Robert Pendrill Thomas Appeal
Everyone likes a mystery or two!
The
Commonwealth War Grave Commission, every so often publish a list of names of
service men who are buried in cemeteries around the country, and the Commission
would like to place a new memorial headstone, marking the final resting place
of man/woman. They are also looking for relatives. So, the latest list there is an entry for the
relatives of ROBERT PENDRILL THOMAS, who served with the Mercantile Marine on
board the S.S. “Bayronto” and died 30th July 1918 and is
buried at St. Samlet Churchyard, Llansamlet.
All seems
fine, however, when we look at the information provided.
Tower Hill Memorial, London |
If we look at the CWGC entry for Robert, what information do they have? They have just changed their record to included St. Samlet Church, however, Robert’s name on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The S.S. “Bayronto”,
a 4,668 GRT steam ship, owned by The Bay Steamship Co. Ltd., was en route from
Havre to Barry in ballast, when on the South-East of the Isle of Wight, was
attacked by UB-88, firing a torpedo, on the 30th July 1918. Two crew members were killed from the attack,
Robert and Muhammad Farah. The S.S. “Bayronto”,
limped back home for repairs. Muhammad
is commemorated on the Bombay 1914-1918 Memorial, Mumbai.
The Cambria Daily Leader, 10th August 1918 |
St. Samlet church Burial Register - West Glamorgan Archive Service |
Both the
obituary and Burial Register record that Robert’s residence was 4 Thomas Street,
Pontardawe.
So, we now must
look at the 1911 or 1901 Censuses to get some further information.
1911 Census |
The 1911 Census, Robert, 23, is living with his brother-in-law, David Evans, 37, at Plasycoed, Morriston. Robert’s occupation is listed as Engine Fitter. His place of birth is that of Morriston. Robert, however, on the census, has been recorded as Pendrill Thomas.
1901 Census |
A decade earlier, at the time of the 1901 Census, Robert, 13, is living with his parents, Robert and Hannah at 10 Railway Terrace, Pontardawe. Also present at the address are 3 siblings.
Sadly, a
year later, in September 1919, S.S. “Bayronto”, founded off Havana
following a hurricane with a loss of 11 crew.
Pontardawe War Memorial |
Swansea Merchant Navy Memorial |
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