Llewelyn Humphrey Williams, SS Saint Ninian

SS Saint Ninian, a 3,026 ton defensively armed merchant ship was built by D & W Henderson Ltd, of Glasgow in1894. Fitted with a 12 pounder stern gun, she was operated by the Saint Ninian Steamship Company, Ltd. (A. Mackay & Co.), also based in Glasgow.The SS Saint Ninian left Port Kelah, Algeria on 18 January bound for Middlesbrough with a cargo of iron ore (iron pyrites). On the day of her loss she had progressed as far as Whitby. The wind was light and westerly and the sea state smooth with visibility at about a mile. The vessel was making six knots on a westerly heading inside the war channel.At 11am she was between the W and H buoys when an SOS was heard from the torpedoed steamer SS Corsican Prince half a mile away. The master brought the ship to a dead stop and launched a rescue boat. Shortly afterwards survivors and the rescue party saw the periscope of a submarine (UB 34) only 200 yards away from the SS Saint Ninian. Their shouts and signals went unnoticed by the ship and a torpedo was discharged. At this range it could not miss the stationary target and the ship sank within five minutes killing 15 of the crew of 28, including the Master. The survivors were picked up by HM Minesweeper Recepto and landed at Whitby.

Born at Holyhead in 1891, he was the son of William Williams of 6, Stanley Crescent, Holyhead and the late Winifred (Gwen) Williams (nee Roberts). He was a member of a large family. His father originated from Portdinorwic and was employed as a Ship's Carpenter. His mother was born at Barmouth. They lived at various addresses in Holyhead, including 49 Newry Street and 3 Bryn-y-Mor Terrace. In 1911 Llewelyn was employed as an Engine Fitter in the shipbuilding industry and was living in lodgings at 71 Church Street, Birkenhead.

Awarded the Mercantile Marine Medal and British War Medal.

Commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London

Image from http://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?12243