Francis Arthur Richards

HMS Ascot
 On the eve of the Armistice, 10th November 1918, HMS Ascot was sunk by a torpedo fired by UB-67 off the Farne Islands, Northumberland, making her the last ship to have been sunk during the First World War.  All hands were lost, totalling 50. Today the wreck lies in a dept of 200 ft.

HMS Ascot having been launched January 1916 was a paddle minesweeper, 800-tons and 235 feet long of the Racecourse Class.  In total there were 32 paddlewheel coastal minesweeping sloops in this class.  Their roles, these small vessels having been designed to remove or detonate naval mines, by using a variety of methods, and to keep the waterways clear for safe shipping.

One of those, who was to lose his life was Francis Arthur Richards.

Francis, 37, was a Leading Trimmer.  A trimmer role within a ship was the dirtiest and physically and demanding job on board the ship.  A trimmer would replenish the coal pile that was needed by the fireman. Their roles also required that any fires that broke out the coal bunkers were extinguished.  Fires would often start due to spontaneous combustion of the coal.

Francis was born January 1882, the eldest son of James Richards and Mary nee. Gibbs.  Their marriage having taken place, December 1878. 

At the time of the 1891 Census, Francis, was 9.  The family were residing at 117 Woodland Road.  James, 40, his occupation was listed as Coachman/Gardener.  He was born Berrynarbouir, Devon.  Wife, Mary, 59.  She was born Port Eynon.  Francis’ siblings at this time included, older sister, Elizabeth Ann Dyer. Younger sister, Edith Mary, brothers James Archibald and B. N.

1891 Census

A decade later, 1901, Francis, is still living at the family home Westbourne Place. James, 50, his occupation still listed as Coachman Domestic.  Also residing at the address are Francis’ siblings, older sister, Annie.  Younger siblings Edith, Domestic Servant; Archibald, Gardener; William, Frederick and Ernest.  Francis’ occupation currently is listed as Railway Porter.

1901 Census

A decade later at the time of the 1911 Census, Francis is currently married, his wife, London born Amy Mildred nee Croome. They are living at 2 Whitestone Cottage, Newton.  Francis’ occupation is listed as a Tramway Brake Examiner.  They have child under the age of 1, Hilda.  Further children were born after the Census including, Arthur James, William Francis and Mary Elizabeth

1911 Census

South Wales Weekly Post
23rd November 1918
The Cambrian Daily Leader
20th November 1918








The sinking of HMS Ascot was reported both in the Cambrian Daily Leader and South Wales Weekly Post, however, there is no reference to Francis.

Plymouth Naval Memorial
Panel 29
Francis’ name is added on the Mumbles War Memorial, Southend Gardens also on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. 

UB-67







The bittersweet of the sinking HMS Ascot by UB-67.  UB-67 was launched during June 1917.  Following the Armistice surrendered to the British and was broken up in Swansea during 1922.

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