Sunk!

Whitstable history by christopherjamesstone

Commemorative event with Whitstable connection to be hosted at Chatham Historic Dockyard

Chatham Historic Dockyard will be hosting a special commemorative event on 5 September 2024 to mark the 110th anniversary of the sinking of HMS Aboukir, HMS Hogue and HMS Cressy and the loss of 1,459 men and boys.

Six of those lost that day were from Whitstable and the tragic incident was the subject of a popular exhibition held at Whitstable Museum and a book by local author, Stuart Heaver, who will be giving a presentation at the evening event. The founder and Chair of the Live Bait Squadron Society, Henk van der Linden MBE, will also give a talk and there will be the premier screening of a new documentary film. It is a free evening event but pre-booking is required. Details are contained in the following link:

https://thedockyard.co.uk/events/in-conversation-with-live-bait-squadron-society-stuart-heaver/

In conversation with … The Live Bait Squadron Society and Stuart Heaver

05 Sep 2024

Free

In the next installation of our evening talks programme, The Live Bait Squadron Society will commemorate the 110th anniversary of the three Royal Navy Cruisers (HMS ABOUKIR, HMS HOGUE and HMS CRESSY) which were sunk by enemy submarine action on 22nd September 1914 off the Dutch coast in the North Sea with a total loss of life of 1,459 men.

The evening will consist of:

  • A word of welcome by Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
  • A word of welcome by Henk van der Linden MBE, chairman of The Live Bait Squadron Society
  • The first time presentation of the film registration of the 100 Year Commemoration 22nd September 2014 (20 minutes)
  • Talk by Stuart Heaver, author of The Coal Black Sea – Churchill and the worst naval catastrophe of the First World War. about the fate of the cruisers.
  • Some words about the impact of the disaster for the Medway region.
  • Farewell words by Henk van der Linden and welcome words for his Chairman successor.

During his presentation Stuart will reveal the story of how three Chatham-based cruisers were sunk by a single U boat on 22 September 1914—just six weeks into the war.  How 1,459 men and boys lost their lives within 90 minutes. And how Winston Churchill covered up the truth to protect his reputation and career.

There will be a question and answer session following the formal talks.

Our talks are free to attend (you do not need a Dockyard admission ticket) but spaces are limited tickets must be booked in advance.

Stuart Heaver

Professional journalist and author.

The Coal Black Sea was published by The History Press on 23 June 2022. 

South China Morning Post – The Independent – Hong Kong Free Press – Who.What.Why. – Byline Times – Fragrant Harbour – New Lens International – Daily Telegraph – Post Magazine – Sailing Today

Follow @stuartheaver on Twitter

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