More than 100 years have passed since the tragic demise of Captain Fryatt, a Southampton sailor whose name, though perhaps fading from local memory, continues to resonate as a beacon of bravery and defiance.

His exploits during the First World War, particularly his daring attempts to ram German U-boats, earned him a place of honour not only in British history but also in the hearts of the Belgian people.

Captain Charles Algernon Fryatt was born in Southampton on December 2, 1871. He grew up in a maritime family and, following in his father's footsteps, joined the merchant navy at a young age.  

Fryatt's early career saw him serving on various ships, gradually progressing through the ranks.

By the outbreak of the First World War, he was the master of the SS Brussels, a Great Eastern Railway ship that sailed between Harwich and Rotterdam.  

Known for his skill and courage, Fryatt became a thorn in the side of the German Navy during the war. His ship's regular crossings made it a target for German submarines and torpedo boats. Despite facing numerous threats, Fryatt maintained his composure and demonstrated exceptional seamanship.

His ship's regular presence had long been a thorn in the side of the Germans, who made repeated attempts to sink it.

In March 1915, Fryatt successfully evaded a submarine attack, his skilful manoeuvring earning him a hero's welcome and a gold watch from his ship's owners.

A month later, he again thwarted a German torpedo attempt, this time by ramming the U-boat and forcing it to dive.

His daring actions earned him another gold watch, this time from the Admiralty.

Fryatt's reputation as a formidable adversary made him a target for the Germans.

In 1916, while sailing from Rotterdam to Southampton, his ship was intercepted by enemy torpedo boats.

Fryatt was taken captive and imprisoned in Zeebrugge, Belgium.

His arrest was precipitated by the discovery of a decoration he had received from the British Admiralty for his earlier exploits.

Despite the overwhelming odds, Fryatt remained defiant.

His trial, held in Bruges, was a farce. Contemporary accounts suggest that he was convicted before the proceedings even began. On the evening of his trial, Fryatt was executed and buried in a small cemetery outside Bruges.

The outcry in Britain was enormous. Asquith, in Parliament, stated: “The government are determined that this country will not tolerate a resumption of diplomatic intercourse until reparation has been made for this murder.”

Fryatt's sacrifice became a symbol of British resistance and a testament to the courage of the ordinary men and women who fought in the Great War.

While Fryatt's name may have faded from the public consciousness in Southampton, his legacy lives on. In Belgium, where he is remembered as a hero, his story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and justice.