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HM Tug Char
Posted by Andy Head <a.head@mitsubishi-cars.co.uk> on Sun, 29 Feb 2004, in response to Van Hemelryck Family response, posted by Yvonne Kamm on Mon, 10 Feb 2003
I've uncovered the obituary to Lt Melsome who was in command of HM Tug CHAR when she was sunk in Jan 1915. This was printed at the end of Jan 1915 in the local newspaper for the town where Lt Melsome's father lived, details are as follows:HM tug CHAR was lost off the Thames Estuary, She was alongside a Belgian Steamer, the "ERIVAN", & was attempting to board her. There was a fierce gale at the time and the two ships collided. The CHAR was severely damaged and sunk quite quickly with the loss of all hands. The ERIVAN could do nothing in the weather conditions to assist. Lt Melsome was in command of the CHAR and went down with his ship. The incident happened on 16/1/1915 off Ramsgate (North coast of Kent) which was also the port at which the CHAR was stationed at this time.
The wreck at Scapa Flow seems not to be the Char, at least not the same vessel that sunk in 1915. It's possible that more detail exists with the Admiralty records in London. I plan at some point to have these searched but there is a cost involved so I may wait until I can get to the record office myself.
I hope the above is of interest
Regards
ANDY
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