David Ferguson Welsh

Forename(s):
David Ferguson

Surname:
Welsh

Initial(s):
D F

Service Number:
1198EA

Rank:
Engine Room Artificer

Regiment:
Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Aboukir

Died:
22/09/1914

Aged:
32

Buried:
Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

Service History:
Killed in action with a submarine in the North Sea.

HMS Aboukir was a Cressy-class armoured cruiser built for the Royal Navy around 1900. Upon completion she was assigned to the Mediterranean Fleet & spent most of her career there. Upon returning home in 1912, she was placed in reserve. Recommissioned on the outbreak of war, she played a minor role in the Battle of Heligoland Bight.

HMS Aboukir was sunk by the German submarine U-9, together with two of her sister ships, on 22 September, 1914. 527 men of her complement died.
(Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Aboukir_(1900))

Background:
Born on 20 August 1882 at South Charlton, Northumberland, the third son of Andrew Scott Welsh (b. about 1848 at Rennington, Northumberland) & Margaret Welsh (née Fairbairn; born about 1850 at Embleton), of Falloden Mill, Embleton, Northumberland.

The 1891 Census records Andrew Snr.'s profession or occupation as Relieving Officer, Registrar of Births, Deaths.

Three brothers - Thomas (b. 1878); Robert (b. 1880); & Andrew (b. 1881).

In 1901 Welsh was lodging at 93, Redheugh Road, Gateshead, County Durham, & was employed as an Engine Fitter Apprentice.

Pre-enlistment occuipation: Marine Engineer holding an extra first-class certificate.

At the time of enlistment, Welsh was living at 8, William Street West, North Shields, Northumberland. He was well-known in the town & a member of the St. Oswin Lodge of the Freemasons.
(Source: 'The Fallen of Embleton 1914-1919'; Written & researched by Terry Howells, Mary Kibble, & Monica Cornall; p. 3)

Local Memorial:
Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent Embleton, Memorial Obelisk, Spitalford Cemetery Embleton, Church of England School Memorial Plaque