THE  DOVER WAR MEMORIAL  PROJECT

Memorial

FOR CHARLES WILLIAM CHRISTOPHER FREEMAN

Charles Freeman was one of over 250 people lost off St Abbs Head, Berwickshire, when HMS Pathfinder became the first ship torpedoed and sunk by a submarine. The torpedo struck a magazine, which exploded. The ship was lost within minutes; only eleven of her crew survived.

Charles sent the postcard above of HMS Amethyst  to his father at 4 Lea Cottages. The postmark is, we believe, for Sheerness in September 9th 1913. The card reads:

"Dear Dad, I just right to tell you I am getting on alright. I writ to mother last week. I think we are going to Scotland today.  I expect mother has gone hopping. I hope she has fine weather." In the top left-hand corner the card is signed "Charlie XXXXXX"

HMS Pathfinder was well-known to Dovorians; she had been in Dover for some time just prior to the war, and as a Chatham ship carried several Dover and other local men amongst her crew.

Left, part of a local newspaper report of the sinking, with list of casualties from Dover. Charlie's name is amongst them. Above and below right are the death plaque and its envelope received by Charlie's parents.

Charlie's parents also received his medals, with boxes, and scrolls from the Admiralty and King George.

Alice Davidson sent the postcard below of HMS Pathfinder to Mrs Freeman on 15 August 1916, from Dover. She wrote, "I thought you might like this postcard, as it is your poor boy's ship. Hoping you are quite well."

with grateful thanks to Christopher Freeman
all images are courtesy Christopher Freeman