On Portsmouth Naval Memorial is the name of J/23063 Ordinary Seaman Edward Albert Tempest serving on H.M.S. Queen Mary with the Royal Navy who died 31/05/1916.

Colin Boyd has provided the following :

Edward was born on 29th April 1897 in Newcastle upon Tyne to Robb H. Tempest, a platelayer’s labourer and his wife Ada.  Four years later he was living with his parents, one brother, one sister and a boarder at 33, Hawes Street, Elswick, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Edward enlisted in the Royal Navy on 19th February 1913 as a Boy Entrant and on 29th April 1915 he signed up for 12 years’ man’s service when he was described as being 5 feet 4 inches tall with brown hair, blue eyes and a fresh complexion.

On 8th October 1915 Edward “ran” (deserted) from HMS Iron Duke at Sheerness and he was not recovered until 13th March 1916 when he was sentenced to 70 days detention. He was released on 10th May 1916 and was posted to HMS Queen Mary.

Edward was killed in action when HMS Queen Mary exploded and sank on 31st May 1916 during the opening phase of the Battle of Jutland with the loss of 1266 officers and ratings.

His next of kin was shown as his mother, Mary Ada living at 37, Hawes Street, Elswick, Newcastle upon Tyne.  (Unable to confirm date). This is crossed out with the notation “dead” and father Robb living at 93, Mill Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne inserted.

Edward Albert Tempest is remembered in our List of Ships’ Crews.