The Scottish War Graves Project

mell · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 4

Hello

Whilst researching my Grandfather's RN records I found that he joined the RN with James Clements who is buried in Cardonald.

I have tried to find out about James Clements' Mention in Dispatches but have only been able to find that it was while serving on HMS Highflyer in Halifax 1917, I cannot find any details nor can I find a second mention.

Does anyone have any information at all about James Clements please?

Mell

David McNay · Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2010 10:10 am Post subject:

Moved to Queries and Requests.

kenmorrison · Joined: 05 Oct 2008 Posts: 747

The Cruiser HMS Highflyer was in Halifax when the cargo-ship SS Mont-Blanc, loaded with munitions blew-up in Halifax Harbour on 6 December 1917. It may be that James Clement's actions during the rescue work earned his award.
His service record appears to be on-line at the National Archives Registers of Seamen's Services (if he retained his service number 229164 thro' both wars)
See: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/

This should give details.

Ken

mell · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 4

Hi Ken,

Thank you. I have his service record from WWI, which is how I know about HMS Highflyer. There is an entry for one Mention in Dispatches in 1917, which I found in the London Gazette in June 1918. There is also a reference to a commendation. I don't know if the Commendation & MID are for the same thing or not.

I am intrigued & would like to find out more, also if something happened at HMS Royal Arthur, which was a shore establishment at Skegness during WWII, which caused James Clements' death.

Mell

kenmorrison · Joined: 05 Oct 2008 Posts: 747

If I've got the right man, James Clements was born 1/10/1887 at West Derby, Liverpool. He married Dorothy M Grady in 1930 at Devonport.
His death was registered at Hillhead, Glasgow so it's likely he died in the Western Infirmary.
HMS Royal Arthur (his unit at time of death) was a new-intake camp in the former Butlin's Holiday Camp, Skegness.

Ken

kenmorrison · Joined: 05 Oct 2008 Posts: 747

Hi Mell
Sorry - our last messages crossed in the ether.

James Clements, a Naval Ordinance Examiner and husband of Dorothy Morrison - usual address 910 Mosspark Drive, Glasgow - died in the Western Infirmary, Glasgow. He was 55. He suffered myocardial failure after an operation, 2 days earlier, on a perinephric abscess. His widow registered the death.

Ken

mell · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 4

Hi Ken,

Thank you, that's one mystery solved. May I ask how you found this information, it might help me with my Grandfather's history.

Now I just want to solve the other. Am I right in assuming that he was buried in the CWG because of the Mention in Dispatches?

Mell.

kenmorrison · Joined: 05 Oct 2008 Posts: 747

Mell, Ive sent you a personal message about the details you ask about.

The CWGrave was because he was a serving member of the military.

Ken

mell · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 4

Thanks Ken, I've replied to your message.

I have tried the Great War Forum without success.

Mell