the 1940s.

Posted by Pedro on 19/05/2006

As Italians, lots of these prisoners were Catholic and used St. Joseph's church in Pasture Road for Sunday Mass - one being Angelo the hairdresser who returned to Goole after the war duly marrying his local girlfriend. Sadly he recently passed away after spending the remainder of his life in Goole.

Personally my own recollections of POWs in Goole was that the majority of them were glad to be out of it (the war) and living in relative luxury in Nissen huts. These would later be used by the local council to house Goole families until the building of post war council houses in Western Road and other areas. Very few restrictions were placed on the prisoners as far as coming and going around the town. As a schoolboy I also remember walking into the camp in Mariners Street without been challenged to collect a toy wooden train engine made for me by one of the POWs.

Posted by David on 21/05/2006

A nostalgia kick - I remember the Canadians being in Goole. My mother had let her home in Pasture Road out to some of the officers, through the ministry, whilst she did her bit for "King and Country". Does anyone recall them building a Bailey Bridge over the river just below Boothferry Bridge. It was never completed, they lost a Sherman tank which was recovered and sat by the side of the road, near the Fever Hospital for some time, I recall being able to get inside and with my mates having great fun operating the turret, no gun in situ. Happy but at times dark days.

Posted by Ray on 28/12/2014

The Goole bridge that no-one remembers. You all know where Boothferry Bridge is. A few of you will know where the landing place for the original Booths Ferry was. (Maybe a quarter mile upstream from the Bridge, towards Airmyn).

Well now, in 1944, between Boothferry Bridge and the Booth's Ferry landing place, a team of (I think) Canadian Army bridge builders built a long bridge ramp from field/road level up to the top of the riverbank. I remember being very impressed by how quickly they assembled it, and kept nagging at my grandad to "take me again" to watch their progress (I was only four at the time). The Canadians then dismantled the bridging structure even more quickly than they had assembled it, and disappeared from Goole. Although, of course, I only realised it many years later, they had left Goole to go to France and Germany, to make use of their bridge-building skills in the conquest of Germany.

Posted by David on 18/07/2006

As a small boy in the war years I found it exciting watching our bombers going over from the many airfields around Goole and I have a vivid memory of being in the back bedroom of my mother's house in Pasture Road and seeing the explosion resulting from two aircraft colliding and falling to the ground. Of course it wasn't until next day that I was told what had happened and that a little boy had been killed.

Posted by Adam on 23/08/2006

My grandfather, Lt Col Harry Richardson, formed and led the Home Guard in Goole throughout the war and I would be very interested in any reminiscences or contact information, anything to do with the Goole Battalion. I would also be interested in any information on the KOYLI Territorials in the area between the wars. Thanks.

Posted by Pedro on 24/08/2006

My brother remembers H. Richardson and others including Major Silvester of the solicitors Silvester of Goole. He used to ride a white horse during mustering his KOYLI Territorials. He also says other officers included the Hudson brothers of Hudson Ward millers. These men all served in World War I and consequently set up the Goole Home Guard for World War II. The Sunday parades was a sight to behold with the men marching through the town led by the mounted officers.

Posted by Robert on 11/07/2010

Two weeks ago I attended my uncle Roy Harness' 90th birthday party. He has lived in Scunthorpe for a number of years but he was born in Rawcliffe. My uncle Eric was there he is now 87. My father Leonard Harness 1908 to 1996 was also born in Rawcliffe and they lived in Bell Lane then at Riverside. My grandfather Charles William served in the KOYLI during the World War I in the Goole battalion. I'm looking for any info on my family especially any info on the Goole Battalion during WWI. Thanks.

Posted by Diana on 09/09/2006

My father was lost on the SS EMPIRE OAK August 1941. On the Merchant Navy Memorial at Tower Hill London beside the name of the Ship is "Goole" in brackets. Can anyone tell me what the connection is? I know the Empire Oak was launched in March 1941 and did sea trials in July and was torpedoed in August and sunk on her way to the Mediterranean. I came across this website and found it very interesting and just wondered if anyone could shed any light on the connection between the SS Empire Oak and Goole? Thanks.

Posted by Pedro on 10/09/2006

The Empire Oak was a steam tug built at Goole 1941, sunk by torpedo from U-boat 564 on 22 August 1941 in the North Atlantic in convoy from the UK to Gibraltar.

Posted by Diana on 13/09/2006

My brother and I did not realise the she had such a short life, and also that she was built so close to home. My brother was born at Bridlington where our father was fishing with the Brid Boats, and I was born at Hull where our father was a trawler-man there. He joined the Merchant Navy shortly after the War started.

One last request please Pedro, I found the details of the Empire Oak, sadly no photo like you said, but I found details of the EMPIRE LARCH, launched in January 1941, same details. In your opinion would the Empire Oak have looked the same as in the photos of this Vessel? Thanks again for all the interest you show and all the help you give, it means a lot.

Posted by Pedro on 13/09/2006

I spoke to my brother who worked at Goole shipyard from 1930 until its closure. He remembers all the tugs mentioned and confirms the Empire Larch was in fact identical to the Oak.

Posted by Diana on 13/09/2006

Thanks. I now feel I have a personal link to Goole and a closer link to my father. Keep up the good work.

Posted by Pedro on 15/09/2006

Just a few more snippets, sunk by U-564 on 22 August 1941 in convoy OG71 by Kapitanleutnant Reinhard (Teddy) Suhren. Empire Oak had a crew of 20 - 14 lost. He sank a total of five ships in two days from this convoy. (You may wonder as I did why waste a torpedo on a tug?) I found out that he had on board at the time a war correspondent of the Nazi propaganda service who was recording events for German newsreels and magazines. So maybe this was the reason Kapitan Suhren fired more successful torpedo shots than any other U-boat officer. He was awarded swords to his oak leaves and knights cross during this; his last combat patrol before taking command of U-boats stationed in Norway.

Posted by Diana on 18/09/2006

Pedro, we've learnt more from you in the last couple of weeks about our father's ship than we have been able to find out over a lot of years! Our father's name was Charles Henry Temple and was second watch keeper on the Empire Oak. Again many thanks for your interest.

Posted by Pedro on 19/09/2006

Just wondered if you are aware that Goole has a memorial garden remembering those who fought and died at sea in both World Wars? Names of ships and crew listed although I will check if the Empire Oak is entered. The annual memorial service took place earlier this month.

Empire Oak casualties: Captain Fredrick E. Christian, three crew, four gunners survived. Lost: James Max Booth (messroom boy) age 17, son of Horatio and Leah Booth Chesterfield; Nicholas Concepcion (able seaman) age 36; Charles Dixon (fireman) age 30; James Eastham (third engineer) age 19; Francis Forrest (fireman) age 40; Albert Golden age 38; Michael Kavanagh (assistant steward) age 21, survived the Oak but lost same day on SS AGUILA; William K. Lidguard (second radio officer) age 17; Cyril G. Robinson (first radio officer) age 26; Charles Henry Temple (second watch keeper) age 35; John Thompson (cook) age 27; Edwin Tomkins (galley boy) age 16; William Wallace (chief engineer) age 45.

Posted by Diana on 21/09/2006

Thanks taking the time to list the casualties from the Empire Oak; seeing the names of the crew who were lost with our father was quite moving, as so many of them were so young. I listen to Radio Humberside's phone-in most mornings and someone called to say they had been to the service at the Memorial Garden on Merchant Navy Day and it was excellent.

Posted by Geoff on 28/01/2007

Some addresses of people lost. Charles Dixon (fireman) age 30 of 100 Melrose Street, Hull; Frank Forrest (fireman) age 40 of 33 St. Pauls Street, Hull; Albert Golden (fireman) age 38 of 10 Eight Avenue, North Hull Estate; Michael Dennis Kavanagh (assistant steward) age 21 but was on passage as a DBS (Distressed British Seaman); Cyril George Robinson (radio officer) age 26 of 5 Atlas Avenue, Hull; Edwin Tompkins (galley boy) age 16 of 24 Gradley Street, Hull.

Posted by Howard on 05/03/2007

My uncle, able seaman Harold Preston, served on the tug Empire Oak, and his date of death is listed as the 23/8/1941. I was surprised that Pedro's reply did not include my uncle's name. I can only assume that because he died the day after the sinking, he survived the explosion for 24 hours. Can anyone give me more information? Thanks.

Posted by Pedro on 13/03/2007

Howard, your uncle could have survived the sinking of the Oak. Some crew were picked up by the HMS ZINNIA and the Irish ship CLONARA only to be lost next day by torpedo from the same U-boat previously stated.

Posted by Howard on 14/03/2007

Pedro, you may well be right, my uncle could well have been one of the navy gunners that got off the Oak, I'll probably never know for sure. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

Posted by Pedro on 14/03/2007

Howard, your uncle, also as a gunner, would be commemorated on the Royal Navy Memorial and not as missing merchant seamen.

Posted by Sherrie on 07/08/2009

My grandfather Harry Denis Carlton was on the convoy OG71. He was picked up by the Empire Oak after his ship the ALVA went down. He was then picked up by the HMS Zinnia and then transferred to HMS BOREAS. But cannot find any information regarding the Zinnia anywhere picking up survivors from the Empire Oak. He survived and lived to a grand old age of 87.

Posted by Sophie on 14/08/2009

My great-uncle was Michael Kavanagh who died on the Empire Oak. Family legend has it that he was on the SS Aguila with his brother which Michael survived and was picked up by Empire Oak. Unfortunately he didn't survive this second torpedo attack. You mentioned above that Michael Dennis Kavanagh was known as distressed seaman - would this be because of the rescue from the Aguila or is there another reason? It may be that he was never on the Aguila perhaps? I look forward to any news on this at all. Thanks.

Posted by Marie on 25/09/2009

My great-uncle Nicholas Concepcion was a crew member on the Empire Oak (thank you so much for earlier posting of crew list - so poignant!). I understand that the Empire Oak picked up six survivors from the Aguila (including Sophie's great uncle?) and eleven from the Alva (including Sherrie's grandfather?). When the Empire Oak was torpedoed the six from the Aguila then perished but the eleven from the Alva did not and were transferred with other survivors to another ship and to safety. Our family was told that uncle Nick survived the first torpedo on the Empire Oak, but not the second ship he was rescued by - could this have been the Zinnia?

I have read that a random group of Merchant Navy seamen were transferred from the Zinnia, fortunately it turns out as when she was torpedoed there were only seventeen survivors. So sad, but so interesting to remember all these brave people. Uncle Nick had five little children under ten and a beautiful blue-eyed wife, my Auntie Bess, who lived into her 80s but never remarried. Bless 'em all.

Posted by Sherrie on 20/10/2009

Marie, from what I have discovered, only a handful of survivors from the Empire Oak were picked up by the Zinnia, one was in fact my grandfather. He was lucky to have been transferred to HMS Boreas and only passed away a few years ago. Most of the sites I have found regarding this story claim the survivors were picked up by the CAMPANULAR then transferred onto HMS Velox. So it does seem that your great-uncle may have been picked up alongside my grandfather.

Posted by Marie on 25/10/2009

Sherrie, from guesswork based on the few facts we have, it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that as an able seaman on the Empire Oak, my great-uncle could have helped your grandfather out of the sea after the sinking of the Alva, and on to the Empire Oak - or at the very least spoken to him on the crowded little tug. Then, two nights later when the Empire Oak was hit, your grandfather (according to that fascinating account on the Mercantile Marine site?) bravely swam for help to save his shipmates, including my great uncle? When our two relatives were apparently picked up by the Zinnia, your grandfather was one of those then transferred to the HMS Boreas and saved, while my great-uncle was one of those left behind on the Zinnia and perished, when it was also torpedoed and sank.

We'll probably never know, but we do know that sailors helped each other and I'm glad that your grandfather, despite his terrible ordeals, survived being torpedoed twice and lived to tell the tale.

Posted by Laurance on 07/01/2011

The loss of life was tragic on convoys OG71/HG73 - there being no convoy rescue ship that did not help. Originally convoy OG71 was to take a more westerly course, but convoy WS10X (troop convoy) was given priority and convoy OG71 was pushed 200 miles nearer Biscay, and therefore closer to German reconnaissance planes. Regrettably OG71 (22 merchantmen and 8 escorts) ended up drawing the fire away from WS10X, such is war. The homeward convoy HG73 (25 merchantmen and 13 escorts) also suffered badly, as its passage was also close to another to convoy WS11X (troop convoy) and took the brunt of the attack. Fortunately, several U-boats that could have been about were in the Mediterranean.

It is from the above two convoys and convoy HG76 that Nicholas Monsarrat (second Lieutenant HMS Campanula), that he based his book "The Cruel Sea". My father at the time was being transferred to the convoy rescue ships, however, he lost several fellow master and officer friends in the above convoys. There is a splendid book written by Bernard Edwards on the above convoys called "The Cruel Sea Retold", which is worth reading.

Posted by David on 11/04/2007

As a small boy living in Goole, I remember well the bomber aircraft forming up in the sky above Goole before heading off for the continent and God knows what. A more vivid memory is of seeing them return in daylight. You could see the damage sustained to the Halifax, Lancaster and Wellington bombers, but had no idea of the carnage that had occurred, only a thrill at seeing these aircraft flying so low. I for one recall climbing onto the roof of my grandparents' air raid shelter and painting, in blue, RAF then V for victory. This was the innocence of childhood which wasn't to last.

Posted by Pedro on 11/04/2007

I too remember the bombers leaving the locality of Goole. I believe it was 51 squadron based at Pollington Airfield Snaith some four miles from Goole. A memorial has recently been erected in the said locality commemorating those who never returned. I have been informed of a book called "Snaith Knights", author Renee Ounsley, who I understand is the secretary of this memorial. Although I must confess as yet not got around to buying it, all proceeds of the book going to the upkeep of this memorial.

Posted by David on 15/04/2007

I picked up on the memorial at Snaith sometime ago when "surfing" also mention of a ghost that frequents the site.

During the war, my mother's youngest sister met a young Australian bomber pilot at a dance in the Market Hall in Goole. They were eventually married at St. John's. Bill was one of the fortunate ones who survived the "tours" they were called upon to do and on completion Bill returned to Brisbane taking Josephine with him. Bill flew Lancasters from Broughton near Howden. Some years ago I paid a visit to the airfield and much to my surprise found a photo of Bill and his crew on the wall of the club room. The airfield is part used today by "The Real Aircraft Company" - a number of restored aircraft can be seen, wartime and civvy - well worth a visit.

Posted by Dave on 21/05/2007

Browsing the site recently, I noticed that parts of the Mulberry Harbours used in France were manufactured in Goole. I'm keen to learn more about this and would be grateful if you could point me in the direction of any websites, local history resources, residents who were involved in the manufacture, etc. who could furnish me with further information. Thanks.

Posted by George on 22/05/2007

The Mulberry Harbour sections were built in the dry docks at Goole but I have never come across any photos of them at Goole or being towed down the river. Everyone must have been very good at obeying the security rules "no photos!"

Posted by Neil on 05/01/2011

Would like some information on STEAM TUG NO. 10 owned by Goole and Hull Steam Towing Company. My late father was engineer on her. I believe she was used in the Mulberry Harbours, One of his paper discharges had "Liberation of Europe" written in as description of voyage. Thanks.

Posted by Lorna on 24/06/2007

I was very pleased to see the name of my great-grandfather Harry Morton was on the Cenotaph list. Thank you very much indeed.

Posted by Pedro on 11/11/2007

Because of numerous inquiries about Les Depledge and Captain Harold Lawson, I thought you may find the following of interest.

"SS SANFRY July 1940 the Goole built and crewed Sanfry 946 ton vessel came under attack by a German E-boat. Captain Lawson age 38 of Riversdale and his brother Joseph a deck hand of Sotheren Street, Leslie Depledge Steward of Brough Street - all three men were decorated for action undertaken, returning fire with it 12-pounder and a Lewis gun from the bridge. In the attack the Sanfry's gunner William Jewel was dragged to safety by Leslie Depledge and Joe Lawson. Captain Lawson was awarded an OBE. The following March, Captain Lawson his brother and Les Depledge were all awarded the Lloyds war medal, as well as a citation from the Admiralty and Prime Minister on behalf of the King."

We had quite a few local heroes that I had the pleasure of sailing with. For instance Thomas Leslie Cross of Dunhill Road Goole had been the survivor of a machine gun attack by a German Aircraft off the N.E. Coast. The plane was driven off by fire from the ship's Lewis gun. This was only one of Tom's wartime incidents after joining Whartons (Shipping) Ltd/ of Keadby as an AB in 1936 where he spent much of the war as captain of the motor ship GLADONIA. The Gladonia faced many such attacks from the air and in two incidents was accredited with shooting down enemy aircraft.

Cross was later decorated for the role he and his ship had played in the Normandy landings. Before he died in 1954 at the age of 44, Tom Cross had become the commodore master of Whartons Shipping (Keadby).

Posted by George on 12/11/2007

I think there was also a special radio programme or broadcast about this action, have seen a transcript somewhere.

Posted by Bill on 17/11/2007

The recent postings about the heroism of merchant navy men in the last war made me once again deplore the fact that the MN is so often neglected in accounts of the war and commemoration events. I have just read a book on the D-Day landings and the MN is not even listed in the index. My dad was part of that operation - after surviving the North Atlantic convoys. I know from him the contribution the MN made to that operation and the risks they took. It makes me very sad and angry that they are so often overlooked.

Posted by John on 19/11/2007

The SS Sanfry broadcast referred to in recent postings took place on Friday 20 December 1940, after the 1pm news in the Home Service Programme. I have a transcript of the broadcast that runs to two sides of A4. It may not have been a lengthy broadcast, however it was recorded in the Lloyd's List and Shipping Gazette on Tuesday 18 March 1941 and the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty gained permission from the King for publication in the London Gazette. I don't have a date for that but the recommendation letter was dated 18 October 1940.

In addition to the Lloyds Medal they were awarded bronze oak leafs as they were "mentioned in despatches". These are worn on the medal ribbon. In further recognition the ships owners provided a lunch for the crew and family folklore has it that my father and Deckhand Lawson chose to take £10 (the alternative was a watch) as it accounted to more than a week's wage. Lawson it was claimed spent his £10 on a pram for his new or expected child! Somewhere out there may be a "young Lawson" who still has the pram! Most of the "Sanfry" incident has been recorded in The Goole Times and covered by Mike Marsh in his books "Goole at War" and an abridged version of the broadcast appeared in the Goole Times of 13 June 1991 when it reported the death of Captain Lawson.

Posted by Christine on 25/11/2007

Whilst searching the National Archives today I came across a list of British Merchant Seamen interned in Germany in WWI. Four possible Goole ships are listed: SS DEARNE, SS EQUITY, SS WINTERTON and SS EDWIN HUNTER. Many of these seamen were sent to the famous Ruhleben Camp for civilians and spent four years there. The crew from the Edwin Hunter which was unfortunately in Kiel, Germany at the start of the war were: George N. Heslop (AB), W. Woolhouse, John Townsley (first officer), William Hunter (chief engineer), John Harrison, G.W. Hammond (fireman), A. Lowther, G. Gillingwater (AB), William Cook (master), James Askew (AB) and George W. Johnson. There may be more but these are the only ones I noticed. Kiel of course was the headquarters of the German Imperial Fleet. I thought that this information might be of interest to people who are trying to research their family tree.

Posted by Peter on 30/01/2010

My great-uncle was a seaman who lived in Goole and was captured by the Germans during World War I while at sea, as was his son Leslie, a minor. He was interned in Ruhleben prisoner of war camp in Germany in 1914 or 1915 and was there throughout the duration of the war. Does anyone have any information on this or his family? Thanks.

Posted by Pedro on 30/01/2010

James Askew born Ipswich but residing at 26 Wesley Square, Goole was a seaman on the SS Edwin Hunter interned 1914; was eventually repatriated through neutral Holland on March 22 1918. Only Goole man I found at the moment.

Posted by Ed on 01/02/2010

I knew Fred Porter (Wiggy) was interned in Germany 1914, but don't know what camp.

Posted by Pedro on 01/02/2010

A total of 40 Goole men are listed as prisoners. The ships involved are the Equity, Winterton, Edwin Hunter and the Dearne. I found only one Johnson GW AB of 69 Marlborugh Avenue on the Dearne. No info as yet to a son Leslie, although only four boys age fourteen years were interred at various camps and only one at Ruhleben, A. Holmes of Deeplish Rochdale. All repatriated due to their age. One unlucky chap was due to be freed unfortunately his sixteenth birthday fell on his day of freedom so he was sent back and held for the duration. Wiggy Porter of 10 Richard Cooper Street was listed as AB on the Dearne although when I sailed with him he was Chief Steward.

Posted by Pedro on 05/02/2010

Incidentally the youngest casualty of WWII in the Merchant Navy was 14-year-old Reginald Earnshaw killed under enemy fire on board the SS DEVON. He had lied about his age claiming he was fifteen so he could join the war effort. He was born in Dewsbury 1927 moved to Edinburgh 1939 and buried in Comely Bank Cemetery

Posted by Alan on 24/12/2007

The reason I came on this site tonight was to see if there was any mention of SS SPARTA. Lost in the Dover Straits in March 1941. My sister-in-law, Lydia Knott (of Phoenix Street) is asking for details of the sinking of this ship as her father Herbert Knott was lost with it. I understand the wreck is located 18 miles off Eastbourne. Any photos or information would be welcome. Lydia and her family were told at the time that the ship had been blown up but divers say she is fairly "intact" on the sea bed!

Posted by Pedro on 28/12/2007

SS Sparta Bennetts Steamship Co 708 tons. Whilst on passage with a cargo of coal From Blyth to Southampton on Monday 10 March 1941 struck a mine in the straits of Dover ten miles off Dungeness with the loss of 9 crew.

She was built as the GRESHAM, renamed PETONE, bought by Bennets and named Sparta.

Posted by Darren on 01/07/2008

Just been browsing YouTube and happened across a video of wartime recollections by a lady from Old Goole - no idea who she is.

Posted by Richy on 07/07/2008

I remember my parents discussing something about some Germans landing at the Blacktoft Jetty during the war, but I can't find anything about it on the web. Can you shed any light on it? Thanks.

Posted by Pedro on 16/07/2008

Any Germans that landed at Blacktoft, rest assured they were prisoners. Most working prisoners around the Goole area were Italians who were quite frankly glad to be out of it. I recollect Germans working at the M.O.D. site at Barlow near Selby.

Posted by Sylvia on 21/05/2009

Seeking information on the bomb that was dropped on Jackson Street, Goole, during the World War II, which resulted in the death of Maria, not sure of her surname, but would like to know it. There is a possibility that we might be related. The house was lived in by a great-aunt, Jane Weekes, who survived the bombing.

Anyone who has any information on this incident or any information on either of these two people, please contact me. Thanks.

Posted by Stuart (Webmaster) on 22/05/2009

A good description of the bombing raid can be found in Goole at War: Vol 2 by Mike Marsh ISBN 1900503010. It names Mrs Maria Cole (70) as one of the victims

Posted by Jackie on 12/12/2010

I have some original paper cuttings of the bombing in Goole. Maria Cole was my great-great-grandmother. Maria I believe was a cousin of Jane Weekes. Maria's daughter, my great-grandmother, Emma Cole was also injured. I have visited Goole a few times when my gran was more able-bodied and we visited the War Memorial. I would like Maria's name added but I am not sure how to go about it

Posted by Kev on 15/02/2012

As far as I am aware, there was only one enemy bombing incident to hit Goole during WWII, which occurred in Jackson Street on Monday afternoon, 3 August 1942. I have a copy of the original newspaper article in The Howdenshire Gazette printed 7 August 1942, which gives more details of the raid and the losses caused.

Posted by Paul on 16/02/2012

Read with interest you information about the bombing in Jackson Street. I was born at No. 17 in 1944. I recall there was a small area of waste ground at the end of the terrace and the terrace to the rear in Weatherill Street extended further toward Boothferry Road. The plot was rectangular fronting Jackson Street with an alleyway to the rear and a doctor's surgery or dentist between it and Boothferry Road. The site was first developed as a painters and decorators warehouse by the Settles who lived in a large detached house in Jackson Street which backed on to hospital. The main bomb site was considerably larger and was bounded by Boothferry Road and Weatherill Street and had a two/three feet crater. Played on the site for many a year and it hosted many bonfires. I believe the site was eventually rebuilt as a garage/showrooms.

The end house in Jackson street is No. 11 so five houses may have suffered in the bombing.

Posted by Kev on 17/02/2012

From reports I have seen there were fourteen houses destroyed or severely damaged but some damage was incurred in Boothferry Road and Parliament Street as well. Although, Jackson Street appears to have caught the worst of the impact. Apparently, some property at the opposite side of Jackson Street, at the rear of the furniture shop/cinema, was also damaged. As was an unoccupied patients' ward in St. John's Hospital next door.

Posted by Paul on 18/02/2012

Thanks for the information. I should really know more about the incident but perhaps I wasn't attentive enough nor curious.

Thinking back you reminded me that the other side of Jackson Street was affected and the hospital beyond. It is less clear in my mind as I think it was fenced unlike the opposite side which was open and children in the area congregated there. The end property of the original terrace is No. 16, so if the numbering hasn't changed seven houses could have been affected.

Then we have the even side which I suggested five houses could have been affected. On the larger site I think all the properties affected fronted Boothferry Road. The one or two buildings, which existed, when I was young, fronted Boothferry Road and their rear boundary was the access road running parallel to Boothferry Road from Jackson Street to Weatherill Street. The end terrace in Weatherill Street is No. 2 so I don't think it extended to the main road.

Across the road I recall there was a fence down Parliament Street and fronting Boothferry Road with a block of flats on the corner with Dunhill Road opposite the former school. The two end properties in Parliament Street, judging by their numbering and as both blocks are equidistant from Boothferry Road, are the original ones.

It's likely that the two Boothferry Road sites would have contained some houses.

From an aerial photograph of the affected sites you can see a fairly straight bombing run line running from NE to SW or vice-versa. All four sites seem fairly rectangular suggesting demolition took place to provide more useful shapes for re-development.

Well that's my theory but thanks for jogging my memory.

Posted by Eddie on 04/10/2012

To anyone interested in the bombing of Jackson Street, the bomber was firing his guns in a line from beyond the baths hall area with bullets passing over Pasture Road, hitting the roofs somewhere about the ironmongers and hitting the windows of the butchers in Red Lion Street. You may still see the slight sagging in the ridge of the roof of Pasture Road.

Posted by Paul on 05/10/2012

Eddie, thanks for your information as it confirms the direction of the raid. I have recently bought "Goole, A Pictorial History Vol. 4" by Susan Butler which has photographs of the damage in Jackson Street and Boothferry Road.

Posted by Harry on 08/10/2012

I remember the bombing of Goole on 3 August 1942. Our family were stood at the front door in No. 10 Weatherill Street. This plane came straight down the street from Centenary Road end - if we had a clothes pole we could have touched it.

Posted by Paul on 09/10/2012

Harry, your posting has now confused me regarding the bombing in Jackson Street. From Eddie's posting and what I've surmised the attack was on a NE to SW or east to west bomb run. Properties/buildings in Centenary Road, the hospital, even numbers in Jackson Street and 1 to 9 Jackson Street and properties fronting onto Boothferry Road bounded by Weatherill Street and Jackson Street, and Parliament Street and Dunhill Road were affected. This doesn't suggest a north/south run down Weatherill Street from Centenary Road where no properties were affected. Did the plane you describe take that course after the bombings or before?

Having re-read "Goole, A Pictorial History Vol. 4" by Susan Butler she writes "The bombs (4) fell close together, damaging the workhouse (later St. John's Hospital and now the site of Tesco) and the Carlton Cinema as well as destroying houses in Boothferry Road and Jackson Street". This is how I concluded the bomb run appeared to be on a NE-SE or east/west line.

I have just ordered a publication by Mike Marsh in which there is supposed to be detailed account of the bombing. Hopefully this will throw further light on what happened.

My only thoughts on your theory of flying down Weatherill Street at a very low height is why the spread of the bombs was so wide to take in the workhouse, some way to the east, and why 2 to 10 Weatherill Street weren't affected but the properties to the rear (1 to 9 Jackson Street) and the even numbers in Jackson Street were, taking into account one of the bomb craters was close to No. 2 Weatherill Street.

An article in 2006 in the Goole Times says the pilot Rudolph Hollensleben was recommended for a Knight's Cross despite the fact he was trying to bomb Armthorpe airfield.

The only other information I can find, again from Susan Butler's book, regarding a plane flying from Centenary Road, just clearing St. Paul's church and crashing in Dunhill Road and damaging Boothferry Road School occurred in November 1940. This was a Hampden bomber returning to RAF Lindholme.

Anyway I shall plough on with the mystery and await my ordered books to see if there is a definitive explanation.

Posted by Corby on 13/10/2012

At last someone has come forward to find the truth regarding the bombing of Goole. Everyone I speak to has their own version of that moment in time.

My memory is still vivid. I was seven and a half and playing on the land that was to become the fairground in Stanley Street. We were all used to hearing the sound of Wellington bombers which flew from Pollington but I remember the sound was different. On looking up I saw the plane and the four objects dropping from it. My brother who was in the Royal Navy on leave ran out from our home and picked me up. Then running indoors, throwing me under the stairs. I remember well the height the plane was flying and have said that if I had placed my hand at arm's length, my palm would have covered it. My brother Jim later found out that the plane was travelling west to east and was told that it was assumed it had left Leeds - the water tower was the target. Also, it needed height to clear the barrage balloons at Hull.

The most amusing account came from an apprentice that I once worked with. He said the pilot could be seen grinning for he saw his teeth. This person is five years my junior. Which would make him two and half at that time! That is my five penneth.

Posted by Paul on 14/10/2012

Corby, my interest in the bombing was raised by seeing a photograph of the damage on Susan Butler's website and I subsequently bought her book which has an account of the event. I was born at No. 17 Jackson Street two years later and wondered how close my parents came to tragedy. My cousin tells me that they were away on honeymoon so would have returned to devastation.

Whilst, as you say, many have their own versions of the event and I'm not going to argue with Harry's account as he was there.

Contemporary accounts from Mike Marsh's book say that properties in Fourth Avenue/Pasture Road/Widop Street, etc. were strafed before the bombing. Although I don't know what type of German bomber was involved but as Eddie suggested if it had a front turret a wide area could have been affected on a north/south run down Weatherill Street compared to fixed guns on the wings. Two of the bombs dropped on or near 1/3 Jackson Street and between 2 Weatherill Street and Boothferry Road. Again in a north/south alignment. I would assume the other two bombs dropped between the end properties in Jackson Street and Weatherill Street and Boothferry Road.

However. Mike Marsh in "Goole at War" Vol. 2 states "one bomb fell on an overflow ward of the St. John's Hospital, then occupying the Boothferry Road supermarket site of today." This bomb seems quite a distance from the other three especially as the bomber was flying very low. Perhaps someone with knowledge of bombing would be able to confirm that it would not be unusual for such a spread.

It's interesting, as you suggest Corby, that the water tower was another target. An article in the Goole Times in 2006 stated:

Kapitan Hellensleben, who had been sent to attack Armthorpe airfield, but could not find it in heavy mist, was recommended for the Knight's Cross, the German equivalent of the Victoria Cross

Regarding your memory of the events and that you saw the plane dropping the bombs was the plane flying towards you. This is a west/east direction as confirmed by your brother. The difficulty with this version is that strafing in the Pasture Road area occurred before the bombing. Possible explanation is the strafing occurred on an east/west run then the bomber returned on its bombing run from west/east.

I originally thought my theory was right the bombing being on a NE/SW alignment. In NE Diary 1939-1945 by Roy Ripley and Brian Pears it states

"Monday, 3rd August 1942 D1066 Several day attacks on Middlesbrough, in one raid, the railway station was badly damaged and eight people were killed. Of these raids, the first came soon after mid-day when nine enemy aircraft flew over the Humber area dropping bombs at scattered points, including Goole where 200 houses were damaged, minor incidents were also reported at Withernsea."

One of the bombers, if it was to attack Armthorpe airfield, would have followed the Rivers Humber and Ouse and then taken a bearing for the airfield which is SW of Goole. Because of cloud/mist something went wrong and four bombs were dropped on Goole. The NE/SW bombing run could be supported by the line of bombs in a fairly straight line from the hospital (workhouse) site, 1 to 3 Jackson Street and two bombs on the site bounded by Boothferry Road, Jackson Street and Boothferry Road. This suggestion is then supported by accounts that properties further to the east were strafed before bombing was heard.

Anyway I think I've exhausted the topic.

Posted by Eddie on 14/10/2012

You are possibly right in east to west as Poet's Corner to Pasture Road would have been in line of the front machinegun swivelled from left to right.

I would consider that it could have been involved in the bombing of Hull, missing any targets and going inland along the east bank and then turning east to head home. All guesswork but who knows.

Posted by Paul on 15/10/2012

I said in my last post that I thought I had exhausted my comments on the issue but after further thoughts it would be churlish not to reconsider the west/east bombing direction. A scenario is that the bomber passed north or south of Goole on the way to Armthorpe airfield. Because of clouds/mist it didn't locate the target and so was returning over Goole from the SW/W. Before dropping its bombs a wide area was strafed including the Pasture Road area and then continued east over Stanley Street, where you were, back to Germany. I thought the bomber might have been a Heinkel eg HE 111 or HE 177 but if it was a Dornier a De17? All three have front turrets I believe.

I've now discovered a contributor to a BBC Website "World War II Peoples War" who said "a bomb landed on my house at 150 Boothferry Road". The current no. 150 is on the south side of Boothferry Road between Carter Street and Parliament Street. A photograph in Susan Butler's book shows the United Free Methodist chapel on the corner of Parliament Street was damaged (demolished in 1962). The row of houses on Boothferry Road between Parliament Street and Dunhill Road were badly damaged and subsequently demolished. Perhaps No. 150 was in this row. I recall this site as cleared with advert hoardings to the flats on the corner of Dunhill Road and adjacent to Boothferry Road School. These houses were also directly opposite the end of Weatherill Street.

I now believe the line of the four bombs were on/near 150 Boothferry Road, between the end of 2 Weatherill Street and Boothferry Road (I saw the crater), near 1/3 Jackson Street and finally in the grounds of the former workhouse/St. John's Hospital. That pattern could fit the west/east flightpath or my initial NE/SW but as Harry experienced first-hand a north/south alignment. I'll have to take his account. I would like to know whether it would be technically possible for a bomb on the north/south flightpath to have wandered so far into the workhouse/St. John's site.

Posted by Pedro on 19/10/2012

Bombing us Goolies - how dare they! As kids returning from fighting the enemy on Westfield Banks (Wessex). Along with Harry Cross, Alec Smithson, Maurice Harrison, yours truly and others, we thought the Luftwaffe was after us. The plane definitely travelling north to south. I can only surmise it changed direction later. I went home to tell mum that a German plane was trying to shoot us!

Posted by Paul on 20/10/2012

One last input on this topic.

From an article on www.artifacts.com it states Rudolph H. was in the 2nd Squadron 76th Bomber Group of the Luftwaffe. Support for his recommendation for the Knight's Cross was based on many bombing raids including Coventry in 1940, Birmingham, etc. There were two pages of his raids attached to the recommendation. With regard to Goole, the citation states for example:

"a night sortie against England best illustrates his personality and his aggressive adventurousness. His instructions were to carry out a night attack on the Armthorpe airfield, south of Hull, which was full of British aircraft. Since there was very heavy mist at a height of under 2000m and visibility was barely 1km, the target could not be precisely located, despite an hour long search at heights varying from 2000m to 50m. In attempting to pinpoint the target, Capt. Hallensleben had used the bend in the river at Goole as a starting point in his various approach runs and in so doing had located a large chemical works just south of Goole. After an hour of vain search he decided to destroy this factory in a low level attack. The attack was highly successful, all bombs landing exactly on target. Owing to the concentration searchlights and very heavy AA fire, a climb to higher altitudes was no long feasible, and accordingly he had to fly back at low level over the Humber estuary."

As we know, Armthorpe was a decoy and not full of aircraft and a chemical factory wasn't hit. Night attack? I wonder how much of the supporting information for the Cross was also suspect. And somebody paid £180 for the papers at the auction in 2006 at Ludlow Racecourse!

Posted by Paul on 20/10/2012

Harry said that the plane came straight down Weatherill Street (north/south). If that is the case the plane would not have to gain altitude to miss the water tower which is to the south-east of the flightpath. If the plane had taken a path from Centenary Road, down Weatherill Street, across the rear service road between Weatherill Street and Jackson Street and then Jackson Street itself (NW/SE) having to avoid the water tower could be right.

However an observer from Thorntree Lane, which Google shows to the south of the M62 and west of the M18, was looking to the east toward Goole when the bomber came over (SW/NE flightpath). This would tie in with the pilot's mission to bomb Armthorpe airfield.

Another observer in Marshfield Road to the east of Goole town centre reports the plane flew over the road before dropping the bombs (E/W).

And finally a further witness from Weatherill Street saw the plane circling above so this does not help in determining the flightpath of the plane. This is the first time I've read that the plane circled (above observations curtesy of Mike Marsh Goole at War Vol. 2).

Think Poirot or Morse are needed to solve the various theories.

Posted by John on 28/07/2009

For many years I have had a framed photograph of the SS DON. Only today I have discovered it was one of the Goole Steam Shipping Company's boats. The YouTube video of it leaving Goole was fascinating. I was always told my paternal grandfather, Capt. W.M. Dixon, a Lincoln man (b. 1870, d. 1934), was skipper of this vessel. He also sailed with the Anchor Line and the White Star Line, but I don't have any dates. Does anyone have info. on crews?

The framed photo I have of the SS Don also has a note on the back of the frame saying - "Torpedoed by German U-boat off Blyth, Northumberland on March 8th 1915. Sank in ten minutes - W.M. Dixon and others injured."

Posted by Transportman on 17/10/2009

A bit of info for you. The Don was built for Goole Steam Shipping Co (later to become part of Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway) and launched 14 July 1892 by W. Dobson & Co at Low Walker, Register No. 98389 and was registered at Goole 8 August 1892. It had a speed of 12.5 knots and the first Master was E.D. Duncan-Redford (Ticket No. 90941).

On May 8th 1915 at 4.40am, while on a voyage from Cromarty, Scotland to Blyth, she was sunk by U9, seven miles east of Coquet Island. U9 was launched 22 February 1910, commissioned 8th April 1910, at the time of sinking it was commanded by Johannes Spiel born 25 July 1888, who joined the German Navy 1n 1907. U9 sank fourteen merchant ships with a total tonnage of 9,715 tons, and four warships with a total tonnage of 43,350 tons. (three of these were British cruisers HMS ABOUKIR, HOGUE and CRESSEY which were all sunk 22 September 1914 within one hour). U9 surrendered 26 November 1918 and was broken up at Morecambe in 1919.

Posted by John on 28/10/2009

Thanks for the info on the SS Don - all I had was the photograph. Unfortunately that is where the trail ends at the moment. Perhaps WM's "ticket number" will reveal more later?

Posted by Transportman on 01/11/2009

Glad the info was of use. The crew list at the time of sinking was: W. Arron (master), G.E. Middleton (first mate), W.M. Dixon (second mate), T. Lindsley (chief engineer), F. Mundy (second engineer), C.E. Broughton (steward), AB`s K. Campbell, J.Smith, A.E. Hulse?, W.Thomas, H, Shave. Firemen H. Harrison, T.Walsh, G.H. Ellis, G. Longhorn and A. Aldis. Sailed one deck hand short. W.M. Dixon and A. Aldis were injured by falling wreckage and spent three days in hospital at North Shields.

Posted by Peter on 31/03/2010

Looking for any information on the SS DEARNE, which was captured by the Germans at Hamburg in 1914 and my great-uncle George W. Johnson and his son Leslie, who were on the ship. They were later taken to Ruhleben P.O.W. camp in Germamy and interned during the war. Any info would be appreciated.

Posted by Laurance on 04/01/2011

The Dearne was built for the Lancashire & Yorkshire Raillway Co. She was seized by the Germans at Hamburg in August 1914. She was lost in the North Sea on 22 December 1915 when being sailed by a German crew. As far as I am aware there are no specific details of how she met her end, possibly scuttled by the crew. Her crew were incarcerated at Ruhleben, but, not maltreated.

Posted by Julie on 02/08/2010

With reference to Goole and an article written a few years ago by Mike Marsh in the Goole Times about World War II and my mother Doris Smith. She was the first Goole woman to set foot in Normandy to support the invasion and he told of her letters home to Mendip Avenue. After meeting my father in the army she settled in London after the war.

I would just like to let you know that she passed away peacefully on the 9 July aged 89 years old. She was a wonderful mother who is sadly missed and we were all so proud of her.

Posted by Dick on 31/07/2011

Does anyone know of the location of the crash site of a Wellington Bomber on 13 April 1944 in the vicinity of Airmyn Butts from which all of the crew successfully escaped, but it is believed that the aircraft was burnt out?

Posted by Paul on 28/11/2012

According to Mike Marsh "Goole at War Vol 3" the plane crashed on Easter Sunday at about 10pm to just the west of Goole and in a field 200 yards north of Rawcliffe Road on land which had been Goole's racecourse.

The plane was fully loaded with bombs but soon after take-off collided with another bomber between York and Tadcaster. As you state there were no crew fatalities and only three broken windows in Rawcliffe Road, Grosvenor Avenue and Clifton Gardens. 300 people were evacuated in Goole and 100 in Airmyn.

Posted by John on 11/09/2011

Does anyone have information about the bombing of Goole in August 1915? How many lives were lost, which areas were affected? My grandfather always said his two young sisters were killed during the War and while researching some family history I've found two young girls with his surname who died aged six and four around August/September that year. Unfortunately my grandfather is no longer with us and I don't live in the area so am unable to visit Goole to view any archive information. Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Posted by Robert on 16/09/2011

Try Googling "Goole at War - The Goole Experience" where there is information on a zeppelin attack on 9 August 1915. There were sixteen deaths, aged 8 months to 74, due to bombing in the Axeholme Street/Aire Street area .

Two children aged six (Beatrice Alice Harrison) and four (Florrie Harrison) are mentioned and their father, George, a marine fireman, died two days later. Hope this helps.

Posted by RA on 03/10/2011

A relative of mine was killed in the zeppelin raid on Goole 1915 -1916. Her name was Agnes Pratt, not much is known and sadly before I could get the full story, the only living relative left that knew anything died, but I keep on trying and glean a small piece at a time.

Posted by Pauline on 04/11/2010

The zeppelin victim, Agnes Pratt's daughter Margaret was 9 months. I did acquire Hannah Goodall's death certificate (my husband's great-grandmother) details: death on 9 August, inquest 12th, death registered 17th. Cause of death "Injuries caused same day by the explosion of a bomb dropped from an enemy airship". The coroner would probably write that on all the death certificates with just one alteration for the victims that died the following day.

Posted by John on 11/11/2011

The two Harrison girls were my grandfather's sisters. I'm researching my family tree and those ages are correct with Florence four and Alice six. Alice was actually christened Beatrice Alice but I assume went by the name Alice as her mother was also called Beatrice. My grandad is no longer with us to ask him any details but any more information would be great. Thanks.

Posted by Pedro on 06/01/2013

We sailed on Lanky boats built before the bleeding Titanic. IRWELL and ALT in my case. We sailed after World War II especially to Hamburg and Bremen in the early 1950s through unswept minefields.

Posted by Hamish on 06/01/2013

You are correct, we did run a bit of a risk on the old Lanky boats, the DON, AIRE, and BLYTH, in my case. Hamburg, Ghent, and Antwerp were the scary bits, circa 1949-1950 and a little later, but it was the loose ones that bothered me, one could meet them anywhere, and did!

Posted by Trevor on 05/12/2014

Hoping someone can help with some information. My great uncle Philip John Whale served on the YOKEFLEET. In 1941 he shot down a German plane off Norfolk and was later awarded the MBE. I'm trying to find out more information about the incident or anything else which would have resulted him in getting this medal. Many thanks!!

Posted by Yorkshire Pud on 04/09/2015

Goole can now be proud that the Zeppelin Memorial have been given listed status mostly through the hard work of the Goole Civic Society and Goole First World War Group.

Posted by Corby on 30/09/2015

It is a little known fact of a small vessel built at Goole by Smith Bros. saw action at Dunkirk. When new the MY THURNE was moored at Teddington Lock when its owner a Dr Schofield, metallurgist decided to go to Dunkirk. Waiving all suggestions of a naval crew, he went alone. After six successful trips between shore and ships which stood off in deep water, his prize possession was lost. He escaped but later died from a heart attack.

I have many books with records of the "little boats", even one printed by the RNLI, yet nowhere can I find a mention of this!

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