Richard Williams, Boatswain's Mate

Richard Williams, Boatswain's Mate, Mercantile Marine, HMS Tara. Died of illness at Holyhead on 25 June 1915, age about 58.

Born at Penroslligwy, Anglesey in 1857. He lived at 38 Gilbert Street, Holyhead with his wife Ellen and daughter Jennie. He had worked for the LNWR since 1890 and was a crew member of SS Hibernia when war broke out. He was taken ill whilst on patrol in the Irish Sea and eventually discharged from service with the ship and returned home. In 1911 the family lived at 38 Gilbert Street. Their daughter, Jennie (26) was unmarried and employed as a Dressmaker.

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 considered this differently and have included his name on the Memorial.

He is buried at Maeshyfryd Cemetery, Holyhead.

Additional information from Geraint S Griffith's book 'From Holyhead to Bir Hakkim (and back)', page 312.