Oscar John Pitcher

A Skipper with H.M. Trawler Jessie Nutten, Oscar died on 4th of September 1916 at the age of 32. 

Oscar was born at Oulton Broad on 26 February 1884, a son of John and Laura Pitcher. From 14 March 1887 Oscar attended Cunningham School. In 1891 his family lived at 94 Pakefield Street, Kirkley. 

In 1901 Oscar was the fourth hand on the trawler Admiral, LT 349, at Pembroke Dock. Oscar was awarded his certificate of competency as a skipper in 1904. 

In 1905 Oscar married Kate Florence Ince. By 1915 they were living at 6 Payne Street and later Kate lived at 5 Coronation Terrace, Pakefield.

Oscar joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 17 May 1915 and served as Second Hand with the trawler Jessie Nutten. Oscar was promoted to Skipper on 24 July 1916. 

On 4 September 1916 the Jessie Nutten was sailing off Lowestoft and struck a mine and sank. Five of the crew, including Oscar, were killed.