William Cotter – Royal Naval Reserve, H.M. Trawler Gambri
Engineman William Cotter – Royal Naval Reserve, H.M. Trawler Gambri William Cotter was born in 1889 in Swansea , the son of Matthew Cotter and Margaret Davies . Family Background and Early Life 1901 Census William is recorded in the 1901 Census , when the Cotter family were residing at 113 Llangyfelach Street, Swansea . His father, Matthew Cotter (52) , who was Irish-born, was employed as a dock labourer , while his wife Margaret (43) managed the household. Their children were Catherine (23) , John W. (16) , William T. (12) , James T. (10) , Matthew R. (4) , and Francis J. (1) . Naval Service William later entered wartime service with the Royal Naval Reserve , serving as an Engineman aboard H.M. Trawler Gambri . In this role, he was responsible for the operation and maintenance of the vessel’s engines—an essential and hazardous duty aboard small auxiliary patrol vessels tasked with minesweeping and coastal defence in heavily mined waters. H.M. Trawler Gambri was built ...
