John Samuel Benson – Merchant Navy, S.S. Empire Tiger
Third Officer John Samuel Benson – Merchant Navy, S.S. Empire Tiger Early Life and Family Background John Samuel Benson was born in 1901 in Swansea , the son of Thomas Benson and Helena Mary Dark , who later married in 1905 , also in Swansea. 1911 Census By the time of the 1911 Census , the Benson family were living at 32 Gwydr Crescent, Swansea . John’s father, Thomas , aged 28 , was working as a Fishmonger , while his mother Helen Mary , aged 26 , managed the home. Their children were Thomas Robert (3) and John Samuel , then 6 months old . Also present in the household were Alice Maude Dabs (17), employed as a servant, and Elizabeth Jones (59), a monthly nurse. Education 1921 Census At the time of the 1921 Census , 10‑year‑old John was recorded as a pupil at Lucton School , Kingsland, Herefordshire, indicating that he received a formal education away from home. Marriage and Civilian Life In 1936 , John married Dorothy B. Gatehouse at Newport Market . 1939 Regis...
