Private William Ernest Cowell, aged 20 years, was killed in action on 31.5.1916 in H.M.S. Indefatigable during the Battle of Jutland, when she was hit by a salvo from the Von der Tann which ignited her magazine; a second salvo made a direct hit and sank her. Only two men were rescued from the Ship's Company of 1012. Cowell is commemorated on Plymouth Memorial.