Reginald James Wakefield – Royal Navy, H.M.S. E49

Stoker 1^st Class Reginald James Wakefield – Royal Navy, H.M.S. E49

Early Life

Stoker 1^st Class Reginald James Wakefield was born in 1896 in Cardiff, the son of James and Mary Teressa Wakefield. His early years were shaped by a growing household and the steady industrial work that supported the family.

1901 Census

In 1901, the Wakefield family were living at 39 Alderworld Road, Cardiff. James Wakefield, aged 29 and born in Scotland, worked as a fitter’s helper at a paper mill. His wife, Mary Teressa, also 29, managed the home and their young children. At this time, the household included Reginald (5), Catherine A. (2), and Violet (11 months). This snapshot shows a young working family establishing itself in Cardiff at the turn of the century, with Reginald as the eldest child.

1911 Census

By 1911, the family had moved to 15 Davies Place, Ely, Cardiff. James, now 39, had progressed to the role of foreman labourer, while Mary Teressa continued to run an increasingly busy home. Their family had expanded to six children: Reginald (15), now working as a general labourer; Catherine A. (12); Violet (10); Alexander G. (8); Irene (6); and Henry (1). This period reflects a household balancing work, education, and the demands of a large family, with Reginald already contributing to the family income.

Later Family Life

In the years that followed, the Wakefields relocated to 5 Glyn Road, Lower Brynamman, Swansea, marking their move from Cardiff to the Swansea Valley, an area known for its industrial employment opportunities.

Naval Service and the Loss of H.M.S. E49

Reginald enlisted in the Royal Navy, serving as a Stoker 1st Class aboard H.M.S. E49. This E‑class submarine, built by Swan Hunter of Wallsend, was laid down on 15^th February 1915 and commissioned on 14 December 1916. Her service was tragically short-lived. On 12^th March 1917, E49 struck a mine off the Shetland Islands. The minefield had been laid two days earlier by the German submarine UC‑76. The explosion destroyed the bow of the vessel, and all hands were lost. The wreck now rests 96 feet (29 metres) below the surface, a stark reminder of the dangers faced by submariners during the First World War.

Silver Medal for Conspicuous Bravery (Serbia)

Reginald’s courage was formally recognised by the award of the Silver Medal for Conspicuous Bravery (Serbia). This decoration formed part of the Serbian Medal for Bravery “Miloš Obilić”, established in 1912 and awarded for exceptional personal courage. The medal, issued in both Gold and Silver classes, honoured acts of significant heroism, often involving self‑sacrifice or the saving of life. It bore the image of Miloš Obilić, a legendary Serbian knight celebrated for his bravery at the Battle of Kosovo (1389), symbolising honour and valour.

During the First World War, Serbia awarded this medal not only to its own soldiers but also to foreign servicemen who demonstrated outstanding bravery in support of Serbia’s war effort. The award to Reginald highlights the international recognition of his courage and the esteem in which his actions were held.

Commemoration and Legacy

Reginald James Wakefield
Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth
credit - findagrave

Stoker 1^st Class Reginald James Wakefield is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, which honours those who have no known grave but the sea. His service, sacrifice, and recognised bravery ensure that his name endures among those who gave their lives during the First World War