Stoker 1st Class Francis George Bursnall, a veteran of the Boer War from Boston Lincolnshire, was killed in action on 22.9.1914 in H.M.S. Cressy, when together with H.M. Ships Aboukir and Hogue, she was sunk by the U.9 about 30 miles from Ymuiden. About 60 Officers and 400 Ratings were lost. Lieutenant Otto Weddigen, the U-Boat Commander, received the Pour le Mrite.