John Williams, Seaman
John Williams, Seaman, Mercantile Marine, HMS Cambria. Died on 24 June 1917, age 61, at Holyhead, cause unknown.
He was born at Carnarvon in around 1856. He joined the LNWR in 1883 as a Seaman and was employed with them up to the time of his death whilst serving on HMHS Cambria. He married his wife in about 1884. In 1911 he was living, aged 54, at Tandderwen, Garden Place, London Road, Holyhead with his wife, Jane Williams (51) - from Nevin and children - Lizzie Williams (17), Robert Williams (15) - employed as a Grocer's Errand Boy, Annie (12) and Martha (10). There were two other children - John Williams (b. about 1881) and Catherine Williams (b. about 1885). The family had previously lived at 9 Old Station and 9 Porthdafarch Road, Holyhead. He died at home at Tandderwen.His son Robert Williams was lost on HMHS Anglia when it was mined in the English Channel in November 1915.
No record of medal award can be identified.
He is not listed on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Debt of Honour Register. His omission being due to the nature of his demise not meeting the requirements for CWGC commemoration. The town has considered this differently and has included his name on the Memorial.
Buried at Holyhead (Maeshyfryd) Burial Board Cemetery, grave location 2.27. Commemorated on a memorial plaque at Noddfa Chapel, London Road, Holyhead.
With thanks to Aled L Jones for additional information.