On Chatham Naval Memorial is the name of 6710DA Deck Hand James Markwell, serving on H.M. Trawler Holdene with the Royal Naval Reserve who died 02/02/1917.
He was the son of David Markwell, of Holy Island and the husband of Rachel Markwell, of West End, Holy Island, Northumberland.
The Berwickshire News and General Advertiser 11/12/1917 reports:-
HOLY ISLAND MEMORIAL On Sunday last a tablet was unveiled in St. Marv’s Church, Holy Island, to the memory of James Markwell, who lost his life in the service of his country. When War was declared he, with others from Holy Island, volunteered for service in defence of the Empire, and in accordance with his experience was allotted to the dangerous work of mine sweeping. Unfortunately his vessel struck a mine, and another life was sacrificed to the lust of war.
It to his credit that though over age, he put duty before all other considerations, and went to do his bit with the younger men. This is the second life given by the people of Holy Island for the defence of the country. In crediting these men with noble self-sacrifice, one is apt to forget those who are left behind, to whom, perhaps greater credit is due than to the men themselves. The wives and mothers who give freely of their best, and whose “bit” is so little realised. Their lot contains no excitement that contained in the duty and surroundings or those they give, but consists of a patient submission to a nobler call. They give of their best and suffer in silence.
The tablet was unveiled in the Church during evening service, the Vicar, Rev. Irvine Crawshaw, preached a touching .sermon, making reference to the Christian life, honour, and integrity the man. The tablet was in the form of a shield, and was inscribed as follows:—“In loving memory of my dear husband, James Markwell, who lost his life serving his country in the great War, the Minesweeper, H.M.S. Holdene, February 2nd, 1917, aged 47 years. I have fought a good fight, I have kept the Faith.”
James Markwell is remembered at Holy Island on H65.01, H65.04 and H65.05 and in our List of Ships’ Crews.
He is also included in the Alnwick Gazette Almanack as “Markland”, see A11.56 page 57
