John Martin Rodwell

A Skipper with H.M. Drifter Persistive, John died on 9th of February 1916 at the age of 37. 

John was born at Corton on 3 September 1878, a son of Charles and Elizabeth Rodwell. He was baptised at Saint Michael's Church, Oulton, on 2 August 1880. In 1881 his family lived at 5 Oulton Road, Oulton, and by 1891 they were living at Gordon Terrace, Beccles Road, Carlton Colville, and John worked as a shepherd's boy. In 1901 they lived at Oulton Street and by 1911 Charles' mother had died and his father lived at 15 Marsh Road, Oulton Broad. 

In 1901 John lodged with George and Louisa Agus at Carlton Road, Carlton Colville, next to Peto's Lodge, and John worked as an agricultural labourer. Shortly afterwards John went to sea.

John married Lily Ada Agus, daughter of George and Louisa, at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 25 December 1902. The marriage register shows John's occupation as mariner. By 1911 John and, Ada, and children, were living at 3 Carlton Terrace, Carlton Road, Pakefield, and by January 1915 they lived at 56 Morton Road, Kirkley. 

John was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper on 13 March 1913. John became in Skipper in the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 January 1915 and was the skipper of the Drifter Persistive. 

The Persistive was blown up by a mine on 9 February 1916. Seven of the crew were killed and one other severely wounded. 

In 1920 Ada married George Head and they lived at 2 May Road, Lowestoft.

John's brothers Charles and James also died.