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
Following the attack, Robert’s body was brought home.  Two obituaries were published in The Cambria Daily Leader, on the 10th and 12th August, announcing the funeral at St. Samlet churchyard on the 12th.   The funeral was conducted by E. W. Jones. And his name was added to the Burial Registers.  Registers can be found at the 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 
Robert Pendrill Thomas is also commemorated at the Merchant Navy Memorial, Swansea and Pontardawe war memorial, where he is listed as Pendral Thomas

Swansea Merchant Navy Memorial 
So, if there is anyone out there who knows or is related to Robert get in touch with the Commonwealth War Grave Commission.

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