Michael Dann

A Cook with the Trawler Bucentaur, Michael died on 21st May 1947 at the age of 67.

Michael was born at Aldeby on 4th March 1880, a son of George and Eliza Dann. In 1881 his family lived at Waterheath Cottage, Aldeby, near Loddon. By 1891 his mother had died, his father remarried, and the family had moved to Lowestoft, living at Stanley Cottages, 2 Carlton Road.

Michael married Harriett Good at Gisleham parish church in 1905. By 1911 they were living at Black Street, Gisleham, and by 1918 they were living at Rhoda Cottages, Black Street, Gisleham.

Michael joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 7th August 1918, service number 21344 D.A., and served as a Deck Hand the requisitioned trawler Thomas Burningham. He was discharged on 25th June 1919. Michael's brother Ernest served in the Suffolk Regiment in World War War and died in 1914.

In 1939 Michael and Harriett were living at Rhoda Cottages, Gisleham.

In 1947 Michael was the Cook on the Trawler Bucentaur. On 21st May 1947 the Bucentaur was involved with a collision with the American merchant/troopship Wilson Victory, sailing from Bremerhaven (for details see Wood v. United States, 125 F. Supp. 42 (S.D.N.Y. 1954) :: Justia ).

The Bucentaur was lost with all hands.    

Michael's brother Ernest died in 1914 whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion Suffolk Regiment and his half-brother Arthur died at Arras whilst serving with the 7th Battalion Suffolk Regiment.