Lewis Robert Griffith, SS Halberdier

The steamer, on a voyage from Manchester to London with general cargo, was torpedoed without warning and sunk by the German submarine, U-61, in a position 27 miles west by north from Bardsey Island, St George's Channel in the Irish Sea. Four other crew members were lost. A newspaper report of the inquest recorded that the attack took place at 2.30pm and that Chief Engineer Griffith had died as a result of a fractured skull. The crew escaped the sinking in their lifeboats and brought the body of their Chief Engineer with them. They were rescued by a patrol vessel and brought to Fishguard. The Halberdier had a crew of 16. The bodies of two Gunners, a Steward and a Fireman were not recovered.

Lewis Robert Griffith was born at Stanley Row, Holyhead to a seafaring family. He married Mary Jane Williams of Caernarfon at Liverpool in 1883 and they resided at Bryn Cybi, Gelert Street, Caernarfon. They had a son, Robert John Griffith, who in 1918 was an Army Captain. At the time of his death he was resident at 20 Zachariah Street, Salford, Manchester. Had also been resident at 26 Thomas Street, Holyhead, the home of his sister, Mrs Overington. His wife had died earlier in July 1912, aged 51. 

Awarded the Mercantile Marine Medal and British War Medal.

He was buried with his wife at Llanbeblig (St Peblig) Churchyard, Caernarfon (Section G, Grave 495) on 11 January 1918.

(CWGC Note - First Engineer Griffith's name also appears on Panel 8 of the Tower Hill Memorial, London where he was previously commemorated but will be removed when the panel is next replaced).