OUR BAIRNS BM 292

Official No:  125124   Port and Year:  3rd in Brixham, 1910

Description: Wooden smack; ketch rigged.

Crew:

Built: J. W. &  A. Upham,  Brixham; in 1910

Tonnage: 50 grt  38 net

Length / breadth / depth (feet):  -  / -  / -

Engine -

Owners:

 

12 Mar 1910: Christiana Jenkerson, Norfolk Villa, Milford.

Manager: Thomas I. Jenkerson.
 

Landed at Milford: 25 Mar 1910 - 27 Aug 1917

Skippers: J. Braddick

Notes: 17 Sep 1917: Captured and sunk by UC-48 (Oberleutnant zur See Kurt Ramien),  W of Coningbeg LV. [See below.]

[Information from Brixham Heritage Sailing Trawler Archive.]

 Accidents and Incidents

From The Pembrokeshire Herald and General Advertiser of Friday 26th August 1910:

 

A TRYING EXPERIENCE.

    So far very few casualties amongst the shipping have been reported in spite of the boisterous weather with which the vessels have had to contend during the past week. However, it is reported that a member of the crew of the Milford smack "Our Bairns", owned by Messrs. Thomas Jenkerson, fish salesman, narrowly escaped with his life while at sea last Saturday night. The vessel was struck by a tremendously heavy sea which caused her to lurch, and the mate, John Richards, was precipitated over the side of the ship. Fortunately, however, his right leg became entangled in some of the gear lying on the deck and Richards was speedily drawn back on board by his ship mates. The vessel received a buffeting by the storm, and the small boat was smashed and other damage resulted. 

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From the Haverfordwest & Milford Haven Telegraph of Wednesday 27th November 1912:

   

    A sad drowning fatality was reported at Milford Docks on Monday morning. The fishing smack "Our Bairns", owned by Mr Thomas Jenkerson, left dock by the early tide and proceeded down the harbour and put to sea on a course for her fishing grounds. It was blowing very hard, and the sea was rough.  When the smack was off Chapel Bay, the third hand, Robert Jackman, was engaged in reefing the main sail when the pennant broke, and the sail flapped and knocked the third hand over board.  The small boat was in the water being towed astern of the vessel, and skipper George James at once jumped into it, and caught sight of Mr Jackman just before he disappeared.  He searched the area but it was hopeless.

    The crew could only watch from the smack as they were powerless to help. When all was lost they returned to port with the sad news. The deceased was a young man, twenty five years old and single.  He was a native of Brixham, but he lived in Milford for the last few years, and lodged in the Market Square.

 

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From the West Wales Guardian of Friday 16th March 1917:

 

    Francis Hawkins, master of the fishing smack "Our Bairns", was summoned for neglecting to observe certain signals in entering the dock, contrary to the Defence of the Realm Act.  Captain James, the Docks Master, said he was instructed by Vice Admiral Dare to take these proceedings.

    On January 26th, on the morning tide, the defendant's smack came in against the signals, although witness told him to keep away. Defendant got into the lock, coming in at a great rate, and passing a yacht alongside the wall at a great risk.

    In reply to Mr. Williams, witness said no harm was done to the yacht.  The defendant came in when the green light had been extinguished.  The Admiralty had adopted the Docks' regulations.  John Evans, signalman, said he lit the green light and put them out, and it was after the lights were put out that the smack came in.  Mr. Williams said they had no proof that Captain James had full authority to carry out these regulations.  The defendant was fined the sum of ten shillings.

 

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From B.T. & R. Larn (2002): Shipwreck Index of Ireland:

 

OUR BAIRNS            17/09/1917

 

Co. Wexford, South Conningbeg L/s, 7M W        52N 06.50W

.......

This fishing smack which had been in company with the RONALD, was captured by a German submarine, her crew forced to abandon ship, after which she was sunk by gunfire without loss of life.

 

 

 

 

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