Current Information:

Born-Spitalfields

Enlisted-London

On 16th April, 1915, the Steam Ship Manitou was ferrying troops to Gallipoli, when it was intercepted by the Turkish torpedo-boat Demirhisar off the Greek island of Sporades. The Manitou was ordered to abandon ship after which it would be sunk. Frantic efforts were made to lower lifeboats and some men dived overboard prematurely after which two torpedoes were fired at the ship both of which missed the target as did a third one fired later. British warships arrived on the scene and forced the Turkish vessel to beach. Meanwhile the Manitou set about rescuing those who had abandoned the ship but 51 men, including Thomas Morss, of 147 Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery perished from either drowning or exposure after two of the lifeboats capsized.