James Colwell – Royal Naval Reserve, H.M. Trawler Tervani

Engineman James Colwell – Royal Naval Reserve, H.M. Trawler Tervani

Family Background and Early Life

James Colwell was born in 1862 in Liverpool, the son of Owen Colwell and Eliza Colwell.

1891 Census

The earliest census record in which James appears is the 1891 Census, when he was residing at 3 Allen’s Arch, Cardiff. At that time, James (29), who had been born in Liverpool, was employed as a labourer. His wife Sarah (25) lived with him, and the household also included a servant, Annie Martin (21).

1901 Census

By the 1901 Census, James and Sarah had moved to 29 Jockey Street, Swansea. James (37) was recorded as a mariner seaman, reflecting his increasing involvement in maritime work, while Sarah (43) managed the household. Also living with them was their nephew, Edgar Bevan (13).

1911 Census

At the time of the 1911 Census, the couple had moved again and were residing at 3 King Street, Swansea. James (48) was employed as a stoker, and Sarah (54) remained at home. Also present in the household was a niece, Mary Catherine Bevan (7).

Naval Service

James Colwell entered wartime service with the Royal Naval Reserve, serving as an Engineman aboard H.M. Trawler Tervani. Like many civilian fishing trawlers requisitioned by the Admiralty, Tervani was adapted for auxiliary patrol and minesweeping duties, vital but dangerous roles in Britain’s coastal waters during the First World War.

Tervani was built by Cook, Welton & Gemmell Ltd., Beverley, in 1914, and at the time of her loss was operated by the Royal Navy. She was a British naval trawler of 457 tons, lightly armed and crewed by a mixture of Royal Naval Reserve personnel and experienced civilian seamen.

Loss of H.M. Trawler Tervani and Death

On 5^th December 1916, Tervani was operating off Orfordness when she struck a mine laid by the German submarine UC-4, commanded by Hans Howaldt. The explosion caused catastrophic damage, and the vessel was sunk with the loss of her crew, including Engineman James Collins.

According to official records, James Colwell lost his life on 5^th December 1916. As was common with many naval losses at sea, there was no known grave for those who perished.

Commemoration

James Colwell
Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth
credit - findagrave

James Colwell
Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth
credit - findagrave

Engineman James Colwell is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, which honours members of the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Reserve who were lost at sea during the First World War. His name stands among those who served in the often overlooked but perilous work of the auxiliary patrol trawler fleet.