This may be of interest.

On August 6 1914, in probably the first hostile action of the Great War, H.M.S. Amphion sank in the Thames estuary, off Harwich, having struck a German mine. One of the men lost was Leading Stoker William John HUGHES 286027 (Dev.), born March 15 1878 at Chepstow, Mon., son of Thomas HUGHES, 38 Church Street, Chepstow, Mon.

(Note: two men were lost on H.M.S. Falmouth on August 5 1914, but the cause of their deaths is not immediately known, and may not have been due to enemy action. Other deaths recorded for August 4 and 5 would appear to be due to illness.)