A REVEREND from Rutland is appealing to Times readers to trace the family of a Calstock sailor whose ship was sunk in 1916 by a German submarine in the North Sea.

The Rev Brian Nicholls, from Oakham, is researching the history of HMS Falmouth, which took part in the famous Battle of Jutland. During his research he found that a sailor aboard the ship at the time was Chief Stoker Norman Fry of Calstock and he is anxious to hear from his relatives.

Brian, who is is a member of the Orders and Medals Research Society and the Naval Historical, Research and Collectors' Society, said: 'I have been researching and gathering information about HMS Falmouth and her crew since 1972 and have amassed a considerable amount of material that I hope to share with others, either in the form of a book or an extensive article for anyone that shares my interest.'

HMS Falmouth was a light cruiser of the Weymouth class. She entered the service in the First Light Cruiser Squadron and was active in the Heligoland Bight, the Dogger Bank and at Jutland in May/June 1916.

There she flew the Flag of Rear Admiral Trevelyan D Napier as officer commanding the third Light Cruiser Squadron, and her captain was John D Edwards.

In August 1916 HMS Falmouth was with the Grand Fleet in the North Sea when a German Zeppelin was seen observing the fleet's movements.

HMS Falmouth was dispatched to 'see it off' and she was able to fire off one shell at the airship, although it was well out of range. The Zeppelin must have signalled the German submarine U-66 which fired two direct torpedo hits badly damaging the British warship.

She managed to keep afloat, limping her way at the maximum speed of five knots towards the sanctuary of the Humber.

Alas for the British warship, another German sub, U-63, under the command of Kapitan Lt Otto Schulz, scored two more hits and Falmouth began to sink, despite the protection of a destroyer escort and two huge tugs sent out from Immingham.

Brian told the Times: 'What is left of her lies five miles off Flamborough Head in East Yorkshire, where she is regularly visited by amateur divers and 'scavengers'.

'The initial report stated that only one casualty was sustained, but further research proved that this was not so and the total was 12, mainly from the stokehold.'

Brian has now turned to West Devon and East Cornwall to further his research.

He believes that a casualty serving on board HMS Falmouth at the time of 1916 sinking was a Stoker Petty Officer from St Dominic.

Norman Stanley Fry was born in Calstock, the son of Thomas and Jane Fry. His brother William Fry, who was a chief stoker, died in the ill-fated Battle of Coronel on November 1, 1914 while serving upon HMS Monmouth, which was lost with all hands.

Brian said: 'According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, both were the brothers of Edward Charles Fry of Moorside, Brentor, Tavistock, Devon —although Norman's death was notified to Mrs A M Ball of Station Road, Mary Tavy, who I assume was a sister.'

Edward survived the war while also serving as a chief stoker in HMS Redpole.

The wreck of HMS Falmouth was discovered in the early 1930s, when the RAF were monitoring bombing ranges in the North Sea.

From Bridlington the drifter 'Kernoozer' became the base vessel of the ranges crew.

To relieve boredom they put down lobster pots and one day came up with one full of rust. Marking the position, a diver was sent down and HMS Falmouth was discovered. Various artifacts were brought up including a spent shell case that is thought to be the last shot fired by her in anger — the one fired at the Zeppelin!

The case was given to Kernoozer's commanding officer John Manning as a memento and it became the family dinner gong.

Now Brian is appealing to Times readers to help him find further information on HMS Falmouth of 1916, its crew and the Fry family in particular.

He said: 'This contribution made by the Fry family to the war effort prompts me to ask, are there any relatives still living in the area? I should be delighted to hear from them and share my knowledge with them.

'Photographs of the three brothers would be a real bonus together with details of any war memorial mentions.'

Brian can be contacted on 01572 759657 or at [email protected]">[email protected]