Ernest George Shillings

A Seaman Steward with H.M. Trawler Rinovia. Ernest died on 2nd of November 1940 at the age of 23. 

Ernest was born on 21 May 1917, a son of John William Mayhew and Eva Elizabeth Shillings. In 1939 his family lived at 1 Norfolk Street, Lowestoft, and Ernest worked as a general labourer. Later his parents lived at 30 Alma Road, Lowestoft.

Ernest served with the Royal Artillery from 1935 to 1938. 

On 2 November 1940 the Rinovia was on patrol around two miles from the Saint Anthony Lighthouse. The trawler struck a mine and sank. Thirteen of the crew were killed, including Ernest, and one survived.  

Ernest was a first cousin, once removed, of James Shillings who died in 1916 whilst serving with the Suffolk Regiment.