Frederick Robbins – Royal Naval Reserve, H.M.S. Defence
Stoker Frederick Robbins – Royal Naval Reserve, H.M.S. Defence
Early Life and Family Background
Frederick Robbins was born in 1881 in Swansea, the
son of George Robins and Ann Rosinah Mabbett, who married in 1881
in Swansea.
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| 1891 Census |
In the 1891 Census, the family—recorded under the spelling Robins—were living at 22 Gerald Street, Swansea. George, aged 30, was employed as a Smelter, and his wife Rosinah, aged 28, kept the home. Their children were Frederick (10), David (8), Margaret (4), and Rosinah (1).
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| 1901 Census |
By 1901, the family had moved to 18 Earl Street, Swansea. George E., aged 40, was working at the Nickel Works, and his wife Ann Rosina, aged 38, was at home. Their children still living with them were Fredk. S. (20), a General Labourer; David G. (18), a Mason; Margaret A. (14); Ann Roseina (12); and Thomas J. (1).
Marriage
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| Frederick Robbins and Rose Roberts marriage certificate St. Mar's Church, Swansea |
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| 1911 Census |
By the 1911 Census, Frederick and his family were living at 19a Barnsbury Terrace, Strand, Swansea. Frederick, aged 29, was employed as a Labourer, and his wife Rose, aged 22, was at home. Their children were Eunice (3) and Margaret (1). Also lodging with them were Mary Lewis (20), Thomas (23), and their son George (3).
Service with the Royal Naval Reserve
Frederick later enlisted in the Royal Naval Reserve,
serving as a Stoker aboard H.M.S. Defence. Stokers
performed some of the most physically demanding work in the fleet, labouring in
the ship’s boiler rooms to maintain steam pressure and keep the vessel
operational.
H.M.S. Defence – The Ship He Served On
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| H.M.S. Defence |
Before the First World War, Defence served in several
significant roles, including escorting the Royal Yacht Medina
during King George V’s voyage to India in 1911–12, and later acting as flagship
on the China Station. At the outbreak of war, she operated in the Mediterranean
and South Atlantic before joining the Grand Fleet in early 1915.
By 1916, she was part of the 1st Cruiser Squadron, responsible
for screening and supporting the main battle fleet.
Battle of Jutland and the Loss of H.M.S. Defence
On 31st May 1916, during the Battle of
Jutland—the largest naval engagement of the First World War—H.M.S. Defence
took her place in the line of battle. While closing to engage what was believed
to be a damaged German vessel, she came under intense fire from German
battlecruisers and battleships. Several heavy shells struck the cruiser,
detonating her magazines in a catastrophic explosion. The ship was destroyed
within moments, resulting in the total loss of her crew, estimated at
more than 900 men, including Stoker Frederick Robbins of the
Royal Naval Reserve.
Death and Commemoration
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| British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records |
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| Frederick Robbins Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth credit - findagrave |
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