Colin Joseph Rowland

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Pelagia, Joseph died on 28th of November 1916 at the age of 19. 

Colin was born at Rushmere on 24 June 1897, a son of Robert and Ellen Rowland. In 1901 his family lived at The Street, Rushmere. In 1911 they were still living at The Street, Rushmere, and Colin was a farm labourer. Later his mother lived at The Tuns Cottages, Rushmere.

Colin joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 5 October 1915. He served with the trawler Evening Primrose until 14 October 1915 when he joined the trawler Pelagia.

On 28 November 1916 the Pelagia was sailing around one mile south-east of the Nab Light Vessel and struck a mine and sank. All twelve of the crew were killed.

Note: although his first name was Colin, he used his middle name, Joseph, when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve.