Daniel Thomas – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, H.M. Trawler John High
Signalman Daniel Thomas – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, H.M. Trawler John High
Early Life
Daniel Thomas was born in 1898, the son of David
J. Thomas and Hannah Thomas, of 9 Cross Street, Brynhyfryd,
Swansea.
Naval Service
Daniel enlisted in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve,
serving as a Signalman aboard H.M. Trawler John High.
Naval trawlers—often converted from civilian fishing vessels—were used
extensively during the First World War for minesweeping, patrol duties, and
coastal defence. Their crews faced constant danger from mines and enemy
submarines.
H.M. Trawler John High
H.M. Trawler John High was a 228‑ton naval trawler,
built in 1916 by A. Hall & Co. Ltd. of Aberdeen. Originally designed
as a commercial trawler, she was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and armed for
wartime service.
The vessel was deployed to the Murman Coast and the
approaches to Archangel (Arkhangelsk), Russia, where enemy mines posed a
severe threat to Allied shipping. Minesweeping trawlers like John High
were essential in keeping these supply routes open.
On 7th August 1916, John High was sunk
after striking a mine laid by the German submarine U‑75, commanded
by Curt Beitzen. The explosion occurred off Mount Sozonova.
The loss of the vessel resulted in the deaths of 14 men,
including Signalman Daniel Thomas. A memorial plaque erected in
Archangel in 1916 by the British community commemorates the men who died while
clearing the minefield.
Loss at Sea
Signalman Daniel Thomas lost his life on 7th
August 1916 during the sinking of H.M. Trawler John High. His
death reflects the heavy toll paid by the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve during
hazardous minesweeping operations in northern waters.
Commemoration
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| Daniel Thomas Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth credit - findagrave |
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| Daniel Thomas Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth credit - findagrave |
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