WEEKEND of events to commemorate the centenary of the sinking of a hospital ship, which had men from Barnoldswick on board, will take place later this year.

The HMHS Rohilla struck Whitby Rock on October 30, 1914, and despite a rescue effort that lasted two days, the ship eventually sunk, killing 85 of the 229 people on board, including 12 men from Barnoldswick.

On the weekend of October 31 to November 2 this year events will take place in Whitby to remember the disaster.

Peter Thomson, curator of Whitby Lifeboat RNLI Museum, said: “We are planning a weekend that is full of events to commemorate the disaster.

“We also want to hear from any relatives of people who were on board the ship so that we can invite them to the weekend.”

The 12 men from Barnoldswick who died, were members of the St John’s Ambulance Brigade.

The weekend will begin on the Friday with an exhibition at the museum of artefacts from the Rohilla, which will take place all weekend.

On the Saturday there will be a demonstration in the harbour of the William Riley rowing lifeboat, which was used in the rescue and has since been restored by the Historic Lifeboat Trust.

There will then be a floatilla of ships which take relatives out to the wreck site where they can lay wreaths, and a plaque will be unveiled in memory of those who died on the Pier.

A concert will take place at St Hilda’s Church on Saturday night and on Sunday a memorial service will take place at St Mary’s Church.

If you know of anyone who was onboard the ship or know of any relatives of people who were on the ship call Mr Thomson on 01947 606094.