On this night in 1925, Robert Haxby JOHNSON fell from the steam drifter G.E.S. and efforts by other crew to rescue him were unsuccessful. The fishing boat was 36 miles East by North of Scarborough.

Twenty-two years earlier, and about five miles from Scarborough, a sudden squall capsized the herring coble Wild Rose and it began to sink.

…Two of the crew, Thomas H. Cowling, the skipper, who is 70 years of age, and T. Holmes, had just time to scramble into their small boat before the Wild Rose went down. Jenkinson Cowling, another of the crew, swam alongside the coble, and the fourth man, John Willis, went down with the vessel. His more fortunate companions were of the opinion that he was thrown against the halyards by the lurching of the boat, and, being unable to clear himself in time, was dragged down with it…

Aberdeen Press and Journal, 4 February 1903

The three were rescued by the crew of another coble, Romeo and Juliet, which just made it into Scarborough harbour “in a sinking condition”.

Robert Haxby JOHNSON was 36 years old and is remembered on the gravestone of his maternal grandparents Richard HAXBY and Hannah née CAMMISH.

In Loving Memory of ROBERT, the beloved husband of ELIZABETH JOHNSON, who was drowned Jan 29^th 1925 aged 36 years.

Robert isn’t on FamilySearch Tree yet but his Filey Genealogy & Connections pedigree is extensive.

John married Ann Watkinson DAY in 1894 when he was 21 years old, and the couple had 5 children in their short time together.

Row33 | 684 Willis G542   

‘Peace’

In loving memory of JOHN WILLIS, died Feb 26 1919, aged 20 years.

Also, JOHN WILLIS, father of the above, who was drowned at sea, Jan 29 1903, aged 30 years.

‘We shall meet again’

ANN WATKINSON WILLIS, died March 14th 1960, aged 87 years.

‘Reunited’

Also, FLORENCE ARTLEY, daughter of the above, died Oct 17 1971, aged 77 years.

‘At rest’

Also, FERNLEY WILLIS, died Feb 25 1919, aged 6 months.

‘Jesus called a little child unto Him’

Crimlisk Survey 1977