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General => Armed Forces => World War One => Topic started by: orourkea on Monday 06 July 15 00:56 BST (UK)

Title: HMS TORNADO
Post by: orourkea on Monday 06 July 15 00:56 BST (UK)
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.
Title: Re: HMS TORNADO
Post by: fastfusion on Monday 06 July 15 01:07 BST (UK)
see link>  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harwich_Force


also read HMS Tornado > http://www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1917-12Dec.htm
Title: Re: HMS TORNADO
Post by: KGarrad on Monday 06 July 15 08:25 BST (UK)
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.
Title: Re: HMS TORNADO
Post by: RooM on Tuesday 07 July 15 15:13 BST (UK)
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
Title: Re: HMS TORNADO
Post by: orourkea on Tuesday 07 July 15 18:11 BST (UK)
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,
Title: Re: HMS TORNADO
Post by: RooM on Tuesday 07 July 15 19:09 BST (UK)
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,
Title: Re: HMS TORNADO
Post by: Regorian on Tuesday 07 July 15 19:30 BST (UK)
Here's another pic. of HMS Tornado.

http://www.yeovilhistory.info/boucher-williamrobert.htm.
Title: Re: HMS TORNADO
Post by: KGarrad on Tuesday 07 July 15 21:09 BST (UK)
That link I gave has a photo! ;D
wrecksite.eu
Title: Re: HMS TORNADO
Post by: Regorian on Wednesday 08 July 15 08:35 BST (UK)
Quote from: KGarrad on Tuesday 07 July 15 21:09 BST (UK)
That link I gave has a photo! ;D
wrecksite.eu

Yes, I know, I just thought the second one a bit more HD.
Title: Re: HMS TORNADO
Post by: orourkea on Sunday 12 July 15 18:01 BST (UK)
Hello Regorian and Kgarrad.
Thank you for your further assistance. I am wondering about the Pennant No on the photo. A Dovercourt and Harrich website gives Tornado's Pennant Nos. as F97, F78 which seems to conflict with that on other photos - it perplexing ....just like a lot of family history matters!!!
Thanks again.
Title: Re: HMS TORNADO
Post by: walbren on Sunday 01 April 18 15:48 BST (UK)
Quote from: orourkea on Sunday 12 July 15 18:01 BST (UK)
Hello Regorian and Kgarrad.
Thank you for your further assistance. I am wondering about the Pennant No on the photo. A Dovercourt and Harrich website gives Tornado's Pennant Nos. as F97, F78 which seems to conflict with that on other photos - it perplexing ....just like a lot of family history matters!!!
Thanks again.
Title: Re: HMS TORNADO
Post by: walbren on Sunday 01 April 18 16:30 BST (UK)
Hello orourkea and RooM

Just came across William John Rooney and your posts while doing family history and found the story of his tragic death.  I am his first cousin once removed (his uncle, Frank Rigney was my grandfather and brother of Teresa Rooney, William's mother) and so we are also related.  I would be very interested to have any information on this man.  I have a photo of the now dilapidated remains of his home in what was Torrens Parade, later 378A North Circular Road, Dublin.

Best wishes
Title: Re: HMS TORNADO
Post by: orourkea on Sunday 15 April 18 21:54 BST (UK)
Hello Walbren,

I attended a commemoration for the 100th anniversary of William's death held, where he is commemorated, at the Plymouth Memorial last December. It was attended by one of his great nephews. Took quite a few photographs. The British Legion Plymouth Branch help conducted the short but moving ceremony.

I'm linked to William by marriage. My aunt married his brother and indeed a 'Rigney' was the bridesmaid at my parents wedding (1947) - so we have some connection.
Title: Re: HMS TORNADO
Post by: walbren on Saturday 21 April 18 18:24 BST (UK)
Hello Orourkea,

Thanks very much for your reply.  I'm sure the memorial service was indeed quite moving.  Was William's body ever recovered?

Your aunt must have married either Thomas (born 1894) or Patrick (born 1900).  As far as I know they were the only brothers that William had.  Would you by any chance know the first name of the Rigney bridesmaid at your parent's wedding?

Any information would be much appreciated.

Best wishes