George McKruly (1891-1918)
South Shields man served with Royal Navy killed at Zeebrugge
George McKruly was born in South Shields on 18 November 1891. His father was also called George McKruly and was a seaman born in Greece in 1851. His mother was Elizabeth McKruly, born in Berwick on Tweed in 1852. The 1911 census reports his parents having been married for 22 years and having had two children. George had a younger sister named Anthoula McKruly (1894-1934).
In 1901 the McKruly family lived at 40 Wellington Street, South Shields. In 1911 they were living at 103 Livingstone Street, South Shields. In 1916 George married local baker and confectioner’s daughter Isabella McKruly nee Howden (1889-1968). They are known to have had a child named Marjorie Howden McKruly.
George was a member of the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) from the outbreak of war or soon after. He served as a leading deck hand with the service number SD/1930. He took part in the raid on Zeebrugge on 23 April 1918 when the Royal Navy attempted to block the Belgian port to prevent its use by U-boats. The action was undertaken by a battalion of Royal Marines supported by volunteer sailors such as George. The British suffered 583 casualties in the action including 227 dead.
George was reported to have been shot while at the helm of HM Motor Lighter 282 which was damaged during the withdrawal from the action. He was mentioned in despatches “for distinguished services on the night of 22-23 April 1918” (London Gazette, 23 July 1918, Issue 3087, page 8595). George was buried in Harton Cemetery, South Shields. He was remembered on the Plaque 1914-18, St Stephen and St Aidan’s Church, South Shields.
George McKruly was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal for his service in World War One.
Civil Parish: South Shields
Birth date: 18-Nov-1891
Death date: 23-Apr-1918
Armed force/civilian: Navy
Residence: 40 Wellington Street, South Shields (1901 census)
103 Livingstone Street, South Shields (1911 census)
Employment: Seaman (1911 census)
Family: Parents: George McKruly (b 1851), Elizabeth McKruly (b 1852)
Siblings: Anthoula McKruly (1894-1934)
Spouse: Isabella McKruly nee Howden (1889-1968)
Children: Marjorie Howden McKruly
Military service:
SD/1930
Leading deck hand
Royal Naval Reserve
HM Motor Lighter 282
Medal(s): 1914-15 Star
Victory Medal
British War Medal
Memorial(s): Harton Cemetery, South Shields
Plaque 1914-18, St Stephen and St Aidan’s Church, South Shields
Gender: Male
Contributed by David D, Stanley, Co Durham
