Benjamin Herbert Rich, SS Kenmore

Benjamin Herbert Rich, Second Cook, SS Kenmore. Lost at sea, age 15, on 26 August 1917.

SS Kenmore, a British steamer of 3,919 tons, was built by Richardson, Duck & Co. Ltd., Stockton in 1912 and owned at the time of her loss by Johnston Line, Ltd. (Furness, Withy & Co. Ltd.), Liverpool. She was sunk by the German submarine U-53, 30 miles north from Inistrahull, Ireland whilst on a voyage from Liverpool to Baltimore with general cargo. Five persons were lost.He was the son of Mary Rich (nee Burnell), of 52, Porthyfelin, Holyhead, and the late John Rich. In 1911 the family lived at the same address and comprised Mary, a widow (42), Edward Burnell, a Quarry Labourer (21), John Rich, a Quarry Labourer (16), Annie Rich (14), Gertrude Rich (11) and Benjamin H Rich (9). All were born at Holyhead. His mother, Mary, died at Liverpool in 1937. His father, John, born in Norfolk, accidentally drowned at the Breakwater Quay in 1902 whilst employed at the Silica Works, Holyhead Mountain Quarry. He was 42 years old and had completed 21 years as a Marine in the Royal Navy.Commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Note: The Holyhead War Memorial "Order of Service and Book of Remembrance" has Benjamin Herbert Rich listed against SS Kenmare. However, this is at odds with the CWGC "Debt of Honour Register" which has him listed as being lost on the SS Kenmore, on the date indicated above.