Ernest John Simons – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Hawke Battalion
Able Seaman Ernest John Simons – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Hawke Battalion Early Life Ernest John Simons was born in 1899 in Swansea , the son of Ernest Simons and Elizabeth Simons . He spent his early years in the closely connected working‑class community around Madoc Street, an area shaped by Swansea’s industrial growth and its reliance on railway and dock labour. 1901 Census The 1901 Census records the Simons family living at 73 Madoc Street, Swansea . Ernest’s father, Ernest , aged 22 , was employed as a Railway Platelayer , while his mother Elizabeth , aged 20 , cared for their young son, Ernest John , then 2 years old . This snapshot captures a young family beginning its life in one of Swansea’s busy industrial districts. 1911 Census By 1911 , the family had moved a short distance to 17 Madoc Street , remaining within the same familiar neighbourhood. Ernest’s father, now 33 , was working as a Labourer , and his mother Elizabeth , aged 31 , continued to run the hou...
