Alfred Edward Marsh, Chief Steward

Alfred Edward Marsh, Chief Steward, Mercantile Marine Reserve, HMS Scotia. Died, aged 37, on 12 July 1916 on active service in the Red Sea.

Born at St. Mawes, Cornwall in June 1879. At that time his father, William Marsh was employed as a Coastguard Boatman. His mother Catherine Marsh (nee Evans) originated from Anglesey.

In 1911 he lived with his family at Grange Villa, Rhosygaer Avenue, Holyhead (later at Hollywood, Rhosygaer Avenue). He was then aged 31 and employed as a Steward. His family included his wife, Jane Ann Marsh (nee Walmsley) (29), May (7), Cassie (5), Mary (3), Bessie (1) Alfie (under 1). They went on to have 8 children. He married at Holyhead in 1901. His wife, Jane Ann Marsh, died at Holyhead in 1960 aged 81.

According to family sources he died of pneumonia when serving on the ship in the Red Sea. CWGC records indicate that he died of heart desease. HMS Scotia was then part of the Red Sea Patrol. He was the brother of Albert Marsh, a survivor of the loss of HMS Tara (sister ship to HMS Scotia).

Buried at sea (Red Sea). Commemorated on Plymouth Naval Memorial, Panel 20.