What is 'the grosser'

[Segilla]

From the journal of Alfred Harris a Glos, Forest of Dean man. Grammar and spelling varies; information fascinating.

May 31 1878 When the german iron Clad fleet was passing Deal the Koneg wilhelm run into the grosser.

The Goodwins? Another vessel in the fleet?

[nickmo]

Ship - see report on wrecks in Kent: http://www.sandgate-kent.org.uk/wrecks.htm

Also the Grosser was the name of a gun battery at Cape Gris Nez........WW2 trivia

[Tatty Rollox]

On May 31 1878 the Koneg Wilhelm ran into the Grosser Kurfurst which sank with the loss of all 269 crew. Here is the Grosser Kurfurst firing her guns.

[Segilla]

In 1878 two German ships the Grosser Kurfurst and the Koenig Wilhem veer to avoid a Norwegian barque, and collide while floundering in the sea. Lifeboats and fishing vessels are able to save 218; the rest perish and finders of bodies on Sandgate beach are rewarded with a pound.

Thanks.

[Tatty Rollox]

Correction. The total crew of the Grosser Kurfurst was 500, of which 269 perished.