James Clifton Tayton – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, H.M.S. Snaefell

Signalman James Clifton Tayton – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, H.M.S. Snaefell

Early Life

James Clifton Tayton was born in 1893, the son of Mrs. H. Coyne, who lived at 24 Monterey Street, Manselton, Swansea.

Naval Service

James Clifton Tayton
Royal Navy Records

He enlisted in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1916, serving during the First World War. He was posted to H.M.S. Snaefell, a former civilian paddle steamer converted for wartime duties.

H.M.S. Snaefell

H.M.S. Snaefell began life as a paddle steamer built in 1907 by John Brown & Company, Clydebank. Originally named PS Barry, she operated as a Bristol Channel pleasure steamer before being requisitioned by the Royal Navy during the First World War.

During the war, she served in several roles, including troop transport and general auxiliary duties. She supported operations connected to the Gallipoli campaign, helping move and evacuate troops under difficult conditions.

On 3^rd June 1918, while sailing from Alexandria to Malta, H.M.S. Snaefell was torpedoed amidships by the German submarine UB‑105. The attack occurred approximately 240 miles east‑southeast of Malta. Although the ship remained afloat for about an hour, she eventually sank. Several crew members, including Signalman James Clifton Tayton, lost their lives in the disaster.

Loss at Sea

British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records

According to the British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, Signalman James Clifton Tayton died as a result of the sinking of H.M.S. Snaefell in 1918.

Commemoration

James Clifton Tayton
Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth
credit - findagrave

James Clifton Tayton
Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth
credit - findagrave

Signalman Tayton is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, which honours Royal Navy personnel who have no known grave but the sea. His name stands among those who served with courage and were lost far from home