George William Darkins

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Rooke, George died on 3rd of August 1916 at the age of 33. 

George was born at Blundeston on 9 August 1882, a son of Harry and Anna Darkins. He was baptised at Saint Mary’s Church, Blundeston, on 3 September 1883. In 1891 his family lived at The Street, Lound.  

On 19 September 1907 George married Harriet Jarvis. In 1911 they lived at 1 Wharfedale Place, Commodore Road, Oulton Broad, and George was a fisherman. Later Harriet lived at 3 Wharfedale Place. 

George joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 16 December 1914 and served on the drifter Rooke. On 1 April 1915 George’s left hand was injured by a drag link. 

During the night of 2 – 3 August 1916 the Rooke was off Deal, Kent, and collided with the Swedish merchant ship S.S. Mereddio. Five of the crew, including George, were killed and four survived. 

His brother Walter served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1917.