In Holy Trinity Churchyard is the Commonwealth War Grave of:
E.C. Cummings
Able Seaman R.N. J/8662
H.M.S. “Patrol”
16th December 1914 Age 20
The son of Mr and Mrs. Cummings. He was born at Brixton, London.
His records state his mother was Minnie, of 10, Brailsford Road Brixton, London, SW
The Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail 19/01/1915 reports:-
LOST FROM H.M.S. PATROL DURING THE BOMBARDMENT
Inquest on a Naval Seaman Seaman at Seaton Carew
Mr. Coroner Bell held an inquiry at the Seaton Hotel, Seaton Carew, this morning, into the circumstances attending the death of an able seaman in the Royal Navy, Ernest Cummings, of H.M.S. Patrol, whose body was found on the sands at Seaton Carew yesterday.
Fred Kershaw, seaman the Royal Navy, attached to H.M.S. Patrol, said he was told that a collar of his had been found on the body of the dead man, and that it bore his name. On being told this witness concluded that the deceased must be his chum, Ernest Cummings. The collar (produced) witness lent to the deceased on December 16th. They were with the Patrol at Hartlepool at the time. The last time he saw Cummings alive was that same morning when he was working at one of the guns. Later in the morning a young man came to witness and said that Cummings was lost overboard. Witness had seen the body, but could not recognise it. From the collar, however, was satisfied it was that of Cummings.
Lieutenant Ayers, of H.M.S. Patrol, said that on the morning of December 16 last there was a seaman named Ernest Cummings among the crew. During the period of the bombardment Cummings was lost overboard. An official report stated that he was lost overboard during the action. The next witness heard was that the body wearing a collar marked F. Kershaw had been found. He was satisfied from the information had received that the deceased man was Cummings.
Dr. Biggart spoke to seeing the body of the deceased. It was absolutely unrecognisable through decomposition. Judging by appearances witness said that it was the body that young man, well developed. There was no evidence to prove that he was drowned. According to the lieutenant’s statement the body had been in the water for nearly five weeks.
In reply to questions by the jury. Lieutenant Ayers said that the Patrol was in action at the time Cummings was lost, he was returned as lost overboard during the action.
The jury returned verdict that the deceased man, Ernest Cummings, was lost overboard during the naval action off the Hartlepools on December 16, 1914
Ernest Charles Cummings is remembered at West Hartlepool on W111.055 and in our List of Ships’ Crews.
