Petty Officer, Mercantile Marine, S S Batoum. Died 18/07/1915. Age 55. Born in 1859 in Trimley St Martin.  They later moved to Chapel Lane, Walton. Son of the late John and Eliza Versey. Husband of Elizabeth Ann nee Mason from Harwich. The family were living at 17 Sea Garden Estate, Dovercourt, Essex at the time of Robert's death. Robert joined the Mercantile Marine as a fireman, engine room rating. Commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

 

Steam tanker "Batoum" built 1893,  4,054 tons gross,  owner J.I. Jacobs of Swansea

18 July 1915 - Torpedoed by German submarine UB17 2.5 nm S x E of Southwold Lighthouse. On Admiralty voyage from Killingholme to Harwich with fuel oil. 6 crew killed, including Robert Versey. Ship managed to beach itself on the 'Outer Shoal' (not sure of exact location of this sandbank). Subsequently refloated and towed into Harwich Harbour on 24 July 1915. (presumably for discharge and temporary repair)

"Batoum" was eventually torpedoed and sunk by U61 off the Fastnet on 19 July 1917.