Hastings seaman named as unknown victim of major WWI naval battle

Nearly 8,700 soldiers died during the Battle of Jutland

Commemorative events are being held to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Jutland today (Tuesday, May 31), in which 8,648 soldiers died.

All but one of the men who died during the only major naval battle during the Great War had been known until now.

Harry Gasson, reportedly from Ore, is the last remaining victim of the battle to be named, according to Navy News magazine.

The 32-year-old died while serving on HMS Castor during the battle off the coast of Denmark, which lasted from May 31, to June 1, 1916.

The magazine’s June 2016 edition includes pictures of Harry’s family and gravestone.

A service at St Magnus Cathedral in Orkney paid tribute to the sailors who died during the battle, with prime minister David Cameron, German president Joachim Gauck, the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, representing the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, in attendance.

If anyone who knew Harry or knows his family would like to get in touch with the Observer to talk about him, call the newsdesk 01424 856785.

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