The Wartime Memories Project - The Great War

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HMS Alcantara Alcantara, a passenger liner launched in October 1913, made her maiden voyage in June of 1914, following a Southampton-South? America route. In 1915 the ship was outfitted with six 6-inch guns, anti-aircraft guns and depth charges, and commissioned as HMS Alcantara. It was sunk by the German cruiser Greif on 29 February 1916. Greif was disguised as the Norwegian Rena bound for Tonsberg, Norway when intercepted by Alcantara. Greif hoisted the German battle ensign, increased speed, and opened fire. Alcantara returned fire from the port side guns. Range was never more than 3000 yards. Greif's crew abandoned ship 40 minutes after opening fire, but Alcantara sank first. Looking for help with Family History Research?      Please read our Family History FAQ's Thanks to everyone who attended our event We are now on Facebook. Like this page to receive our updates, add a comment or ask a question. If you have a general question please post it on our Facebook page. Dec 2011     Please note we currently have a large backlog of submitted material, our volunteers are working through this as quickly as possible and all names, stories and photos will be added to the site. World War 1 One ww1 wwII greatwar great List of those who served on HMS Alcantara during The Great War Captain Thomas Erskine Wardle DSO Read his Story. Captain Thomas Erskine Wardle DSO HMS Alcantara Thomas Wardle was my 2nd cousin twice removed, which although seems quite a distant relation, he and my father were very close. He was the officer commanding when the Alcantara was sunk by SMS Greif. He was awarded the DSO for his actions, but some stories say that it was bad seamanship and good luck that bought about the demise of the Greif. The loss of the Alcantara was hushed up, so Thomas was made into a hero. Thomas was promoted and attached to the Australian squadron for nearly 2 years, and was also attached to the Greek Navy for some time. He was an Admiral by this time, but I'm not sure if this was an honorary rank. I am still trying to research this. On King George's birthday honours list 1926 he was awarded the Companion of the Order of the Bath. I do have a photo of him which I will send at a later date

Can you help us to add to our records? Add a record to our website. The names and stories on this website have been submitted by their relatives and friends. If your relations are not listed please add their names so that others can read about them Did your relative live through the Great War? Do you have any photos, newspaper clippings, postcards or letters from that period? Have you researched the names on your local or war memorial? If so please let us know. Do you know the location of a Great War "Roll of Honour?" We are very keen to track down these often forgotten documents and obtain photographs and transcriptions of the names recorded so that they will be available for all to remember. Help us to build a database of information on those who served both at home and abroad so that future generations may learn of their sacrifice. Contact us. Celebrate your own Family History Celebrate by honouring members of your family who served in the Great War both in the forces and at home. We love to hear about the soldiers, but also remember the many who served in support roles, nurses, doctors, land army, muntions workers etc. Please use our Family History resources to find out more about your relatives. Then please send in a short article, with a photo if possible, so that they can be remembered on these pages.

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