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General => The Common Room => Topic started by: namatse on Friday 16 August 24 17:04 BST (UK)
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Does anyone know when burials at sea in the UK were first recorded and where those records may be kept, if they exist. I am researching my Grandfather who died when I was very young, other older family members recall a burial at sea but can offer no details. As I am unable to find any burial or cremation record for him I am wondering if this was a possibility.
Thanks
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Do you want to post his details so that we can see if we can find anything.
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Not sure when civil burials at sea were allowed - there are only three designated areas in the UK for such a burial. They are (1) off The Needles, Isle of Wight; (2) between Hastings and Newhaven and (3) off Tynemouth, North Tyneside.
Have you found his civil death registration?
If he was buried at sea, there may have been a report in a local newspaper to where he lived.
As rosie99 posted, if you post his details, there are many members who would be keen to do some digging.
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Your help would be appreciated.
Harold Palmer Hall
Born 28 Sept 1900
Died 19 June 1969
Both events recorded in Yorkshire.
He served as Coxswain with the Redcar Lifeboat crew for a number of years.
Thanks for offering to investigate
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A search of newspapers for 1969 has failed to find anything.
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Have you checked that he was not cremated.
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From Wiki --
United Kingdom
British burials at sea of the 18th and 19th century involved wrapping the deceased in sailcloth weighted with cannonballs.
In England, cremated remains may be scattered freely at sea but a burial must be made in a coffin meeting regulatory requirements and in one of three locations: off The Needles, Isle of Wight; between Hastings and Newhaven; and off Tynemouth, North Tyneside. Permission may be sought for another burial site. Some funeral directors will arrange the event, such as Britannia Shipping for Burial At Sea. Charity organisation the Maritime Volunteer Service also helps carry out burials at sea.
In Scotland, there are two designated sites for burial at sea. These are 210 miles (340 km) due west of Oban and 15 miles (24 km) west of John O'Groats.
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Yes I have tried everything that I can think of. Local papers, crematorium and the local cemeteries where his relatives are buried but nothing.
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The attached snippet of a 1986 newspaper article suggests that it was far from easy to have a burial at sea. A quick Google has brought up several funeral companies that carry out burials at sea so it would appear that things 'moved on' since 1986.
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Thanks to all who have offered help and suggestions. I will contact the Maritime Volunteer service to see if there may be any connection in view of the fact that Harold served with the RNLI.
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I presume you have already tried the RNLI, since he was Coxswain of a lifeboat I would expect them to have a record.
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Morning.
Yes I have had contact with RNLI but no luck unfortunately.
Thanks for helping
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Would it be possible to contact any existing undertakers around the area where he died.
I assume they would handle the proceedings and contract the relevant/nearest company who dealt with burials at sea ?
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Thank you for that suggestion, I had also considered the hospital where he died as they may have details of the funeral service.
That it was is so wonderful about these forums, members offer help and suggestions which in turn get you thinking about all other avenues of research.
Very much appreciated