John Henry Trussell – Royal Naval Reserve, H.M. Trawler Fulmar
Engineman John Henry Trussell – Royal Naval Reserve, H.M. Trawler Fulmar
Early Life
John Henry Trussell was born in 1869 in Yorkshire,
the son of Robert Trussell and Sarah Robinson.
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| 1871 Census |
At the time of the 1871 Census, the Trussell family were living at 1 Rutland Place, Sutton, Yorkshire. John’s father, Robert, aged 48, worked as a General Labourer, while his mother, Sarah, aged 47, managed the home. Their children were Rhoda E. (15), employed as a General Servant; George (12); Emily (10); Robert James (8)—all attending school—and John Henry (2). Also present was Bertus Elizabeth (2), listed as a granddaughter.
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| 1881 Census |
By the 1881 Census, the family had moved to 13 Back Street, Sutton, Yorkshire. Robert, now 57, was working as an Agricultural Labourer, and Sarah, aged 55, remained at home. Their children still living with them were Rhoda E. (24), a domestic housekeeper; George (22), a farm labourer; Beatrice E., and John Henry (12), both attending school. Robert Trussell died in 1883.
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| 1891 Census |
At the time of the 1891 Census, John was living in the household of his brother George at 6 Edward Avenue, Southcoates, Yorkshire. George, aged 32, worked as a Bricklayer’s Labourer. Also present were their mother Sarah (67); brothers Robert (27) and John H. (21), both employed as Shipyard Labourers; and Beatrice E. (21), listed as a General Servant.
Marriage and Family Life
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| John Henry Trussell and Elizabeth Jenkins marriage certificate St. Catherine's Church, Milford Haven |
In 1898, John married Elizabeth Jenkins at St. Catherine’s Church, Milford Haven.
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| 1901 Census |
By the 1901 Census, the Trussell family were living at Marble Terrace, Steynton, Pembrokeshire. John, aged 31, was working as an Engineer on a trawler, and Elizabeth, aged 26, was at home with their children Elizabeth (2) and John (4 months). Also present was Mary Edwards (17), listed as a sister.
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| 1911 Census |
By the 1911 Census, the family were still living at 6 Marble Terrace, Steynton. John, now 42, was employed as a Coiler Cleaner, and Elizabeth, aged 35, was at home with their children: Minnie (12), Harold (10), Frances (8), Olive (7), and Margaret (4).
Elizabeth Trussell died in 1913, leaving John a
widower with a young family.
Naval Service
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| British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records |
According to the British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, John later served with the Royal Naval Reserve as an Engineman aboard H.M. Trawler Fulmar.
Originally a Grimsby fishing trawler owned by William J.
Barrett, Fulmar was requisitioned by the Admiralty in May 1915
and converted for wartime service. Like many trawlers of the period, she was
employed on patrol and minesweeping duties, roles that were vital but
extremely dangerous. On 17th January 1916, while operating in
the Gulf of Sollum off the coast of Egypt, Fulmar struck a
British‑laid mine and sank with the loss of all 15 crew members. A
later naval note criticised the officer in charge of the minesweeping group for
failing to warn the patrol vessel of the danger.
This tragic loss highlights the peril faced by Royal Naval
Reserve crews—many of them former fishermen or merchant seamen—who carried out
essential but hazardous duties in some of the most dangerous waters of the war.
The records also state that John was the husband of Hilda
Trussell, of 9 Tycoch Terrace, Sketty, indicating that he remarried
after Elizabeth’s death.
Commemoration
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| John Henry Trussell Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth credit - findagrave |
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| John Henry Trussell Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth credit - findagrave |
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