Basic Details Surname Freeman Forenames J W Gender Male Information stated on memorial Alternative forename John William War First World War (1914-1918) Served or died Died Notes Presumed to have struck a mine in the North Sea Primary Service As stated on memorial Service (Primary - Stated) Merchant Marine Unit (Primary - Stated) Steam Trawler "Earl Howard" (Grimsby) Rank / Title (Primary - Stated) Skipper Our References Service (Primary - Our reference) Merchant Navy Unit (Primary - Our reference) Steam Trawler "Earl Howard" (Grimsby) Rank / Title (Primary - Our reference) Skipper Death and Burial details Country of death At Sea Year of death 1914 Month of death December Day of death 11 Manner of death reference Other