Thomas Griffiths Nicholas, SS Dowlais

Dowlais, a defensively armed ship of 3016 tons, was built in Middlesborough in 1904 and based at Cardiff. She was torpedoed without warning by the German Submarine UB 48 off Cap de Fer, Algeria in the Mediterranean. The ship was en route from Greece for Bona and onto the Clyde carrying a cargo of copper ore. The Master and 25 crew were lost. She had been the subject of a salvage claim by the HM Tug Sprite in May 1917 in Scottish waters.He was born on 8 July 1898 at Holyhead, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Nicholas (nee Thomas) of 17 Cambria Street, Holyhead. In 1911 the family lived at 17 Cambria Street, Holyhead. At home was his mother Elizabeth (53) and sisters Maudie (14) and Agnes (12). His father and mother originated from Pembroke. In 1901 the family lived at 55 Porthyfelin, Holyhead. His father was employed as a Stoker for Trinity House (THV Triton) and died within a year of the loss of his son. His brother, David John Nicholas (b. 1894) also served with the Mercantile Marine during the Great War.

Awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.

Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Panel 25. Also remembered on a family grave in Holyhead (Maeshyfrd) Burial Board Cemetery and commemorated on a memorial plaque at Tabernacl Chapel, Thomas Street, Holyhead.