Carrickfergus and H.M.S Hawke

Early in the First World War, H.M.S Hawke, commanded by Capt. Hugh P.E.T. Williams, was engaged in various operations in the North Sea. On 15 October 1914 Hawke, sailing with her sister ship Theseus, was torpedoed by German submarine U-9. The submarine's first torpedo missed Theseus but hit Hawke, igniting a magazine and causing a tremendous explosion which ripped much of the ship apart. Hawke sank in a few minutes with the loss of her captain, 26 officers and 497 men; only 70 of her 594 crew survived.

Of the 497 men who lost their lives on board 99 years ago, Carrickfergus today remembers SS/103005 - Stoker Andrew McAllister and SS/107927 - Stoker Marriott Robert Donald.

Andrew McAllister was born in Carrickfergus on September 1st 1887 and prior to enlisting was living in Patterson's Row, Woodburn with his wife Susan McAllister.  Andrew and Susan were members of Joymount Presbyterian Church. 

Marriott (Martie) Donald was born in Carrickfergus on 25th October 1886 and prior to the war was living in Red Brae Cottage.  He was the eldest son of Robert and Isabella Donald, brother to Sarah, John, Nellie and Mabel and husband to Bella Donald. 


Neither Andrew or Martie were ever recovered from the wreckage and their bodies were lost at sea.  Today they are remembered on Panel 5 of the Chatham Naval Memorial.