Jim & Jack O'Keeffe Born in Ballynoe County Cork. Son of John and Mary O'Keeffe, of Newtown Cottage, Ballynoe, Co. Cork.. Buried Commemorated Plymouth Naval Memorial. James (Jim) O’Keeffe, K32657, Stoker 1st Class, H.M.S. Tornado. K.I.A. 23/12/1917 aged 22 HMS Tornado, HMS Torrent and HMS Surprise, were all three lost to a minefield laid by the Germans one month before, near the Maas light Vessel to protect the port of Rotterdam. They were all three just newly built in 1916-1917 and were at that time the best destroyers the British Royal Navy had. HMS Torrent hit first, HMS Surprise went to assist and was mined, and as HMS Tornado tried to get clear, she detonated two mines and sank with only one survivor. Only HMS Radiant got home. A total of 252 men were lost. John (Jack) O’Keeffe, K32179. Stoker 1st Class, H.M.S. Bittern. Died 4th, April, 1918 aged 20 On 4 April 1918, Bittern was involved in a collision with SS Kenilworth off the Isle of Portland in thick fog. The destroyer was overwhelmed and sank quickly with the loss of all hands || One photo, two men in naval uniform

WWI campaign medals, including the Mons star || My grandfather James Gallagher was born in Liverpool in 1895. In 1914 he joined the army, just like one of his brothers. He fought in France, where he was wounded. These medals were part of the family heritage after the war ended.

John Lawrence (front).