Owen Hughes Roberts, Greaser
Owen Hughes Roberts, Greaser, Mercantile Marine Reserve, HMS Tara. Died as a prisoner of war of the Senussi, age 28, on 19 February 1916.
Born at Holyhead he was the son of Jane Roberts of 24 Llainfain, Holyhead and the late Robert Roberts. The family had previously resided at 55 Fferam Gorniog, Holyhead (1891), 32 Llaingoch, Holyhead (1901) and from 1911 at 24 Llainfain, Holyhead.Owen was educated at Llaingoch School, Holyhead and was previously employed as a Pier Trimmer before joining HMS Tara on 13 March 1915.
He died of the combined effects of starvation, dysentery and consumption whilst in captivity at Bir Hakkim.
Awarded the Mercantile Marine Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
He was originally buried at the camp at Bir Hakkim and then relocated to the Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, location G54.
He was a close friend of Margaret, the daughter of Robert Phillips, who died in the initial attack. It is believed that Robert knew very little about the relationship that Owen had with his daughter. A collection of postcards written by Owen to Margaret during 1915 and prior to the ship being sent to the Mediterranean, have recently been donated to the Holyhead Maritime Museum.