In Memory of
Mate GEORGE WALTER LUCAS

Sailing Barge Blue Mermaid (Harwich),

Merchant Navy
who died age 23
on 09 July 1941
Son of George Walter and Eliza Lucas, of Manningtree, Essex.
Remembered with honour
TOWER HILL MEMORIAL

Commemorated in perpetuity by

the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Blue Mermaid was built by F. W Horlock

of Mistley in 1930.

She struck a mine on 9th July 1941 at

West Hook Middle

(about 185 degrees, 8 nautical miles from  Clacton ).

Sunk off Clacton on 10th July 1941.

The Skipper (Percy John Bird of Nacton Road Ipswich) also perished as a result.

The incident was witnessed by the crew of the

SB May Flower and the skipper of the

‘Orinoco’ who went to school with George

Links:    www.wrecksite.eu

PLUCKY RESCUE - George Lucas (shorter) aged

Nine of Manningtree,.Essex with Spencer Snowling  aged eight, whom Lucas saved when he fell into the  river. With great presence of mind Lucas dashed to a punt when he saw  Snowling in the water and succeeded in bringing the drowning boy ashore

We will remember them………………….

It is believed they were carrying essential war supplies.

The explosion was seen by fishermen and sailors all along the Essex coast.

The wreckage site is now classified as a war grave by the War Graves Commission.

Jack, George’s ‘Younger’ brother alongside the 'New' Blue Mermaid after being aboard, thinking about George then watching her being blessed.

Maldon,  Essex

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