Herbert Henry Sanders – Royal Naval Reserve, H.M. Trawler Longset

Trimmer Herbert Henry Sanders – Royal Naval Reserve, H.M. Trawler Longset

Early Life and Family Background

Herbert Henry Sanders

Henry Sanders and Elizabeth Evans
marriage certificate
St Mary’s Church, Swansea

Herbert Henry Sanders was born in 1898 at Oystermouth, the son of Henry Sanders and Elizabeth Evans, who were married at St Mary’s Church, Swansea, in February 1892.

1901 Census

The family are recorded in the 1901 Census as residing at 16 Prospect Place, Oystermouth. Henry Sanders, aged 35 and born in Devon, was employed as a market gardener, while his wife Elizabeth, also aged 35 and born in Swansea, managed the household. Their children were Mary E. (4), Herbert H. (2), and William H. (1). Also present in the household was a visitor, Emily Harris (12).

1911 Census

By the time of the 1911 Census, the family had moved to Oak Cottage, Norton, West Cross. Henry Sanders, now aged 45, was still working as a market gardener, and his wife Elizabeth, also aged 45, remained at home. Their children were Mary E. (14), Herbert H. (13), William H. (11), Cyril D. (9), Ernest J. (7), Trevor W. (5), and Frank H. (3). All of the sons were attending school.

Naval Service

Herbert Henry Sanders enlisted in the Royal Naval Reserve and served as a Trimmer aboard H.M. Trawler Longset. In this role, he was responsible for working in the boiler and engine spaces, maintaining steam pressure and ensuring the vessel’s propulsion systems functioned effectively.

Like many requisitioned fishing trawlers, Longset was employed on coastal patrol and minesweeping duties, essential but highly dangerous tasks carried out close to home waters.

Sinking of H.M. Trawler Longset

On 6^th February 1917, H.M. Trawler Longset was operating on minesweeping and patrol duties when she struck a naval mine laid by the German submarine UC-46. The explosion caused catastrophic damage, and the vessel sank rapidly, leaving the crew little opportunity to escape.

Royal Naval Reserve trawlers were lightly built and unarmoured, making them particularly vulnerable to underwater explosions. As a Trimmer, Herbert was stationed below deck in the engine and boiler spaces, an area especially exposed to the effects of a mine detonation. The blast is believed to have torn through these compartments, contributing to the heavy loss of life.

Death and Commemoration

Herbert Henry Sanders
Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon
credit - findagrave

Trimmer Herbert Henry Sanders was one of eight crew members who lost their lives in the sinking of Longset. His body was not recovered, and he has no known grave.

He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon, which honours members of the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Reserve who died during the First World War and whose resting places are unknown.