Henry George Haines – Royal Navy, H.M.S. Mersey

Able Seaman Henry George Haines – Royal Navy, H.M.S. Mersey

Early Life

Henry George Haines was born in 1883 in Swansea. He was the son of Walter and Helen Haines, also of Swansea.

1911 Census

The 1911 census is the only census in which Henry appears. At this time, he was 29 years old and serving as an Able Seaman in the Royal Navy. He was residing at the Royal Sailors’ Rest, located at 74–174 Commercial Road, Buckingham Street, and Chardos Street.

H.M.S. Mersey

H.M.S. Mersey

H.M.S. Mersey was a Humber‑class monitor of the Royal Navy, originally built for the Brazilian Navy and launched in 1913 as Madeira before being purchased by Britain on 3 August 1914, shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. Designed for coastal bombardment and river operations, monitors like Mersey had a shallow draught that allowed them to operate close to shore or within river systems where larger vessels could not manoeuvre. The ship displaced 1,260 tons, measured 266 feet in length, and carried a crew of around 140 men, with armament consisting of two 6‑inch guns, two 4.7‑inch howitzers, and several smaller weapons. During the war, Mersey took part in significant operations, including actions in Africa, where monitors supported land forces, bombarded enemy positions, and engaged German naval units in coastal and riverine areas. Records indicate that Mersey suffered casualties in July 1915, the same period in which Henry George Haines lost his life.

Naval Service and Death

 British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records

Henry continued to serve as an Able Seaman until his death on 6^th July 1915, during operations involving H.M.S. Mersey. According to the British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, Henry died at sea and was buried at sea, a fate shared by many sailors lost during naval operations of the First World War. He retained the rank of Able Seaman at the time of his death.

Commemoration

Henry George Haines 
Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Portsmouth
credit - findagrave

Henry George Haines is honoured on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, where he is remembered among those who lost their lives at sea during the First World War