Tompkins W J Ord Sig J/20250 HMS Triumph Royal Navy
TOMPKINS, WILLIAM JOHN, Ordinary Signalman, No. J20250, R.N., H.M.S. Triumph, only s. of Thomas Tompkins, of 14, College Park Terrace, Willesden Junction, N.W., Gardener in Hyde Park under H.M. Office of Works, by his wife, Annie Ellen, dau. of Robert Margetts; b. Faringdon, co.Berks, 14 Feb. 1897; educ. Kenmont Garden Council School, College Park, N.W.; joined Royal Navy, 22 Sept. 1912; was drafted to Portsmouth Depot, 30 Aug. 1913; and sailed for the Dardanelles in H.M.S. Irresistible, 19 Feb. 1915. This ship was sunk by a drifting mine during the attack on the Narrows, 18 March following. He was saved and taken on board H.M.S. Ocean, which was also sunk in the same way immediately afterwards. Saved for the second time that day, he was appointed to H.M.S. Triumph, and was drowned when that ship was sunk by torpedo fire off Gaba Tepe, 25 May, 1915. His body was recovered by a trawler (705) and taken to H.M.S. Blenheim, from which it was buried at sea; unm.
The Chief Yeoman of Signals of the Triumph EMS AUBAC wrote: “He was a very promising young fellow, and would have done well in his profession. I cannot say too much for him.” At school he won two scholarships and also the L. C.C. first prize for carpentry.
Source : De Ruvigny’s Roll Of Honour Vol 1