Press Releases

Appeal for relatives of crewmen killed on East Oaze lightvessel
on 1 November 1940

18/09/2008

18 September 2008: Trinity House seeks relatives of staff serving on the East Oaze lightvessel in 1940

Trinity House is seeking relatives of six crew members serving on the East Oaze lightvessel when she was sunk on 1 November 1940 as a result of enemy action.

The vessel is likely to be relocated in the Thames Estuary to ensure it is not disturbed during future development work on the main shipping routes.

By tracing relatives we simply aim to share information about the relocation as well take a step towards involving them in any memorial service that may be held, should they so wish.

If you believe you are related to any of the six casualties of the East Oaze lightvessel please write to Vikki Gilson, Trinity House, Tower Hill, London, EC3N 4DH or email vikki.gilson@thls.org. Please mark the envelope or email East Oaze Lightvessel.

Please respond by Friday 31 October 2008.

Appeals have also been made in the local press.

Notes To Editors

The deceased crew are:

ALP, Frank Lawson
Lamp trimmer
Age 37
Son of Annie Alp of Oulton Broad, Suffolk
Husband of Alice Alp of Oulton Broad, Suffolk

BOWLES, William Robert Ernest
Seaman
Age 24
Son of Skipper William Charles Bowles and of Laura Adeline Bowles of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Husband of Edith Ada Bowles of Great Yarmouth

BULLEY, Ernest
Fog Signal Driver
Age 33
Son of James and Emily Bulley
Husband of Hilda Bulley, of Beadlam, Yorkshire

CROWE, Reginald William
Seaman
Age 34
Son of Henry Charles and Selina Crowe
Husband of Anna Kathleen Crowe of Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk

LONG, Frederick
Lamplighter
Age 45
No known next of kin

WRIGHT, Benjamin Pierce
Master
Age 39
Son of William and Anne Evelyn Wright
Husband of Hilda Florence Wright of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

Web Usage Survey

Help us bring you the website you want and need by filling in our short questionnaire.

It'll take 2 minutes