A First World War Death Plaque to Ordinary Seaman Michael McGregor, RNVR, Tyneside/Z533, H.M.S. Bayano, who was killed in action with a submarine off the Clyde on 11th March 1915.

HMS Bayano (10th Cruiser Squadron) was an armed merchant cruiser that deployed experimental indicator nets to counter German submarines. She was in the North Channel en route back to Liverpool and had reduced speed to avoid passing the net line in the dark when she was sunk by a single torpedo fired by German U-boat U 27, under the command of Kapitänleutnant Bernd Wegener.

The torpedo, fired in the early hours of the morning when the Bayano was returning to Liverpool for re-coaling, caused a large explosion which flung many sleeping men from their hammocks and killed many near the impact point of the engine room instantly. The initial blast was followed by secondary explosions as the ship's magazine was detonated, causing the vessel to fill with smoke and water. Wireless operators reputedly remained at the posts to broadcast SOS, others stayed to hand out life jackets to frightened crewmates, and the Captain resolved to go down with the ship after seeing as many of his crew to safety as possible. The U-boat captain reported seeing three lifeboats launched and many scrambling to board them, although the suction from the sinking caused others in the water to be pulled under.

One hundred ninety-five officers and ratings were lost, including the Captain, described by an eye-witness as smiling and looking down at the men who had made it to the lifeboats, waving goodbye and shouting "Good luck to you boys" before disappearing under the waves. An article about the sinking can be found in The North Star, 15 Mar 1915, Mon, Page 5.

U-boat Kapitänleutnant Wegener claimed a total of 10 ships and two warships. Wegener was later killed under controversial circumstances. On 19th August, he was attacking the Nicosian, a steamer of which all hands had left the ship, and was struck by the British Q ship Baralong, which was using the US colours to get near her, only hoisting the proper British colours at the moment she attacked U27. The U-boat was shot to pieces. Six survivors, amongst whom was Wegener, tried to save themselves by trying to get on board the Nicosian.

Sources do not agree with each other; some say they were shot in the water, and others say that they were shot on board the Nicosian or even in revenge for the Lusitania.