G44 GEORGE ANTHONY GREIG
- Extended Description
- G044 GEORGE ANTHONY GREIG. B.A.Chaplain of H.M.S.Russell formerly of Perth, Scotland died at Royal Navy Hospital Bighi, Malta, 28th April 1916 aged 28 years from the effects of gas poisoning following an explosion when his ship ran into a mine on the 27 April which had been laid by German submarine U73. Sixth son of Hunter Hepburn Greig and Phoebe Jane Greig, of 30, Luttrell Avenue, Putney, London. Born at Perth. Educated at Denstone College, Denstone, Staffordshire. Went to Durham University and Edinburgh Theo. College. B.A. His mother of 71 Heathfield Road, Wandsworth Common, London was informed of his death.
At rest in Plot G Grave 44, Capuccini Naval Cemetery, Malta.
The following extract creditied to Aquilina Kevin -
While manoeuvring outside the harbour, she struck 2 mines laid by German mine laying submarine U-73 (Cdr. Gustav Siess) on the 23-04-1916. U-73 laid 22 mines at about 50m. a part in front of Grand Harbour before proceeding to Cattaro. Before sinking, the RUSSELL floated for 20 minutes before capsizing, her huge hull showing above the water before being engulfed by the waves. 126 sailors died and 625 were saved including the Admiral and the Captain. Mysteriously, several survivors died days later of gas poisoning.
