Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
No connection to Dorking can be found.
Francis Naham/Naaman May was born on 10th May 1880 at Hill Head, Duloe, Cornwall to Caroline (nee Butters) and farmer Joseph.
Francis‘ father Joseph was born about 1853 in Talland, Cornwall. His mother Caroline was born about 1859 in Duloe, Cornwall to blacksmith Joseph, born about 1828 in Moroal, Cornwall, and Mary, born about 1824 in West Looe in Cornwall.
Francis enlisted into the Royal Navy on 11th January 1897 in Devonport for a duration of 12 years. At the time of his enlistment he was working as a labourer. He had dark brown hair, dark blue eyes and a fresh complexion. He had also a scar on his left thigh. The first ship, on which Francis served aboard was HMS Vivid II, from 11th January 1897 to 30th July 1897. He was a stoker and his service number was 284297.
Francis married Emily Emma Rowe on 10th November 1906 in the Parish of Charles, Plymouth, Devonshire. At the time of their marriage Francis was a stoker in the Royal Navy and lived aboard HMS Diana. Emily lived at 49 Regent Street.
Francis was promoted to a Stoker Petty Officer on 1st October 1909.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family lived at Tregarland Bridge, Duloe, Sandplace, Cornwall. Francis was a Stoker Petty Officer in the Royal Navy and Emily was at home looking after their two known children: Francis William May born about 1909 at Stoke, Devonshire and Joseph Fred May born about 1911 at Duloe, Cornwall. The accomodation had three rooms.
The last ship Francis served on was HMS Monmouth.
Francis May was killed when HMS Monmouth was sunk in a surprise attack during the Battle of Coronel on 1st November 1914. The battle took place off the coast of Chile, near the City of Coronel.
Plymouth War Memorial Roll of Honour
© CWGC.org
He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial on Panel 3.
| Born | Hill Head, Duloe, Cornwall |
| Son of | Joseph and Caroline May |
| Husband of | Emily Emma Rowe |
| Father of | Francis William and Joseph Fred May |
| Regiment | HMS Monmouth, Royal Navy |
| Number | 284297 |
| Date of Death | 1st November 1914 |
| Place of Death | Off the coast of Chile |
| Cause of Death | Killed in action |
| Age | 35 |
| Memorial | Plymouth War Memorial |
