Inscription
Sto. 1cl. Arthur Kenneth Downer
H.M.S. Invincible
Further information
Arthur Kenneth Downer
Son of Harry Downer and Lucy Downer (née Westmore), of Yafford, Shorwell, Isle of Wight.
Born : 27 Oct 1894, Shorwell.
Census information :
1901 : Harry and Lucy Downer, with their children including Arthur aged 5, are at Yafford, Shorwell.
Harry Downer is a Gardener (Domestic).
1911 : Arthur Kenneth Downer, aged 16, is listed as a Domestic Servant, in the household of William George Young, Little
East Standen, Newport.
Service information :
Stoker 1st cl. K/18211 Arthur Kenneth Downer, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Invincible.
Casualty information :
Died 31 May 1916, aged 21, at the battle of Jutland.
... but at 18:30, Invincible abruptly appeared as a clear
target before Lützow and Derfflinger. The two German ships then fired three salvoes
each at Invincible, and sank her in 90 seconds. A 12 in (300 mm) shell from the third salvo
struck Invincible's Q-turret amidships, detonating the magazines below and
causing her to blow up and sink. All but six of her crew of 1,032 officers and men,
including Rear-Admiral Hood, were killed. [Wikipedia]
CWGC record ...
Commemorated on these Memorials :
Carisbrooke Castle County War Memorial Panel 04
Shorwell St Peter's Church War Memorial WW I
Shorwell St Peter's Church Roll of Honour WW I
Family information :
His brother, Hilton Henry Downer (born 1897), served in WW I and is also named on the Shorwell St Peter's Church Roll of Honour WW I.
The roll of honour indicates that he served with the Devonshire Regiment, but his Medal Index Card gives only Pte 140724 Hilton H Downer, Labour Corps.
