John Frederick Beckett

Deck Hand John Frederick Beckett – Deck Hand, Royal Naval Reserve

At the time of his death, John Frederick Beckett was living at 34 Miers Street, Swansea. He had served as a Deck Hand with the Royal Naval Reserve, most recently on-board H.M. Trawler Soar.

Early Life

John was born in Lowestoft in 1882, the son of William Beckett and Mary Ann Challis, who were married in 1848.

1891 Census

By the time of the 1891 Census, the Beckett family was recorded at 23 Clemence Street, Lowestoft. William, then aged 46, was working as a Coal Porter, while his wife Mary Ann, aged 41, managed their busy household. Their children included Elizabeth (20), Marjorie (19), Eliza (16), Agnes (12), George W. (10), John Frederick (8), James R. (7), Alice M. (5), William G. (2), and baby Albert E., just one month old. This is the only surviving census record in which John is listed.

Naval Service

John enlisted with the Royal Naval Reserve at Cardiff on 2nd November 1916. During the war, he served aboard several vessels, including the Longset and Shikari II, before being posted to H.M. Trawler Soar.

Goal Records

Not all his service was smooth. In May 1918, John was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of being absent without leave, as recorded in the Swansea Prison Records. Despite this setback, he continued his service until demobilisation.

H.M. Trawler Soar – Auxiliary Naval Role

The H.M. Trawler Soar was one of many civilian fishing trawlers requisitioned by the Admiralty and converted for wartime service. Such vessels formed the backbone of the auxiliary fleet, carrying out hazardous duties that included minesweeping, coastal patrols, and convoy escort work. Their crews faced constant danger from enemy submarines and mines, often with limited protection compared to larger warships. Service on these vessels was arduous and risky, yet vital to keeping Britain’s sea lanes open.

Final Days and Death

Births,  Marriages, and Deaths of Passengers and Seamen at Sea

After the Armistice, John was on demobilisation leave when tragedy struck. He was accidentally struck by a wire rope, which caused severe injuries to his right leg and thigh. Despite treatment at Swansea Hospital, he died from shock on the 7^th of February 1919.

South Wales Daily Post

The South Wales Daily Post reported on the accident and his death, noting the cruel irony that John had survived the dangers of wartime naval service, only to lose his life in peacetime.

Burial

John Frederick Beckett
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

John Frederick Beckett was laid to rest at Danygraig Cemetery, Swansea. His funeral was marked with military respect, acknowledging his contribution to the war effort as part of the Royal Naval Reserve.

Legacy

John’s story highlights the ongoing risks faced by servicemen, even once the war had ended. The auxiliary fleet, including trawlers like the Soar, often relied on ordinary men drawn from working-class communities, whose service was no less dangerous than that of sailors on larger ships. His grave at Danygraig Cemetery links Swansea’s maritime past with the broader naval struggle of the First World War, ensuring that his sacrifice is remembered among those who gave their lives in service to their country.