Edward Hugh George, HMT Vasco de Gama

Born on 3 August 1889 (RNR Service Record shows 1887) at Holyhead. He was the husband of Grace Ellen Owen (formally George, nee Roberts) of 12 Llaingoch, Holyhead. He was the son of Hugh George (Mariner) and Maggie George (nee Rielly) and in 1901 lived at 2 Wynne Street, aged 11. In 1911 he lived with his family, including 6 brothers, at 1 Baker Street, Holyhead, employed as a sailor, aged 22. He joined the LNWR at Holyhead in 1912.

He married Grace Ellen Roberts on 1 January 1913 at Tabor Chapel, Valley. They had three children - Maggie Grace George (b.1913, d.1915), Bessie George (b.1914) and Gladys George (b.1916, d.1932). Also lived at 16 Wynne Street, Holyhead.

The ship that capsized was the Sailing Ship Ben Lee. She had been in collision with the American liner Philadelphia in St. George's Channel and badly damaged. The trawler Vasco de Gama was involved in towing her into Holyhead Outer Harbour when the ship capsized. It is believed that Edward George was on the vessel at the time and was trapped below decks. His body was not recovered until 17 June 1916. The inquest was held on 19 June and he was buried the next day. His wife remarried in 1920 at Holyhead to John Owen and lived at 12 Llaingoch, Holyhead.

The Ben Lee was recovered from Holyhead Harbour at the end of WW1 and taken to Liverpool as a hulk.

Awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.

Buried at Holyhead (Maeshyfryd) Burial Board Cemetery, location 2.886. CWGC gravestone.

Thanks to Aled L Jones for the additional information.