George Frederick Fenton

George Frederick was the son of John Thomas and Sarah Ann Fenton (nee Morris). His father was born in Nottingham and his mother was also born in Nottingham in 1867. John and Sarah were married in 1892 (J/A/S Nottingham) and had six children only five of whom survived childhood and were stil living at the time of the 1911 Census: Alice b. 1893 Blackwell Derbyshire (O/N/D Derby), George Frederick b. 14 September 1894 Blackwell (RN record), Louisa Mary b. Sutton in Ashfield (J/A/S Mansfield), Thomas b. 1899 (A/M/J Nottingham) and Leslie b. 7 July 1901 Nottingham (RN record, J/A/S Nottingham). In 1901 John (39), a colour sergeant in an infantry regiment, and Sarah Ann (33), were living in Aldershot in the Stanhope and Wellington Lines with their four children, Alice (7), George (6), Louisa (4) and Thomas (1). Their son, Leslie, was born in Nottingham later that year in July 1901. By 1911 George's mother, Sarah Ann was a widow having been married for 18 years, and was head of household at 2 Crocus Cottages, Goodhead Street, Nottingham. Sarah was working at home (no trade given on census). All five children were in the household on the night of the census: Alice (17) who worked in a laundry, George (16) a coal miner loader, Louie [Louisa] (14), an errand girl, Thomas (11) and Leslie (9). At the time of George's death in 1916 his mother was living at 134 King's Meadow Road, Nottingham. She later moved to 179 Middle Furlong Road, Meadows, Nottingham. It seems likely that the youngest boy, Leslie, also served in the Royal Navy joining on 3 July 1917 at the age of 16 and entering on a 12 years engagement on 7 July 1919, his 18th birthday. His first ship was HMS Impregnable and last ship HMS Effingham, last service date 30 November 1928.

George Frederick worked as a coal miner before joining the Royal Navy on 3 November 1911

George joined the Royal Navy on 3 November 1911 and on his 18th birthday, 14 September 1912, entered on a 12 year engagement. He served in the following ships and shore establishments: HMS Ganges, 3 November 1911-7 February 1912 (Boy 2nd Class); HMS Africa, 8 February 1912-13 May 1912 (Boy 1st Class 8 February 1912); HMS Implacable, 14 May 1912-18 June 1912; HMS Victory, 19 June 1912-6 July 1912; HMS Invincible, 7 June 1912-23 December 1913 (Ordinary Seaman September 1912, Able Seaman 2 August 1913); HMS 24 December 1913-10 January 1914; HMS Excellent, 11 January 1914-1 August 1914; HMS Invincible, 2 August 1914-31 May 1916. Naval Record annotated, ‘NP 4060/1916. DD 31st May 1916. Killed in Action.’ His body was not recovered for burial and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. The battle cruiser H.M.S. "Invincible" was involved in the Battle of Jutland on 31/05/1916 as part of Admiral Hood's Third Battle Cruiser Squadron. "Invincible" ran into the German battle cruiser squadron and managed to hit the "Wiesbaden" and completely disabled her. She also managed to damage the "Pilau." When Hood finally caught up with Admiral Beatty running north he joined the other squadrons. Within a few minutes "Invincible" hit the battle cruiser "Lutzow" eight times until sinking by the bows she pulled out of the line. "Derfflinger" then hit "Invincible" with a full salvo that penetrated the gun turret. The ship blew up and sank within thirty seconds, taking 1,020 officers and men, including Admiral Hood, with her.

Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 8 June 1916: ‘Fenton. Lost with HMS Invincible, May 31st, George Frederick Fenton, AB, aged 21 years, dearly loved son of Sarah Ann Fenton, 134, King’s Meadow-road. Nobly did his duty. From his sorrowing mother, sisters, and brothers, also grandma and grandad Morris.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Note: 1901 Census; Address:Aldershot Military in Stanhope and Wellington Lines. ED, institution,Vessel:Third Royal Northern Reserve Regiment Imperial Yeomanry Army Ordnance Corps,