William Alfred Capps

A Chief Skipper with H.M. Drifter Ocean Retriever, William died on 22nd of September 1943 at the age of 50. 

William was born at Lowestoft on 17 March 1893, a son of Edmund Thomas Capps and Laura Capps. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 17 May 1893 and his family lived at Anguish Street.  In 1901 his family lived at 4 Wilde Street. By 1911 his family were living at 102 Saint Margaret's Road. 

In 1914 William was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper.  

On 12 July 1915 William became a Skipper with the Royal Naval Reserve, number WSA 1796. At the time he was living at 102 Saint Margaret's Road, Lowestoft. From 15 July 1915 he was the Skipper of H. M. Trawler 'Sam Richards' and served with that trawler until 17 February 1918. He was promoted to Temporary Chief Skipper on 1 January 1917. He was demobilized on 11 January 1919.  

William was Mentioned in Despatches for services in the Auxiliary Patrol (London Gazette 14 July 1916). He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for service with the Auxiliary Patrol between 1 February and 31 December 1916 (London Gazette 27 June 1917).  

On 29 December 1920 William married Sylvia Constance Turrell at Saint Margaret's Church. William was a fisherman living at 102 Saint Margaret's Road, and Sylvia lived at 32 Regent Road. By 1939 they were living at 10 Ipswich Road. 

William was appointed Temporary Skipper with the Royal Naval Reserve on 3 November 1939, number WS 3082 (later TS 201). He joined the Patrol Service for minesweeping duties on 6 December 1939. ON 22 June 1940 he took command of the 'Justifier' and then, on 1 May 1940, the 'Sea Holly'. On 28 June 1940 he joined the 'Ocean Retriever'. He was promoted to Acting Temporary Chief Skipper on 30 June 1943.  

William was serving on H. M. Drifter Ocean Retriever when it detonated a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary. All eleven crew were killed.