In South Shields (Harton) Cemetery is the Commonwealth War Grave of:

H. Turrell
Deck Hand.  RNR.  16407/DA
H.M. Drifter “Lichen”
3rd September 1918 age 28

Ever in our thoughts
from wife, two sons
father, mother
brothers & sisters

Herbert Turrell was the son of Arthur and Elizabeth Turrell and the husband of Annie Turrell, of Hill Farm, Mutford, Beccles, Suffolk. He was born at Carlton Colville, Lowestoft.

Herbert Turrell was born on the 29th January 1889 at Henstead at Suffolk. 5 feet nine inches, fresh complexion, grey green eyes. He resided at 25 Sussex Road, Lowestoft.

He was employed from the 2nd June 1917.

Herbert was killed along with three other crew members due to an accidental explosion on board the HM Drifter Lichen, ship number 132331.[LICHEN, hired drifter, Adty No 236. Built 1911, 99grt, Yarmouth-reg YH.728. Armament: 1-3pdr AA. In service 9.14-1920 as patrol boat, hydrophone tender. Served also in WW2]. It happened off the coast of South Shields.

Sources:  James Hoy Archive;  National Archives; Naval History Net; British Newspaper Archive

Herbert Turrell is not remembered on a North East War Memorial but is remembered in our List of Ships’ Crews.