In a tale reminiscent of maritime mysteries, the whereabouts of two sailors from H.M.S. New Zealand, anchored in Lough Swilly with the Channel Fleet, have been uncovered. Lozcombe and King, the sailors in question, who deserted their vessel in a daring move on a rough Friday morning, were apprehended in Enniskillen and subsequently transported to Foynes, County Limerick, where the naval unit is currently stationed.
The daring escape involved the sailors navigating stormy seas in a skiff, raising concerns for their safety. Initial fears of their demise circulated, fueled by unconfirmed rumors. However, it has been revealed that the resourceful pair allowed their craft to drift with the wind, eventually reaching the shore. After this successful landing, they roamed the mountainous terrains of Donegal, enduring harsh conditions, until their apprehension on a Tuesday evening in Milford. At the time of arrest, the sailors, clad in naval uniforms, possessed a meager half-crown in their possession.
Tragic Demise on the Journey Home
In a sombre turn of events, Mr John Maxwell, son of Mr Wm. Maxwell of 45 Wyndham Street, Belfast, met an untimely end on his journey from Toronto to Ireland. Stricken by illness during the Montreal train ride, Mr Maxwell succumbed to his ailment at a station. A respected member of Sons of Ulster Loyal Orange Lodge No. 919, his fellow lodge members, upon receiving the distressing news, arranged for the body’s transportation to Toronto for a fitting interment.
The funeral, held at Prospect Cemetery, drew a significant attendance from members of various Orange Lodges, including Bre. G. J. Wilson from L.O.L. No. 354, Wm. McKnight from No. 621, Robert Kingston from No. 455 Maple Leaf, Thomas Gracey from No. 1597, and Robert Hobson from No. 758. All these brethren had connections to Belfast or Limerick. A poignant touch was added to the ceremony as a beautiful wreath was placed on the deceased’s coffin by members of his lodge, commemorating a life that came to a premature end during a journey homeward.
Belfast Weekly Telegraph – Saturday 01 September 1906
