George Edgar Hitter

A Skipper with H.M. Drifter Pelagia, George died on 28th of November 1916 at the age of 39. 

George was born at Lowestoft on 13 November 1877, a son of John Thomas and Sarah Hitter. In 1881 his family lived at 5 West Raglan Street. George was baptised at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft, on 13 June 1886. By 1891 they were living at 79 Bevan Street and George was the cook on a fishing smack. 

On 29 January 1898 George married Martha Jane Williams. George was a trawlerman living at 79 Bevan Street and Martha lived at 203 Raglan Street. In 1901 they lived at 272 Raglan Street, and, by 1911, at 268 Raglan Street. In 1915 their home was at 294 Raglan Street. In 1918 Martha married William Harvey and lived at 75 Park Road. 

George was awarded his certificate of competency as a skipper in 1899. In 1911 he was the Mate on the trawler Nellie, LT 356, at Padstow.

George joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 1 October 1915. He served with the trawler Evening Primrose until 10 October 1915 when he joined the trawler Pelagia.

On 28 November 1916 the Pelagia was sailing around one mile south-east of the Nab Light Vessel and struck a mine and sank. All twelve of the crew were killed.