On Chatham Naval Memorial is the name of Tyneside Z/10345 Telegraphist John Davison, serving on H.M. Drifter Clover Bank with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve who died 15/02/1918.

Brenda McMahon has submitted the following :-

John was born to parents Matthew & Jayne (nee Reay) Davison on 9 April 1898. He was their youngest son. The family lived at 4 Herbert Street Gateshead.

John joined Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and was posted to H.M.S. Clover Bank.

On the night of 14/15 February 1918 a German Kaiserliche marine warship along with other support ships attacked an anti submarine net barrier whilst in the Strait of Dover. The warships achieved complete surprise and damaged and sunk several British vessels including the HMD Clover Bank. The Clover Bank was totally overwhelmed in the attack and sunk within minutes with the loss of all but 1 member of her crew. In total 8 vessels were lost that night and 4 further vessels were damaged.

John Davison is remembered at Gateshead on G39.025 and G39.091 and in our List of Ships’ Crews.