One of the greatest single losses to Royal Navy personnel from Northern Ireland occurred on the 15th October 1914 when the German Submarine SM-U9 which was patrolling the North Sea came across two British Cruisers, HMS Hawke commanded by Capt. Hugh P.E.T. Williams, and her sister ship HMS Theseus. At least 49 from Northern Ireland perished on HMS Hawke. They came from all walks of life and places. See also the remarkable service of the Cross twins of Dungannon.
