W. Bro. Revd. David T. Youngson, PPAG Chaplain, Northumberland gives the following:
The information given below in respect of some of the brethren is the best possible conclusions from Lodge records, Grand Lodge records, Commonwealth War Graves Commission and data in respect of merchant ship losses during the First World War.
661 Fawcett Lodge
Year of Warrant 1856
Masonic Hall, Seaham Harbour
Edward John ROBERTS
Mercantile Marine, Master S.S. Lady Helen
A Master Mariner he was Initiated on the 24th October 1898; Passed 9th January 1899 and Raised on the 16th February 1899. He died on the 27th October 1917 aged 55 and was the Husband of Sarah Jane Roberts of 5 Princess Road, Seaham Harbour. He is buried in Seaham Cemetery, Co. Durham, Grave Reference 2.C.451.
The S.S. Lady Helen (811 GRT) was owned by the Marquis of Londonderry, Seaham Harbour and was torpedoed by the German Submarine UB34 half a mile east of South Cheek, Robin Hoods Bay on a voyage from Yarmouth to Seaham Harbour with the loss of seven lives.>
Edward John Roberts is remembered on S117.31 and on our List of Ships’ crews
