William Henry Parry, HMS Lunka
Stoker, U782, RNR, HMS Lunka. Died of dysentry at Bombay, India, age 38 on 20 August 1915.
HMS Lunka was previously a passenger cargo vessel built in 1904 and commissioned as an Armed Boarding Steamer in July 1915 to serve in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea. She was initially fitted with one 6" gun and then later with three 4.7" guns.
William was born at Amlwch, Anglesey on 20 July 1877, the son of Henry and Elizabeth Parry (nee Williams). His father was employed at Holyhead Gasworks. William was the husband of Mary Ellen Parry (nee Owen). They married at Carnarvon in 1904.
In 1911 the family lived at 9 Roland Street, Holyhead and comprised William Henry Parry (33), employed as a Ship's Fireman; Mary Ellen Parry (31), born at Carnarvon; Catherine Parry (5) and Mair Davies Parry (3). Another child was born at a later date. He had been in the employment of the City of Dublin Steam Packet Company for 19 years with 11 of these spent on RMS Leinster. He enrolled with the RNR on 31 July 1899 and joined for active service on 12 August 1914. He also served on the armed merchant cruisers HMS Empress of Japan and HMS Crown of Galicia.
He was admitted to St. George's Hospital, Bombay on 12 August 1915 and died there a week later. At the time of his death the family were living at 8 Roland Street, Holyhead.
Awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Initially buried at Sewri Cemetery, Bombay. Grave reference N7.B2 and then moved with others to Kirkee War Cemetery, Poona, India. The graves are unmarked. He is commemorated on Face A of the 'Kirkee 1914-1918 Memorial' at the cemetery.