William John Lewis, Superintendent Steward

William John Lewis, Superintendent Steward (Holyhead), Mercantile Marine. Died at sea, aged 54, as a result of enemy action on 10 October 1918 in the Irish Sea.

He is not formally included at a war casualty by the CWGC as he was not on duty at the time and was travelling as a passenger. He was reported as last seen assisting in the launching of the forward port lifeboat.Born at Holyhead the son of Lewis and Ann Lewis (nee Jones). He was the husband of Jane Lewis (nee Davies) and lived at 43 Newry Street, Holyhead. They married at Swansea in 1893 and had no children. His wife was born at Amlwch, Anglesey. He was the brother of the Leinster's Chief Steward, Lewis Lewis, who survived the sinking. He was the brother-in-law of William Mathias, Chief Engineer of the Leinster, who was also lost. He was the 'Arweinydd y Gan' at the Tabernacl Chapel in Thomas Street, Holyhead.

The census of 1891 records him as Second Steward on PS Ulster at Holyhead Harbour. In 1911 he lived with his wife at 43 Newry Street, Holyhead. Also present was his niece, Harriet Olwen Hughes (27) of Cemlyn, Anglesey.

He left £2,799.7s.9d to his wife in his will. His wife also received compensation from the Board of Trade for the loss of her husband. His wife died in 1923 aged 59.

His body was not recovered. He is remembered on a family grave at Holyhead (Maeshyfryd) Burial Board Cemetery and commemorated on a memorial plaque at Y Tabernacl Chapel, Thomas Street