Herbert Victor Lucas

Story:
Herbert Victor Lucas was born in Bedchester, Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 19 May 1881 and baptised in Fontmell Magna on 11 Jun 1881 the son of Charles Lucas and Mary Maria Lucas (nee Lockyer).  He spent his very early years in Bedchester, Fontmell Magna, before the family moved to Highbridge Farm, Otterbourne, Hampshire by 1891.  Herbert married Lucy Burton at St. Peter and St. Paul's Church, Chingford, Essex, on 30 Jul 1910 and they went on to have one son.  They set up home in Loughton, Essex, where Herbert was a Dairyman.   He had enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry as a Private (Service Nos. PO/8584 & RMRB915).  He was posted to serve on HMS Viknor, an armed merchant vessel used as a cruising patrol ship.  On 13 Jan 1915, whilst off the coast of Ireland near Troy Island, County Donegal, his ship hit a mine, thought to have been laid by a German submarine, and sank with the loss of all hands.  His body was not recovered for burial and he is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Portsmouth, Hampshire, (Panel 9).  He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1914/15 Star.   His wife went on to re-marry Joseph Mummery.