Hugh David Jones, Stoker

Hugh David Jones, Stoker, Mercantile Marine, HMS Cambria. Died, age 70, on 11 October 1915 at 5 Porthdafarch Road, Holyhead, cause unknown.

He had been employed by the LNWR since 1886 as a Fireman/Stoker and was recorded as serving on HMS Cambria up to the time of his death. A contemporary newspaper report (The Chronicle of 15 October 1915) suggests that he had retired from the LNWR at the end of 1914 at the age of 65 years having being in charge of the ship's dynamo. This is at odds with more official sources of information.

In 1911 the family lived at 5 Porthdafarch Road, Holyhead and comprised Hugh David Jones (65) a Marine Fireman, born at Rhoscolyn; Ellen Jones (60) born at Amlwch; Thomas Jones (40), single, born at Llandyfrydog, Anglesey, employed as a General Labourer and Mary Jones (25) born at Holyhead. An older daughter, Catherine (Kate) was born about 1880. The couple married in about 1869. Census returns indicate that he was the son of John and Catherine Jones of Rhoscolyn and prior to him taking employment as a Marine Fireman, he worked as an Agricultural Labourer.

He is not listed on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Debt of Honour Register. His omission may have been due to the nature of his demise not meeting the requirements for CWGC commemoration. The town may have considered this differently and has included his name on the Memorial.

He is buried at Holyhead (Maeshyfryd) Burial Board Cemetery - Grave location 2.972.

Thanks to Aled L Jones for additional information.