Letter from George

George Titheridge 1892 - 1916

Portsmouth Naval Memorial 

On May 31st 1916 HMS Queen Mary sank at the Battle of Jutland with the loss of over 1260 lives. Among those who died was 24 year old George Titheridge, son of William Titheridge and Sarah Earwaker of East Meon. On the hundred year anniversary of his death I wrote an article in memory of George, which can be read here.

George’s great niece, Penny Smith, contacted me to share some photos of her treasured possessions relating to George, a letter, a postcard, his medals and will. She has kindly given her permission for me to share these pictures here on the blog.

George Titheridge’s Family 

George was one of five children born to William Titheridge and Sarah Earwaker. George was born in the village of East Meon Hampshire on 25 February 1892 and christened on 3 April 1892. His siblings were William born 1890, Rhoda Winifred Alice born 1894, Alice May born in 1900 and Alfred Charles born in 1909.

In the 1901 census George was living with his parents and siblings at Tigwell Cottages in East Meon. By the 1911 census George had left home and was working as a baker, residing at 7 Gloucester Street, Southsea, while his parents and siblings were living. at Crofton Manor Cottages in Stubbington. In 1912 when George was 20 his father died leaving Sarah with two young children to support, Alice aged 12 and Alfred aged 3. By 1916 widowed Sarah had moved back to East Meon and was living at Stoney Lands.

George joins the Navy

In 1914, December four months after Britain declared war on Germany, George joined the Royal Navy, joining up for twelve years. His Naval record shows that first he served on HMS Victory I from 4 December 1914 until 28 April 1915, first as an acting Cook’s mate then being promoted to a Cook’s Mate. On the 29th April 1915 he was transferred to HMS Queen Mary.

HMS Queen Mary

HMS Queen Mary was a battlecruiser, built between 1911 and 1913, the last battleship to be built before World War I. In January to February 1915, she was under refit at Portsmouth before returning to sea. It was around this time that George transferred to HMS Queen Mary. She was in the 1st Battle Cruiser Squadron and commanded by Cecil Irby Prowse.

In May 1916 she participated in the Battle of Jutland, the largest fleet action of the war. In the early part of the battle on 31st May she was hit twice by the German battlecruiser Derfflinger. Her magazines exploded shortly afterwards, sinking the ship. Of 1289 crew there were only 20 survivors.

George was just 24 years old when he died. George is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, East Meon War Memorial and Fernhurst War Memorial.

In 1991 the wreck of the Queen Mary was discovered in pieces on the floor of the North Sea. Queen Mary is designated as a protected place under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 as it is the grave of 1,266 officers and men.

Treasured Mementos

My thanks to Penny Smith for permission to share these photographs below relating to George

George’s Letter home

At the end of April 1915, just before he went to sea on HMS Queen Mary, George sent a letter home to his widowed Mum, Sarah. I have transcribed it and below is a picture of the original. Note the beautiful hand writing and his kindness to his widowed mother saying she could take whatever she needed so she didn't run short.

6 A Mess

My Dear Mother

Just a line to let you no I am getting on alright. I am going to sea this week on Queen Mary Battle ship still don’t worry about me I shall be alright it might be some time before I see you again about six month I expect. I think I am going to the North Sea or Turkey I don’t no yet it’s a pity I couldn’t get up last week I am sending the money I got on me will you put it by till I returns should any thing happen to me I leave everything to you but I am not going away with that fear its my duty and I must go should anything happen while I am way if you are short of money use mine don’t be afraid I don’t mind I don’t want you to go short of anything while I have got money. I don’t expect I shall be going before the end of the week so write back I shall be writing again before I go and I will give you my address.

From your ever loving Son George

You can take 6/- shilling for yourself out of it and help yourself if you want any more I don’t care it you use the lot rather them see you go short. I hope Bill Jack and Rose is alright.

George’s Postcard home 

This is the post card of the Queen Mary sent home to his sister Rhoda at some time between April 1915 and May 1916

George’s medals 

George was awarded the following three war medals pictured below:
1914-15 Star awarded to all who served in any theatre of war against Germany between 5th August 1914 and 31st December 1915
Victory Medal
British War Medal awarded to those who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918

George’s will

George left his money to his mother, a sum of £65 18s 10d. Attached to the probate form was a note forbidding any money to be given to the Germans and their allies.