HMS TORNADO

[orourkea]

I had a relation William John Rooney of Dublin who lost his life on the HMS Tornado in Dec. 1917.

It states on his service record that he was transferred to "Dido(Tornado)" on the 29th Oct. 1917. I'd be grateful if any member could esplain what this actually means. Also I would be obliged if any one could assist me in explaining what the "Harwich Force" actually was; Tornado was assigned to this  force. Also where could I find out more about the sinking. I would be grateful for any assistance. Regards.

[fastfusion]

see link>  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harwich_Force


also read HMS Tornado > http://www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1917-12Dec.htm

[KGarrad]

Some info on Wrecksite.eu:

http://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?10768

HMS TORNADO; British Navy destroyer; Built in 1917 by A. Stephen & Son; 1,091 tons; 276x26x11 ft.; 27,000 s.h.p.; 36 knots; turbine engines and Yarrow boilers; Armament of 3x4 in. guns and 4 T.T.;

In the night of 22nd December 1917, the destroyers Tornado and Torrent, both with a complement of 82, were on patrol duty in the North Sea, when off the Maas light-vessel they were mined, together with HMS Surprise.


HMS Dido was a Depot Ship:
http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_HMS_Dido.html

So "Dido(Tornado)" means he was still attached to HMS Tornado, but was resting(?) on the depot ship.

[RooM]

Hi orourkea,

We're obviously related - William Rooney was my Great Uncle - I have a photo of William in his naval uniform and sadly his death notice if you'd like copies?

Regards, 

RooM

[orourkea]

Thanks fastfusion & Kgarrad.

Thank you for the links and the information which is helping me build up a picture of the ship and indeed what happened on that terrible night.

I have tried unsuccessfully to find a photograph of the ship - would anyone have suggestions as to where I could possible source one.

Many thanks,

[RooM]

Hi orourkea,

I don't seem to a have access to pm's however - yes, my grandparents of ncr or as in Williams time Torrens Parade. Funny - I was looking at an exhibition in The Photographic Archive in Temple Bar this afternoon  relating to serving Irish soldiers during WW1 returning home. Popped Williams name into Google and your enquiry popped up.

 Best regards,

[Regorian]

Here's another pic. of HMS Tornado.

http://www.yeovilhistory.info/boucher-williamrobert.htm.

[KGarrad]

That link I gave has a photo!
wrecksite.eu

[Regorian]

That link I gave has a photo!
wrecksite.eu

Yes, I know, I just thought the second one a bit more HD.