People on board

FOLEY, Patrick

On the Royal Navy Register Patrick Foley’s date of birth is the 1st of February 1890 and place of birth is Carrigtoohill, just outside Cork city. However no matching birth certificate has been found so his parents and siblings have not been identified.

He first engaged in the Royal Navy on the 8th of August 1908 for twelve years, his previous occupation a Labourer.  He had an identifying tattoo of harp, anchor and shamrock on his right arm. His first ship was HMS Vivid 11 and he was a grade 2 Stoker. He served on a variety of ships and he was regularly given a Very Good Character rating. In June 1917 he moved to HMS Cumberland where he was promoted to Leading Stoker.

He served on the Cumberland until January 1919 and it was during this period that he travelled on RMS Leinster on the 10th of October 1918, probably returning from leave. He survived the sinking and went on serving in the Navy. In the days after the sinking he was photographed with two other Royal Navy sailors and three US Navy sailors who had travelled as passengers on the Leinster.

Patrick Foley completed his twelve years engagement in 1920 but continued in the Navy as a Leading Stoker until 1930.