On Plymouth Naval Memorial is the name of D/KX 89674 Leading Stoker George William Maitland serving on H.M.S. Redmill with the Royal Navy who died 27/04/1945.

He was the son of the late George and Isabella Maitland and husband of Elsie Maitland of Beamish. (The CWGC entry showing them to be from Seaham is incorrect)

In 1911 George Maitland was a boarder at Gray’s Buildings, Beamish. He was living with William Henry Whitton and his family. He was a miner putter and had been born at East Hetton, Kelloe in 1888. Next door was an Isabell Hodgson, 18 years of age who had been born at Witton Park. Her mother Jane and sister Mary Jane were living here too.

George and Isabell Hodgson were married in 1912 and their son George was born at Chester le Street on May 22nd 1912. Other children were Eva born February 15th 1914 and Robert born March 29th 1916.

Father George enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers (17890) and was killed in action on June 24th 1916. In 1917 when she received her pension Isabel was still living at Gray’s Buildings, Beamish. In 1921 Isabel married Thomas Hunter.

In 1943 their son George William married Elsie Young.

George William Maitland enlisted in the Royal Navy and served on H.M.S. Redmill.  

On 27th April 1945, U Boat U-1105, commanded by Oberleutnant zur See Hans-Joachim Schwarz detected three British frigates about 25 miles west of Mayo, which were part of the 2nd Division of the 21st Escort Group.

The U-boat fired two Gnats and dived to 100 meters to escape the counterattack but sank to the bottom at 174m (570ft), and afterwards remained motionless. The first torpedo hit HMS Redmill after 50 seconds, followed by the second moments later. The ship was badly damaged but remained afloat, assisted by HMS Rupert. Ships and aircraft of the 21st Escort Group searched for the U-boat over the next 31 hours without success. On the 4th May the Germans surrendered – to the same group which had failed to find her the week before.

HMS Redmill (K 554) lost about 60 feet from her stern, was towed to Lisahally and declared a total loss. On the 20th January 1947, the hulk was returned to the US Navy and on the 4th February sold for scrap to Athens Piraeus Electricity Co Ltd, Athens.

The Newcastle Evening Chronicle 22/05/1945 reports with a photograph:-
Leading Stoker George W. Maitland. R.N. husband of Mrs E Maitland 3, Thornsfield. Beamish (presumed killed)

George William Maitland is remembered at Pelton on P26.03  and P26.15,  at West Pelton on W112.03 and in our List of Ships’ Crews.