After his training (HMS Northampton) between April and September 1899 he served on the cruiser HMS Calliope before being based at HMS Pembroke at Chatham.
I haven't even started to look into John's Naval career between 1899 and World War 2 as I've been so fascinated with the mysterious turn of events which leading up to his death, in 1919. I know from his records that he served on many ships including HMS Monarch (3 Nov 1899-31 Dec 1899) and HMS Terrible (1 Jan 1900-21 Mar 00) during the 2nd Boer war and literally saw the world during his time at sea.
His daughter, my Great Aunt told me that he loved the Navy and used to bring back presents from faraway places including China. Though only young at the time she had memories of being picked up by her father and being fascinated by the shiny buttons on his uniform. My Aunt also remembers the letter arriving informing her that John had been killed in action, her Mum's distress and the journey by tram to see John's parents. So Elizabeth his wife was like so many of that generation became a widow and the 2 girls grew up without a father. Elizabeth did not remarry and later warned her daughters not to fall in love with a sailor as it would break their heart.
I don't remember seeing photos of John or hearing of him as I was growing up, and it was only a chance conversation with my Nan towards the end of her life when she mentioned that her father, having survived 20 years in the Navy, including service during war conditions and WW1 had died while on a "secret" rescue mission in Russia when he was 38. My Nan said that the family were not told about the mission as it was all so secretive and unfortunately she died before information became more easily available and travel to the now Independant Latvia was possible. I think she would have been so interested in the Remembrance events that take place each year in Riga and so pleased that the men killed in action during this campaign have not been forgotten.
