STOKER 1ST. CLASS ALBERT TATTERSHALL: 301765 (Po)
Royal Navy HMS Queen Mary
Albert was one of nine children born to James and Sarah Tattershall. The family lived at Sunnybank, North Allington and many of the children joined their father, James, taking up employment in the rope and net industry.
Albert joined the Dorset Militia in 1900 and was on ‘active service with them until his release in 1902. He did not return to civilian life however. On October 22nd he signed on for twelve years’ service with the Royal Navy.
In September 1910, Albert married Elizabeth Ann Cummins in the Parish Church in Portsea and they made their married home there, sharing it with a daughter- Joan and a son – Allen.
Albert served on many ships during his time in the Navy. His conduct was described as ‘Very good’ and he had risen to the rank of 1st class Stoker by the time he started service on HMS Queen Mary in September 1913.
The Queen Mary was the last battlecruiser built before the First War and she took part in the great naval battle at Jutland in May 1916.
Early in the action, she was engaged in action with SMS Seydlitz and later came under fire from another German ship – SMS Derfflinger.
At 4.26pm a shell from the Derrflinger struck the Queen Mary amidships, denotating one or both of its magazines. A huge explosion followed, and the ship began to roll and break in half as she sank. Only twenty men survived.
Albert was one of 1,266 crew members who lost their lives that day.
Albert has no known grave but is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.