Plaque SS Dredger Coquet Mouth 1940 Pier

On the pier

1939-45

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lewis

Commemorating the
80th Anniversary of the sinking of the
Dredger S.S. Coquet Mouth.

From 1926-1940, S.S. “Coquet Mouth” a self-propelling bucket dredger, was
operated by Warkworth Harbour Commissions to keep Amble Harbour’s main
channels clear. On 4th July 1940, tragedy struck. When about 250 yards N.E. by E.
of the North Pier, the ship triggered a German magnetic mine and immediately began
to sink-initially on her side then settling on the bottom with the bow remaining a few
feet above water. Most of the crew were quickly rescued but sadly three men were lost –
one trapped in the forrard heads. Valiant attempts were made to cut through the hull
to free him but tragically the incoming tide overcame the rescue and covered the hull.
Two were recovered and laid to rest in Amble West Cemetery; the other was never found.
There are no available written accounts of the incident-local knowledge differs
all saying that at the time the authorities did not want shipping or the crews
to feel harbours were not safe and so it was kept secret with survivors under
strict instructions to remain silent on the event.
Regardless of the exact details, this was a tragic loss of three local lives.
Mate: Bob English
Deckhands: James Brown & Sydney Lockey.
We will remember them.

Donated by Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lewis.

Plaque, approx. 30 inches high x 24 inches wide ( 76cms x 61cms).

It is attached to the pier at the point where it turns.

The plaque has rounded corners.

There is a single line border.

There is a picture of the vessel, the story of the sinking and the need for secrecy.

Lettering is printed in sans serif lower case.

1. Mrs. Helen Lewis wrote to say:
My husband Michael Lewis has long felt there should be something acknowledging this tragedy which took place in the harbour mouth. There were many other local lives lost in WWII but this was so very close to home, yet few recall it.

As the 80th anniversary drew near, this desire loomed larger and a small group gathered to discuss erecting an information board along the pier. Warkworth Harbour Commissioners gave their permission for the installation but the Covid pandemic put all other discussions and investigations including financial resourcing on hold.

Sad to think that 2020 would pass by before this could be achieved, Michael and I decided meanwhile to pay for this smaller sign before the anniversary year ended.

On a cold blustery late December day in 2020, aided by Craig and Maggie Weir, it was fixed in place. Unfortunately due to Covid regulations there could not be a service or even a gathering of people due to the very limited space at the pier end.

The fixings are regularly checked to ensure stability until it is still hoped that a larger information board can be erected.

The sign is positioned so that the reader can directly look out to the site where this tragedy took place.

2. See James Brown’s Every Name a Story entry

3. See Robert Forster English’s Every Name a Story entry

4. See Sydney Lockey’s Every Name a Story entry

Northumberland Gazette

Amble Remembers

Northumberland Gazette
19/01/2021 reports plaque’s installation

George and Janet Brown

If you are researching this memorial please contact 2014@newmp.org.uk