First Mate Francis William Houlbecq
Mercantile Marine. SS Dauntless
04/02/1917

Son of Mrs. Jane Mary Houlbecq, of Percy Villa, Clairvale Rd., St. Helier, Jersey.

S.S. "Dauntless" (Newcastle), 2,157 tons, defensively-armed, 4 February 1917, 10 miles from La Coubre Point, captured by submarine, sunk by bombs, 15 lives lost

Killed in action, aged 36.

NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post of Monday 3 July 1916

Jersey Officers Service on African Lakes. Sub-Lieutenant F W Houlbecq RNR, who was recently in Jersey on leave, has, says the Journal of Commerce, visited Liverpool where he received a warm welcome. For some years the Lieutenant was on the GWR mailsteamers and afterwards was an officer on the Cunard Line and served in some of their finest liners. During the early part of 1914 officers were wanted by the Colonial Office for government service on Lake Victoria in British East Africa and, in view of the excellent testimonials and splendid record of Mr Houlbecq, he was selected from a large number of applicants and forthwith journeyed to Africa to take up his appointment. After his arrival he was appointed Chief Officer and was serving as such when war broke out. He was soon given a command and since August 1914 has taken part in practically all the operations against the enemy.

NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post of Tuesday 27 March 1917

Roll of Honour. Some time ago we reported the arrival in the Island of Chief Officer F W Houlbecq. This gallant officer formerly served on the GWR and Cunard steamers and in the early part of 1914 was selected for service in British East Africa. Immediately war broke out he was given command of HMS Percy Anderson on Lake Victoria and took part in practically all the operations against the enemy until he was seized with illness and had to return home on sick leave. After spending some time in Jersey and on the mainland the Lieutenant was appointed Chief Officer of a steamer which was torpedoed on 4th February, the officer unfortunately losing his life in the disaster. The deceased, who was 36, was the son of Mrs Houlbecq of Percy Villa, Clairvale Road, to whom with the other members of the family we tender our heartfelt sympathy.