RIC DISTRICT INSPECTOR FRANCIS WORTHINGTON CRAVEN

Re: RIC DISTRICT INSPECTOR FRANCIS WORTHINGTON CRAVEN

feeds@yuku.com (Peter Mc RIC) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:09:43 PST

The attached photos are of Francis Craven's miniature medals. His mother had them privately engraved.

Left to right: Distinguished Service Order; 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, U.S. Distinguished Service Medal; U.S. Distinguished Service Cross (Naval ribbon).

Craven's brother was to die only a few months later, in Canada, of wounds received during the Great War. Thus the mother, already a widow, was to suffer a traumatic ordeal in 1921.

Re: RIC DISTRICT INSPECTOR FRANCIS WORTHINGTON CRAVEN

feeds@yuku.com (Peter Mc RIC) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:28:29 PST

According to his Royal Naval Service record Francis W Craven was born on the 29th Feb 1889 in Manchester. His address at the time of joining was given as Carlton Lodge, Dudley Rd, Whalley Range, Manchester; where he lived with his mother. He joined his first ship in May 1903 and served throughout the war with a very good record.
Between 1914 and 1917 he served on the super-dreadnought HMS Queen Elizabeth, flagship for the naval operations in the Dardanelles campaign.

By 1918 he was commanding HMS Mounsey, an M-Class Destroyer. In October 1918 HMS Mounsey was off the Western Isles when she was called to the aid of HMS Otranto, an armed merchant cruiser used as a troopship and ferrying American soldiers to the Front. Otranto had collied in rough seas with an escort ship, struck rocks, and was sinking fast. 351 American troops were lost, together with 80 British crew; however Craven, in command of HMS Mounsey, managed to rescue almost 350 Americans and landed them at...

Re: RIC DISTRICT INSPECTOR FRANCIS WORTHINGTON CRAVEN

feeds@yuku.com (Peter Mc RIC) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:49:17 PST

Hi Michael. Yes, I have quite a bit on this man and I'm pretty sure I have his gravestone pic somewhere, also know that his medals are extant. I have to go away on work for a few days now but will respond more fully later.

Just remembered - see Flickr Craven
there will be more!

RIC DISTRICT INSPECTOR FRANCIS WORTHINGTON CRAVEN

feeds@yuku.com (The Third Policeman) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:42:13 PST

Peter

A relative of the above Inspector has contacted me looking more information relating to his death in 1921.Can you point me in the right direction or can you shed any light on this attack?I unfortunately do not have a copy of 'Police Casualties In Ireland' nor can I source one.
Many thanks Michael