Charles Frederick Turrell

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter John Mitchell, Charles died on 8th of February 1915 at the age of 16.

Charles was born at Oulton Broad on 1 May 1898, a son of George and Jane Turrell. In 1901 his family lived at 33 Victoria Road, Carlton Colville. By 1911 they were living at 3 Lavinia Terrace, Commodore Road, Oulton Broad, and later their address was 112 Commodore Road.

Charles joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 6 February 1915 and served on the drifter John Mitchell. 

About 9.30 p.m. on Monday 8 February 1915 Charles went ashore, from the drifter John Mitchell, to collect letters. There were three other drifters moored at the quay and to get ashore Charles would have to cross the other boats. Charles expected to return within 20 minutes and when he did not two men went from the John Mitchell to find him. 

Meanwhile the master of the drifter Condor, tied up closest to the quay, heard a splash near the ladder from his drifter to the quay, but no other sound was heard. He obtained a flare-light and went to look over the side of the drifter, but saw nothing. 

After searching for a bout a quarter of an hour Charles' body was found at the bottom of the Wellington Dock. He had a broken neck and an inquiry concluded that he must have fallen and struck his head, dying instantly. A verdict of misadventure was returned. (See: Dover Express newspaper 12 February 1915, page 3)

Co-incidentally, in December 1912 Charles had fallen overboard in Lowestoft docks. Charles became exhausted and could not reach a lifebuoy thrown to him. another lad, Jack Law, jumped overboard and rescued Charles. Jack Law was awarded the Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal, and Certificate, for saving Charles' life. (See East Anglian Daily Times 9 April 1913, page 5).