Hello,
I was wondering if anyone has any spare time in the Portsmouth archives, would they be able to check the Portsmouth News for the Month of April, for any information relating to the sinking of the Yacht "Nymph".
The Hampshire Telegraph was checked, and 2 days around the 26th by the archive staff, but no joy.
Robert Henry Wilkinson lived at 31, Hercules Street and had been in Portsmouth since his mother's death in 1885. He joined the Royal Navy Reserve in October 1885, and had completed in the America's Cup in 1903, so was an experienced yachtsman. He had also worked with his Father who was a Master Mariner.
According to the Board of Trade Wreck report, the "Nymph" was about 10 years old, around 10 tonnes, not registered, and had a crew of three, it was a Cutter. It was sailing from Newhaven back to Portsmouth with a load of Ballast, and says the Ship had not been heard of since sailing on 25th March. The Master is lister as R H Williamson, but perhaps this was Wilkinson?.
The Owner is listed as WHP Ward, Southsea.
The Naval Record reports that he was supposed drowned whilst serving on yacht 'Nymph' which is supposed to have been lost off Selsey, on or about 26th March 1905. which would place the yacht further along the coast.
Ideally I suppose I am after more information as to what happened, and would assume there should have been some sort of newspaper article at least.
Robert was married with five children, but I can't seem to find his eldest son, Robert who was born in 1889, he is on the 1891 aged 2, and 1901 aged 12, but does not seem to be on the 1911 census, it is not inconcivible that he may have been on the 'Nymph' with Robert.
Regards
Kliffy.
