Ordinary Telegraphist J. 37280 (Dev) Ernest THORNELY
HMS Invincible Royal Navy
Killed in Action, Wednesday 31st May 1916, in the Battle of Jutland, Age 18
Home address:
54 High Street, Godley, Cheshire
Born:
1898, Godley, Cheshire
Parents:
Elizabeth H. Thornely and Frederick William Thornely
54 High Street, Godley, Cheshire
Marital Status:
Single
Occupation:
Assistant Sexton
Enlisted:
-
Remembered:
Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon, UK
Link to Hyde:
Lived in Hyde
Ernest THORNLEY was too young to serve in the armed forces so, when enlisting, he gave his brother’s details, thus adding two years to his age. This is why his service record gives his name as Reginald THORNLEY.
The Battlecruiser HMS Invincible inflicted considerable damage on the enemy during the Battle of Jutland but was eventually hit by a shell which penetrated and detonated the magazines. The resulting explosion sank the vessel in 90 seconds. Of the 1,032 men on board, six survived.