Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Edwin Tanner alias Turner was born, according to the register of seaman’s services, on 16th June 1884 in Dorking, Surrey. According to the England & Wales birth index, he was in the 3rd quarter of 1884 in Dorking to labourer and drayman Richard and Eliza (nee Ede). He was baptised on 10th October 1884 at St Martin’s. At this time the family lived at Dene Street in Dorking.
Edwins father Richard was born in the 1st quarter of 1861 in Dorking to carter and drayman Richard, born about 1813 in Dorking, and Emma, born about 1823 in Buckland, Surrey. During the 1881 Census, Richard junior was a lodger at labourer John Slaters house at the Square in Dorking. Richard was working as a labourer.
Edwin’s mother Eliza was born about 1860 in Hunsdon, Hertfordshire to agricultural labourer and brickmaker Henry, born about 1825 either in Dorking or Capel in Surrey, and Sarah (nee Smith), born about 1825 in Hatfield, Hertfordsire. Eliza was baptised on 12th August 1860 in Hunsdon, Hertfordshire. At the time of the 1871 Census, the family lived at the Dorking Union Workhouse. At the time of the 1881 Census, Eliza was staying with her brother William, an ironmonger porter at Black Lane in Dorking. She was working as a general servant.
Richard and Eliza married on 19th September 1881 at St Martin’s church in Dorking. The couple lived in Dorking and Richard was working as a drayman. Eliza’s brother William was the witness.
Edwin had three known siblings: Anne/Annie Eliza born about 1882, Edith born in the 2nd quarter of 1889 and William born in the 3rd quarter of 1899, all in Dorking.
At the time of the 1891 Census, the family lived at Church Street Cottages, Meadowbrook Road in Dorking. Richard was working as a drayman and Eliza was looking after her children Anne/Annie, Edith and Edwin.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at Ludlow Road in Guildford. The family’s surname was stated to be Turner. Richard was working as a cellarman for a wine merchant, Edwin was working as a baker’s errand boy and Edith was at school.
At the time of the 1911, Edwin’s mother Eliza and brother William were staying with Eliza’s brother John Ede, a brickmaker’s labourer at 10 Church Street Cottages in Dorking.
Edwin Tanner enlisted into the Royal Navy on 16th June 1905 in Portsmouth for the duration of 12 years.
His regimental number was 221813. Edwin was over 5ft tall, had dark brown hair, blue eyes and a fresh complexion. His previous occupation was a packer. Edwin had a nickname Ted.
Edwin became a Boy seaman 2nd Class on 12th September 1902, and a Boy Seaman 1st Class on 5th August 1903 on the HMS Boscawen. Edwin became an Ordinary Seaman on 16th June 1905 and an Able Seaman in April 1906 on the HMS York. Edwin further served on the HMS Minotaur, the HMS Boscawen II, the HMS Boscawen III, the HMS Hermione, the HMS Britannia, the HMS Jupiter, the HMS Exmouth and the HMS Naiad. On 1st January 1914 Edwin became a leading seaman on the HMS Excellent.
Edwin was transferred to the HMS Black Prince on 21st April 1914. He became a petty officer on 1st August 1915 and died on 31st May 1916 on the board of the HMS Black Prince during the Battle of Jutland.
The ship’s involvement at the Battle of Jutland was mysterious for many years. During the battle, the ship lost contact with the rest of the fleet and the British did not see the ship sunk. The entire crew, more than 800 men, died. The Black Prince lost contact with the rest of the Squadron as it came into contact with German forces at around 17.42pm. The ship’s last wireless signal was sent at 20.45pm, reporting a submarine sighting. This led to rumours, that the ship had been sank by a submarine. However, German eyewitness testimonies offered contradictory evidence. The ship approached the German Lines at about midnight. Releasing danger, she turned away from the German battleships. It was too late. SMS Thuringen fixed the Black Prince in her searchlights and opened fire, together with up to five other German battleships. The Black Prince was hit by at least twelve heavy shells and several smaller. She sank within 15 minutes.
TANNER – In loving memory of Edwin Tanner (Ted), P. O. 1st, who lost his life on H. M. S. Black Prince, May 31st. A true friend. From Ma and the girls, 80, Wymering Road. Forever in our thoughts.
Edwin Tanner Family Death Notice © Portsmouth Evening News findmypast.co.uk
TANNER – In loving memory of our dearly beloved brother, Edwin Tanner, P. O. 1, who lost his life on H. M. S. Black Prince, May 31st, aged 31 years. He died a hero. From his broken hearted sisters, Annie and Edie. In the midst of life we are in death.
Edwin Tanner Death Notice © Portsmouth Evening News findmypast.co.uk
Edwin Tanner alias Turner is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial on panel 12.
At the time of Edwin’s death his sister Annie lived at 22 Lynn Road in Buckland, Portsmouth.
| Born | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Son of | Richard and Eliza Tanner (nee Ede) of Dorking | |
| Brother of | Annie Martin of 22 Lynn Road, Buckland, Portsmouth | |
| Regiment | Royal Navy H.M.S. Black Prince | |
| Number | 221813 | |
| Date of Death | 31st May 1916 | |
| Place of Death | Jutland | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in Action | |
| Age | 28 | |
| Memorial | Portsmouth Naval Memorial |
