The story of an Essex man who was one of 39 victims of a fatal maritime incident a century ago might not have been revealed if it were not for a Colchester history enthusiast.

Alan Cook, a serving Essex policemen and avid collector of memorabilia related to the force, bought a lot at auction which he believed contained a special constabulary medal from the First World War.

But while this was the case, he also discovered within his purchase, a medal belonging to the officer’s son, his death plaque, photo and memorial scroll.

Three years on, and with the centenary of Able Seaman Charles Offord’s death on March 28, Alan says it is the perfect time to tell his story although the story of the illfated Conquest crewwill be familiar to many in the area.

He explains Charles was born in Great Oakley, near Harwich, in 1896 and was the son of William and Flora Offord.

Alan says: “Charles was about 17 when the Great War broke out in 1914 and he went on to join the Royal Navy.

“By 1916 he was serving on HMS Conquest which was a Caroline class light cruiser commissioned into the 5th Light Cruiser Squadron based at Harwich.”

But on Tuesday March 28 of that year, on what should have been an easy trip for the crew returning to the ship which was moored in Harwich harbour, a blizzard swept the coast.

Alan says: “Thirty-nine men boarded one of the available cutters to make their short journey on that dismal, freezing dark night. Not a single one was to see the next dawn alive.”

With all those on board lost, it was the worst single loss of life to members of any of the Royal Naval Ships Company, except for in war, or any onboard incidents since 1899.

The unseasonable weather over March 27 and 28 in East Anglia that year saw gale force winds and deep snowwith the high winds causing extensive damage.

“Road and rail transport came to a halt.

“This was not an opportune time to be in a small boat, even in the comparative safety of Harwich harbour.

“Admiral Jellicoe remarked how appalling the weather was during this period, with much of the Grand Fleet remaining in their harbours.

Charles Offord was laid to rest in the churchyard at All Saints Church, Great Oakley, and 17 other victims are buried in the Churchyard extension of Walton-on-the-Naze.

During the 20th century there was one other similar incident, involving men returning to the carrier Illustrious in Portland harbour. 29 of her crew were lost on the 17 October 1948.

Amemorial to their memory was unveiled 62 years to the day at Portland but so far there is not one for those of the Conquest.

Alan says he was so moved by the story of Charles’ death he even visited Great Oakley Church and found his grave.

“I think it is particularly poignant because this is the centenary of what happened,” adds Alan, who lives in Colchester.