People on board

LANGLEY, Martin

Martin Langley’s personal details are scarce and confused. The transcript from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines War Grave Roll states that he was born on the 16th of March 1887 in Galway. It also states that his widow was Sarah, with an address in Quay Street, Galway. There is a certificate of that marriage which took place on the 1st of April 1918. Sarah’s address is Quay Street and Martin’s occupation is given as ‘Sailor HMS. He states that his father is Martin, a Fisherman, who was alive at that date.

However the only possible birth certificate found is for a Martin Langford, born on the 16th of January 1887. His father is Martin, a Labourer, giving ‘America’ as his address. The mother is Mary Keady. A marriage between these two has not been found. This may or may not be the man in question.

According to the War Grave Roll Martin Langley was working as a Seaman on H.M. Drifter City of London. Drifters were built along the lines of commercial fishing vessels, or were trawlers hired by the Admiralty. They were armed with an anti-submarine gun and depth charges and were used to maintain and patrol anti-submarine nets.

Presumably returning from leave in Galway, Martin Langley travelled on RMS Leinster on the 10th of October. He did not survive the sinking nor was his body recovered. His name is recorded on the Plymouth War Memorial.