Weaste Cemetery

Database: David Mercer

Name:	David Mercer
Date of Death:	22-Dec-1917
Grave Number:	M _64
Age:	22
Address:	Davins Street, Salford
City:	Salford
Service Number:	J 23618
Rank:	Able Seaman
Unit:	Royal Navy HMS Tornada
CWG Memorial:	Plymouth
Biography:	Srervice number: J23618 Ship: HMS Tornado David would have been aboard HMS Tornado when it was destroyed by mines. 23rd December 1917 must have been one of the worst days to remember for the British Royal Navy, as 3 destroyers and 252 seamen were lost in just one day. HMS Tornado, HMS Torrent and HMS Surprise, were all three lost to a minefield laid by the Germans one month before near the Maas light Vessel to protect the port of Rotterdam. They were all three just newly built in 1916-1917 and were at that time the best destroyers the British Royal Navy had. HMS TORNADO British Navy Destroyer Built in 1917 by A. Stephen & Son; Weight: 1,091 tons Diamentions: 276x26x11 ft.; Engine: 27,000 s.h.p; 36 knots; turbine engines and Yarrow boilers Armament: Three 4 in. guns and four T.T.