The Cunningsburgh History Group in Shetland are presently researching the loss of HMS Cheerful which sank on June 30th, 1917 after having hit a mine.
HMS Cheerful was part of convoy escort ‘’A’’ (28th 30th June 1917). At 11.50 GMT 30th June the convoy was off Shetland, south of Lerwick east of Helli Ness, when the drifter Boy Charlie approached flying the signal ‘’LOOK OUT FOR MINES’’.HMS Ness made contact with the drifter by megaphone and was told that mines had been found off Bard Head but the main channel into Lerwick was clear. Around midday there was an explosion, HMS Cheerful had hit a mine a few hundred yards west of the swept channel. The trawler Gloria II and drifter Boy Charlie proceeded to assist in rescuing the crew. Further Details
Forty men were lost in this incident and there were twenty-two survivors – this is the single largest loss of life on Shetland during both World War One and World War Two. The Cunningsburgh History Group have embarked on a project to research the lost men and the survivors, to erect a memorial to commemorate the casualties and to hold a dedication ceremony sometime in June 2027. We would like to trace descendants of these men so that we can get in touch and inform them of our project.
Most of the lost men came from London and the surrounding Shires or Northern counties in the UK. Jon Sandison can share the details of all the London connected men who were lost upon request. It may be that you have information already on HMS Cheerful that would be useful for this project. If so, they would be delighted to speak with you.
Alternatively, can you suggest any further Royal Navy contacts in the London area, and indeed beyond, who could help us? Equally, it would be appreciated if this information can be passed on to any group that you think may be able to help us with our project and in particular with identifying descendants?
If anyone can assist in any way please get in touch with: Jon Sandison