Grimsby trawler Syrian returning home GY.25 c1905-1910.

The steam trawler Syrian GY.25 was built by Cook, Welton & Gemmell, Ltd., Beverley in 1904 for F. W. Robinson of Grimsby. She was sunk by gunfire from German submarine U-25 on 11th July 1915 off Hornsea. There were no casualties.

In 1905, Syrian sheltered at Filey to avoid a gale and entertained the locals by playing a number of tunes on her siren. A ‘musical’ trawler, according to the Scarborough Post.

The trawler behind is GY.21 Phoenix. She was built in 1896 by Edward Bros. of North Shields for F.W. Mackrill, Grimsby. She was also lost during WW1. On 23rd September 1916, she was captured by UC-16 off Spurn Light Vessel and sunk by gunfire, after her crew had taken to the ship’s boat. They landed safely.

A postcard by Harry Shaw, photographer, Grant Thorold Studios, 54 Durban Road, Grimsby. The scan of the original, very faded postcard was lacking in detail but the image has been much improved after a lot of work by ourselves.

The writer sent the postcard to her aunt (no address). She says that it’s a photo of Hilly on his ship and that he is the one standing at the front, the one you can see the best. The postcard is from Milly and Hilly and there’s lots of kisses from Bessie too.