John Williams, Fireman
John Williams, Fireman, Mercantile Marine, RMS Leinster. Lost at sea, aged 29, as a result of enemy action in the Irish Sea on 10 October 1918.
He was born at Gwalchmai, Anglesey the son of Owen and Elizabeth Williams (nee Jones). Married Mary (nee Hughes) during 1910 and lived at 9 Summer Hill, Holyhead. He had previously worked as a Coal Miner at Aberfan, south Wales but moved to Holyhead to work for the CDSPCo. as his wife was concerned about the dangers of his work. In 1911 the family lived as boarders at 6 Glyn Dwr Street, Merthyr Vale, Merther Tydfil, south Wales. The house was the residence of Owen and Ellen Jones. Ellen originated from Gwalchmai, Anglesey. At this time they had a child, LIzzie, born at Gwalchmai the previous year. It is believed that they also had a son, John, born in 1913. In 1901 he lived at Minfordd, Newborough, Anglesey. At this time his father was employed as a Railway Porter.
Family were told that he saved a woman passenger and had gone below to save another when he was lost.
His brother, Sergeant David Owen Williams, was killed on 6 November 1916 at the Somme whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers.
Awarded the Mercantile Marine Medal and British War Medal.
He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. He is also commemorated on the Gwalchmai War Memorial.
With thanks to Mary Carr for the photograph of her grandfather.