I am researching the Princess Irene, a ship that was destroyed in 1915 by an internal explosion killing all but one person. This man was David Percy Wills who happens to be my wife's grandfather. I would especially like to hear from anyone who lost family or friends who may have old photographs of some of the crew. The explosion happened on the 27th May 1915 and the ship was laying at anchor at Saltpan Reach off the Isle of Grain. The Princess Irene was a liner of the Canadian Pacific line and was built by Denny Brothers of Dunbarton during 1914. She was transferred to the Royal Navy during January of 1915 and converted to an Auxillary Mine layer. Any information would be much appreciated.

Tony P.

Tony ... thanks for the email you sent me yesterday (?) I have today copied and located additional local newspaper articles regarding the loss of the BULWARK and IRENE. Also by chance met a relative of a Shipwright lost on the IRENE at the local studies centre - she has a memorial card for her relative. So I feel a start made.

All the best,

Jon

Tony

Hve you checked the file at the NA ? It includes some incredible photos taken shortly after the explosion, the plume of smoke still visible.

Mick