John David Crispin, Fourth Engineer

John David Crispin, Fourth Engineer, Mercantile Marine, RMS Leinster. Lost at sea, aged 49, as a result of enemy action in the Irish Sea on 10 October 1918.

Born at Holyhead he was the son of the late Thomas Churchward Crispin and Ann Crispin (nee Nicols). He was the husband of Mary Elizabeth Crispin (nee Evans) of 38 Maeshyfryd Road, Holyhead. They married at Holyhead in 1904.

The 1901 Census records John David Crispin as Fifth Engineer on the PS Banshee at Holyhead Harbour. Prior to being married he lived with his parents at 16 Newry Street and later at 9 Upper Park Street, Holyhead. His father was a Marine Engineer for the CoDSPCo. and was born at Shepton Mallett, Somerset. He retired as Chief Engineer and died in 1895. His mother originated from Scotland.

In 1911 the family lived at 38 Maeshyfryd, Holyhead and comprised John David Crispin (42), Marine Engineer, Mary Elizabeth Crispin (36), born at Llanidloes, Montgomeryshire and Irene C Crispin (1). In his will he left £202.8s.3d to his wife. She later died in Anglesey in 1964, aged 89. His daughter, Irene, married Owen G Roberts in 1940. His sister, Jessie Louisa Crispin, was the wife of Staff Sergeant George Henry McIroy, who died at Billericay, Essex in 1918 whilst serving with the Labour Corps. She died in 1909.

Awarded the Mercantile Marine Medal and British War Medal.

Commemorated at Tower Hill Memorial.