. 
An Interesting Casualty 1914-15 Trio
To:
SENIOR PETTY OFFICER STOKER,
304130. THOMAS MOORCROFT.
ROYAL NAVY.
Who was Lost in Action on 10th June 1915 while serving in H.M.T.B 12 (ex-HMS MOTH)
when sunk by a German Submarine in the North Sea off Harwich.
THURSDAY 10th JUNE 1915 ( NORTH SEA)
Two torpedo boats, ex Insect-class coastal destroyers, 400t, 1907, 26 kts, 2 x 12pdr/ 3-18in tt, 35 crew, serving with Nore Local Defence Flotilla. Sailed from Harwich at midnight on the 9th, on patrol off Thames estuary, searching for reported submarines with three other TB’s and five destroyers; both mined, laid by UC.11 (Walter Gottfried Schmidt) two days earlier (H/J/tn - torpedoed):
TB.12, ex-Moth, Lt Edward Bulteel, near the Sunk LV at 1530 when there was a large explosion under her bows, believed torpedoed at the time. Stayed afloat as other TB's came to her rescue, crew abandoned her when TB.10 came alongside, taken in tow, but now TB.10 suffered an explosion and sank. Trawler took over the tow of TB.12, assisted by destroyer Cynthia, progressed slowly while the TB gradually settled, sinking at 1055 (presumably on the 11th) in 51.44.40N 01.26E. Lt Bulteel and 22 ratings lost.
TB.10, ex-Greenfly, Lt-Cdr John McLeod RN. Alongside TB.12, trying to take her in tow, then believed torpedoed herself at 1610 and broke in half, the two halves rising vertically before sinking off the Sunk LV (He/un – confirmed mined); 22 ratings lost, one more DOW .
CASUALTY GROUPS TO TORPEDO BOAT CREWS ARE RARE & HIGHLY COLLECTABLE.
Medals EF+ with Original Ribbons.
£495 Thomas was the son of Daniel and Caroline Moorcroft, of Snodland, Kent; husband of Ada Moorcroft,of Beresford Road, Gillingham, Kent. He is commemorated with eternal honour on CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL. PANEL 11.