685: Frederick Thursby (certificates; photographs; newspaper cuttings)

online resource

posted on 2024-01-12, 10:52 authored by Lest We Forget Project Team

This is about the contributor's father, Frederick Thursby, who served in the Royal Navy. Frederick Thursby was a commander and navigator who blew up mines. Included here is a picture of Frederick aged 24 in the Russian Baltic and another of him in his uniform in Gosport. In 1919, he jumped overboard, saving the crew, for which he was promoted to Lieutenant when he was originally a Midshipman. Unfortunately, however, his medal was stolen.

He used to board the ships in Plymouth and, every time he set sail, his wife would go to the top of the hill and wave her handkerchief until the ship had gone. Her name was Winifred Emma Southerton and she lived in Henley House which, because of its size, was used as a hospital.

History

Name of contributor(s)

Jane Ashley-Carter

Subject of the story/individual the object(s) relate to

Frederick Thursby

Date(s) the event(s) in the story took place

1915-1919

Location(s) where the event(s) in the story took place

The North and Baltic Seas; Gosport; Plymouth.

Object(s)

Midshipman and Lieutenant promotion certificates; photographs of Frederick Thursby; extract from the 'Telegraph', reporting his gallantry; War ribbons and key.