Warren Perring – Royal Naval Reserve, H.M.S. Amethyst

Stoker Warren Perring – Royal Naval Reserve, H.M.S. Amethyst

Early Life

Warren Perring was born in 1886, in Ashprington, Devon, the son of Thomas Perring and Blanche Louisa Turner.

1891 Census

The only census in which Warren appears is the 1891 Census, where he is recorded under the name “Warwick.” At this time, the Perring family were living at Washbourne Village, Halwell, Devon. Thomas (39) was employed as a General Labourer, while his wife Blanch (28) cared for their children: Harold Turner (9), Warwick/Warren (4), Harry Thomas (3), and George Stanley (4 months).

Marriage

In later years, Warren married Mrs. M. A. Perring, of Emma Street, Llanelly.

Naval Service

Warren Perring served as a Stoker with the Royal Naval Reserve, a physically demanding role essential to keeping the ship’s boilers and engines running. He served aboard H.M.S. Amethyst, a warship that saw significant action during the First World War.

H.M.S. Amethyst

H.M.S. Amethyst was a Topaze‑class (Gem‑class) third‑class protected cruiser, built by Armstrong, Whitworth & Co., Elswick. She was laid down in January 1903, launched on 5 November 1903, and commissioned in March 1905. Displacing 3,000 tons and carrying around 296 men, she was armed with twelve 4‑inch guns, additional light weapons, and torpedo tubes.

At the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, Amethyst was assigned to the Harwich Force, taking part in the Battle of Heligoland Bight on 28^th August 1914, the Royal Navy’s first major naval battle of the war. She later joined the 1^st Light Cruiser Squadron of the Grand Fleet.

In 1915, Amethyst was sent to the Mediterranean, where she played an important role in the Dardanelles Campaign. She supported minesweeping operations, coming under heavy enemy fire. On 1^st March and 4^th March 1915, she exchanged fire with Turkish forts, and between 6^th and 11^th March she was repeatedly targeted by artillery and searchlights. On 14^th March 1915, the ship was struck by field artillery, resulting in 22 men killed and 38 wounded, four of whom later died. She withdrew to Tenedos for repairs.

During the Gallipoli landings, Amethyst assisted at Y Beach, landing troops in the early hours of 25^th April 1915 and providing naval gunfire support until 27^th April before continuing operations in the Mediterranean. In 1916, she was transferred to the South America Station, where she served until the end of the war

Death and Commemoration

British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records

Warren Perring
Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth
credit - findagrave

The British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records confirm that Stoker Warren Perring lost his life while serving aboard H.M.S. Amethyst during the First World War. As he has no known grave, his name is preserved on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, where he is honoured alongside fellow sailors who were lost at sea in the service of their country