Robert John Seaborn Williams, Engineer Lieutenant RNR
Robert John Seaborn Williams, Engineer Lieutenant, RNR (Chief Engineer), HMS Tara. Died of illness, age 52, on 28 January 1916 at Bir Hakkim in the Libyan Desert whilst interned by the Sennusi.
Born at sea (South Pacific Ocean) on 8 July 1863, he was the husband of Catherine Williams (nee Williams) of Glandwr, Newry Street, Holyhead. They married at South Shields in 1896. In 1911 they were living at Glandwr, Newry Street, Holyhead. At the house was Robert J S Williams (47), Catherine Williams (44), Margaret Olwen Williams (11) and Eric Seaborn Williams (2). His father was a Master Mariner and in 1871 he had lived with his mother, Margaret Williams at 57 Upper Park Street, Holyhead.
He joined the LNWR on 29 October 1884 when aged 21, becoming Second Engineer in 1889 and Chief Engineer in February 1905. After receiving his RNR commission he joined the Tara on 5 October 1915 following the death of her previous Chief Engineer, Thomas Jones.
Robert J S Williams died of dysentery whilst held captive at the camp at Bir Hakim. His body was firstly buried at the camp and later re-interred at Alexandra. In his will he left the sum of £655, with probate granted to Robert Owen, Boilermaker and Richard John Williams, Superintendent Engineer.
Awarded the Mercantile Marine Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Buried at Alexandra (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, location G.53. Also remembered on a family grave at St. Seiriol's Churchyard, Holyhead (GFHS Ref. B262).
Additional details from the book 'From Holyhead to Bir Hakkim (and back)' by Geraint S Griffith.