William Evan Hughes
William Evan Hughes, 3rd Engineer, Mercantile Marine, SS Connemara, died on 3 November 1916, age 34, due to a collision at sea.
Born at Holyhead on 25 October 1882, he was the son of Anne Hughes of Albert House, 41 Holborn Road, Holyhead. His mother was born at Llanfair-yn-Neubwll. In 1911 he was living with his widowed mother, Annie (54), at 41 Holborn Road. His father had died 2 years previously. His siblings included Elizabeth Ann Hughes (20), John Ivor Hughes (18) - a Law Clerk. William Evan Hughes was then employed as Marine Engineer, aged 28.He joined Holyhead Marine Department as Fourth Engineer in November 1909 and married Catherine J Lilian Williams in 1912. At the time of his death he was living with his family at 1 Boston Villas. Kingsland, Holyhead.
His daughter, Leila Avril Hughes was born on 5 April 1915 and trained as a teacher. She taught at Holyhead County School for many years and married Clifford E Jones in 1963. She died in 1996, aged 80.
Compensation was paid 'out of court' to Mr David Williams, County Councillor, the father-in-law of William Evan Hughes, in order that it could be invested in Exchequer Bonds bearing 6 per cent.
He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, Mercantile Marine Medal, Victory Medal and British War Medal. These are on display at Holyhead Maritime Museum.
His body was recovered and buried at Maeshyfryd Cemetery, Holyhead - Section 2, Grave 1418.