In Tynemouth (Preston) Cemetery is the Commonwealth War Grave with a private headstone of Stoker First Class Edgar George Monk, serving on H.M.S. Marlborough with the Royal Navy who died 31/05/1916.

The headstone reads:

In memory of
Edgar J. Monk
Stoker
killed in the Battle of Jutland
May 31st 1916

Erected by the Captain, Officers and
Ships Company H.M.S. Marlborough

George Monk was born 4th August 1890, at 18 Catherine Street, Stoke Damerel, Devon, the son of William Billing Monk, a hairdresser, born at Devonport in 1863, died 1926, and Rose Vince Sandy, born at Devonport in 1868, died April 1904 at East Stonehouse. They were married in 1887. Edgar was the second eldest, of five children, Alice Mabel born 1888, Gladys Elizabeth P. born July 1893, Edith Emily born 27th April 1896, died 1972. and Charles David born July 1901.

Rose’s mother Elizabeth, was also staying at the above address along with a visitor Thomas Monk who was a stoker in the Royal Navy age 26, also Mary age 27, who was a seamstress.

In 1891 they were residing at Stoke Demerel, Devon. By 1893 they had moved to East Stonehouse, Devon, where his two younger sisters were born.

In 1901, the family were residing at 9 Pier Street, Plymouth Devon, where his younger brother Charles was born.

His mother died in April 1904 at East Stonehouse, in Devon.

Edgar joined the Royal Navy 22nd September 1909, for 12 years, with the service number (Dev), K4266, to be trained as a Stoker Class 2, and served on HMS Vivid II, a shore based establishment at Devonport, for his training. Character V.G. (Very Good).

He was 5 feet 4 inches tall, with brown hair, blue eyes, with a fresh complexion. His occupation was stated as a Horse Driver. He served in HMS Vivid II until 1st February 1910, he then was transferred to HMS Leander until the 26th May 1911. Character V.G.

In 1911, his residence was stated as Leopard, Lower Trot, Hamoaze, Devonport.

He then returned to HMS Vivid II on the 1st November 1911 where he qualified as a Stoker Class 2 on the 25th May 1912.  Edgar then served on HMS Lion from 4th June 1912. On 1st August 1912 until the 6th July 1913 he trained to be a Stoker Class 1. On 12th August 1913, he was now Stoker Class 1 aboard H.M.S. Lion. On 7th January 1914 he then returned to HMS Vivid II where he served until 20th June 1914. On 21st June 1914 he was now a crew member of HMS Marlborough.

He died Wednesday 31st May 1916 in the Diesel room at the Battle of Jutland, one of two casualties from HMS Marlborough which was torpedoed during the battle.

When the ship was torpedoed, Edgar along with Stoker William Rustage, Official Number K. 20877, of Salford, who were both on duty in the Diesel room, were instantly killed.

His next of kin on his service record states Edith his sister, who was residing c/o Mrs Beer at 30 Russell Street, Plymouth, Devon.

He was awarded the UK Naval Medals.

He stated a wrong date of birth to the Naval Authorities, as the 4th August 1891. He was unmarried.

Edgar was entitled to a CWGC headstone, however he was given a private headstone by the crew of HMS Marlborough. The headstone gives his middle initial as “J”.

Research : Cynthia Kent/James Pasby

Edgar George Monk is remembered in our List of Ships’ Crews.