Alfred Ernest Jenkerson

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Datum, Alfred died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 22. 

Alfred was born at Lowestoft on 17 May 1894, a son of Frederick and Eliza Jenkerson. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 16 September 1894. In 1901 his family lived at 19 Lovewell Road. By 1911 they were living at 44 Lovewell Road, and Alfred was a carpenter’s labourer. 

Alfred joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 January 1915 and from 16 January 1915 he served on the trawler Datum. 

On the night of 26-27 October 1916 the Datum, along with several other Lowestoft trawlers in the Dover Patrol, was attacked by German destroyers and sank with the loss of all hands.   

For details of the attack on the Dover Barrage see: The German attack on the 'Dover Barrage' 26th/27th October 1916 (sussexhistoryforum.co.uk)

Alfred's brother-in-law, Dennis Blowers, served in the Royal Field Artillery and died in 1915.