Ruthin Castle

On 20 April 1917, the converted trawler HMT Ruthin Castle was torpedoed east of Middlesbrough. The 275 ton vessel went down with the loss of 9 hands. Her wreck was dived in 2003 by the late Carl Racey, and her bell was retrieved. One of the casualties came from Barra (James Galbraith), I give details:



Leading Deckhand JAMES GALBRAITH

Seumas Iain Néill Iain Mhóir

Son of Neil Galbraith, of Allasdale, Isle of Barra.

Last known address in Barra: Cleat

Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Ruthin Castle

Service number: 882/SD

Date of death: 21 April 1917

Ship sunk by mine laid by UC-50 off Skinningrove, east of Middlesbrough

Interred: Tynemouth (Preston) Cemetery, C. C. 9583

Local memorial: Barra & Vatersay



The Castle Bell shop in Ruthin (North Wales) was in touch to say that they have the bell on display in their shop. They have very kindly shared these images of the display.







The below image shows the bell being retrieved from the sea in 2003



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