James Reynolds

An Able Seaman with H.M.S. Porpoise, James died on 31st of May 1916 at the age of 32. 

James was born at Raveningham on 1 April 1882, a son of John and Hannah Reynolds. In 1891 his family lived at Lowestoft Road, Flixton, and by 1901 they were living at Sunny Bank, Herringfleet Road, Herringfleet. In 1911 their address was 12 Sunny Bank Cottages, Herringfleet Road, Herringfleet.  

James joined the Royal Navy on 24 February 1898 and served continually in the Royal Navy until his death at the Battle of Jutland. He was drafted to H.M.S. Porpoise on 1 January 1915. 

During the Battle of Jutland H.M.S. Porpoise was part of the 4th Destroyer Flotilla. During the battle the ships of the flotilla had several engagements with the German Fleet. Around ten minutes past midnight on 1 June the Porpoise was second in line behind H.M.S. Fortune. The Fortune was sunk and the Porpoise hit by two shells which caused considerable damage. Two of the crew were killed, including James, and two others injured.