EX-NAVY MAM'S DEATH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18577, 8 December 1923, Page 12

EX-NAVY MAM'S DEATH.

SURVIVOR OF HAMPSHIRE. The dramatic loss of H.M.S. Hampshir on June 15, 1916, with Lord Kitchener on board, is recalled by the death in the Auckland Hospital this week of Mr. Charles Walter Roger son, who was a leading seaman on the ship and was one of the twelve survivors. The circumstnces are exceptionally sad, as Mr. Rogerson, who arrived in New Zealand by the Tainui only two months ago, was married in Auckland a week later to Miss Isabella Turnbull, formerly of Stirling, Scotland, who was a fellow-passenger on the vessel. Mr. Rogerson, who was 33 years of age, joined the Royal Navy in 1905, and served continuously until his discharge on invalid pension in 1918. "Of those who left the ship and have survived." Mr. Rogerson related in an account of the Hampshire disaster, "I was the'one who saw Lord Kitchener last. . . . When I sprang to a raft he was still on the starboard side of the quarterdeck talking with his officers. From the little time that elapsed between my leaving the ship and her sinking, I feel certain he went down with her and was on the deck a<> the time she sank." The funeral of Mr. Rogerson took place at Waikumete cemetery yesterday afternoon, a volunteer party from H.M.S. Philomel acting as bearers. The service at the graveside was condu- ed by Chapin Stu/bbs, of the Philomol. Mr. Rogerson had been ill for only a short time.