HMS Cassandra
Ninety years on, locations of Royal Navy warships sunk in Russian Revolution are found
The wrecks of three British warships sunk more than 90 years ago – seeking to prevent the Bolshevik Revolution from spreading West – have been located in the Baltic Sea by the Estonian Navy.
HMS Cassandra, HMS Myrtle and HMS Gentian were lost as they fought to keep Estonia out of the hands of Vladimir Lenin after his seizure of power in Russia.
‘We are confident that these are the British ships in question which were lost during the War of Independence,’ announced the Estonian Navy’s chief of staff Commander Ivo Vark.
Almost a century later, the role of the Royal Navy is regarded as heroic by Estonians, and seen as a key factor in enabling the country to enjoy two decades of independence before being overrun by both Hitler and Stalin in the Second World War.
A total of 19 crew died in when the three vessels went down between December 1918 and July 1919. The lost Royal Navy sailors are now expected to be posthumously honoured by Estonia for their role in keeping the country free between the two world wars in the 20th century.
The warships – sunk after hitting mines – were found in a special operation by the Estonian minehunter Ugani off the island of Saaremaa. They lie at a depth of 60 to 100 metres.
My great grand father – P,Reynolds stoker 1st class 287229 was one of the crew who died when the ship went down. May he and all his colleagues rest in peace.
Slán
Daniel J. Allen
Thanks for your comment. It is always good for missing ships to be located. It doesn’t change the past but gives it a bit of closure. I share your wishes that they rest in peace.
Hi,whilst doing some research into McCrea family history I found out that my Great-Grandmother’s brother Robert McCrea was lost in 1919 on the HMS Gentian in the Baltic Sea – having read about in this website I am incredibly proud that he was helping to thwart the Bolsheviks, and that he died a hero in the eyes of Estonians!
R.I.P. Great Uncle Robert and all who perished before and since on the oceans and seas whilst doing their duty!
I had always believed that my grandfather had been involved whilst in the royal navy with events in Russia. Through a cousins research I now know that it was in fact his brother Alexander Weir, stoker, who perished whilst serving with HMS Gentian. It is good to know that there is truth in this piece of family history though not in the way I first thought. Can anyone assist me in attempting to research my grandfathers service in the first world war with the royal navy, unfortunately I have little information other than date of birth.
I haven’t been on this website for some time but after doing some family research recently I found the message from Anthony Weir who also lost a family member on RMS Gentian in 1919 off the Estonian coast. His Grandfather’s brother was a stoker on the Gentian as was my Great Uncle Robert McCrea, and I find it remarkable that almost 100 years later we can connect over the internet, thus keeping the story of these shipmates and probable great friends very much alive. I would really like to do something to celebrate this lives as the centenary of their passing fast approaches, and any suggestion would be welcome. A possible trip out to Estonia is a consideration and as that year also coincides with a landmark birthday for me then it might become a idea for me to start saving hard !
If Anthony Weir reads this post then I’d love to find out more about Alexander !