Sailor’s grave marked with his name 100 years after his death

On the 100th anniversary of his death, a rededication service was yesterday held for Petty Officer Charles McDonald at the Commission’s plot in Oostende New Communal Cemetery in Belgium.

Stoker McDonald was killed during the attack on Oostende harbour on 10 May 1918 and was buried without being identified.

After extensive research his grave has now been confirmed and a new headstone bearing his name was dedicated at a service conducted by the Reverend (Professor) Scott J S Shackleton, Deputy Chaplain of the Fleet, Royal Navy.

Dave Avery, CWGC Commemorations Officer, said: “On the centenary of his death, we are privileged to be able to re-dedicate the grave of Petty Officer McDonald in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s plot in Oostende New Communal Cemetery. The CWGC are pleased that we are now able to pay tribute to this courageous sailor who had served his country for 20 years by marking his resting place with a headstone bearing his name. The service of re-dedication gives us an opportunity to renew our commitment to care for his grave and those of his comrades, forever.”

Born in Leith, Edinburgh, on 17 April 1880, Charles was a farm labourer until he joined the Navy in July 1898 at the age of 18.

Charles trained on the shore station HMS Victory II and served on several ships including and HMS Britannia before the outbreak of the war.

On 10 May 1918 he was on loan to HMS Vindictive when it took part in the second Ostend Raid – an attempt by the navy to block the channels leading to the Belgian port.

A witness stated at the time, the structure above the stokehold ladder Charles was using was shot away and he was never seen again.

Reverend (Professor) Scott J S Shackleton said: “PO Charles McDonald was clearly a sailor’s sailor having joined the Royal Navy in 1898 at the tender age of 18 years. He came from Leith, the port of Edinburgh and although we know little about him it is likely that the sea would in some way have been in his blood. The raid on Oostende on 9 and 10 May 1918 was a bold and brave assault which would have inevitably been costly in terms of lives. It is a privilege to lead a service today to commemorate PO McDonald as a fellow matelot and Scot. May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory and may we never forget the sacrifice of the few for the many.”