大象传媒

On 5 September 1914, HMS Pathfinder became the first British ship to be sunk by a German U-Boat.
It was captained by Francis Martin Leake from High Cross in Hertfordshire.

He was one of only 18 survivors from a ship that was carrying over 300 crew.

There are wonderful letters that he sent home detailing his experiences and the treatment he received when he was rescued.

On recovering, his war continued and he was later awarded an Order of Distinguished Service for his role in the sinking of SMS Leopard in 1917.

He is now buried at St John鈥檚 Parish Church at High Cross in Hertfordshire.

Location: Parish Church of St Johns, High Cross, Herts SG11 1AA
Image shows letter from Captain Francis Martin Leake, who kept regular correspondence with his mother
Image courtesy of Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies (HALS)