Hugh Osmond, Boatswain, SS Hollington. Probably lost with the sinking of the vessel on 2/3 June 1917.
Born in Holyhead on 5 May 1880, the son of Edward and Mary Jane Osmond (nee Hughes). He attended the National School at Holyhead, being admitted on 31 March 1885. He is the brother of Albert Osmond, who died in January 1915, whilst serving on SS Max Brock. Another brother, Arthur Llewelyn Osmond served with the Royal Engineers.The family lived in Cambrian Street, Holyhead and later at Market Street. In 1902 he was serving as an AB Seaman on SS Amasis at Liverpool. He had previously served on SS Tauric. Signed up as crew on SS Barranca in June 1915 but deserted the ship prior to sailing from Avonmouth to Garston, Liverpool. Known to have lived with his brother Thomas at 8 Greenfield Terrace, Holyhead and also at 'The Hollies', Front Bath Street, Holyhead.
SS Hollington, built by Northumberland SB. Co. Ltd., Newcastle in 1912 and owned at the time of her loss by F. S. Holland, London, was a British steamer of 4221 tons. On 3 June 1917, Hollington, on a voyage from Liverpool to White Sea, was sunk by the German submarine U-95 in a position 14 miles south of the Faroe Islands resulting in the loss of 32 persons. She was believed to be carrying a large amount of tin and also ammunition and small arms for the Tzar of Russia.
The 'Holyhead Chronicle' of 13 July 1917 reported on a communication received by his next of kin, Thomas Osmond, from the shipowners notifying him of the death of his brother when his ship was torpedoed. However, Hugh Osmond is not listed with the Commonwealth War Graves Commision (CWGC) Debt of Honour Register as having been lost whilst serving on SS Hollington. Neither is his name included on the Tower Hill Memorial for the ship.
Up to the present time a search of records has failed to identify official cause and location of death. There is no record of him receiving any WW1 service medals.
Thanks to Aled L Jones for the additional information.