Harwich has paid tribute to its bravest son 100 years after his execution. A special centenary memorial service took place in memory of Harwich hero Captain Charles Fryatt exactly 100 years after he was shot by a firing squad. A series of special events took place on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of the execution.
A service was held at All Saints’ Church, in Dovercourt, on Wednesday evening following which the ship’s bell from the SS Brussels was rung at the captain’s graveside. The Harwich community joined members of Captain Fryatt’s family to pay their respects.
Captain Fryatt, who lived in Oakland Road, Dovercourt, was shot on July 27, 1916, at 7pm after being found guilty of trying to ram a German U-boat with his merchant ship, the SS Brussels, during the First World War.
Born on December 2, 1872, Charles was raised in Harwich by his parents, Charles and Mary Fryatt. He followed in his father’s footsteps to join the merchant navy with the Great Eastern Railway, climbing through the ranks to become a dedicated captain.
In March 1915, Captain Fryatt’s ship was attacked three times by a German U-boat submarines. The final time, he retaliated by ramming the submarine as a means of defence after being told by to protect the ships and crew at all costs. The course of action had previously been approved by then First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill. Captain Fryatt was praised by the House of Commons for his quick thinking and valour.
But just a year later he was again confronted by U-boats, but this time he was outnumbered. He was captured and taken to Belgium before being put on trial. It is believed the captain was not allowed to speak at his own trial, although he denied he had done anything other than his duty.
On July 27, 1916, the German court martial found Captain Fryatt guilty of attacking U33 when he was not a combatant. He was shot by a firing squad at 7pm, just two hours after being found guilty. His body was brought back to Britain in June 1919 and a service took place at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, before his burial at All Saints’ Church, Dovercourt.
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Source: Gazette
