Thomas Edward Cunningham

 

Thomas E. Cunningham

At the time of war, men and women enlisted and joined the services to fight for the cause.  Sadly, some of those who enlisted might have lost their lives not in action.

This was the case sadly with Thomas E. Cunningham.

Stoker 1^st Class Thomas E. Cunningham, died on the 22^nd of December 1940.  His was the last burial of 1940 at Danygraig Cemetery.

Thomas was the son of John Cunnigham and Lillian Walkley born in 1917.

At the time of the 1921 Census, the Cunnigham family were living at 25 Tortine Street, Swansea.

1921 Census

John, 24, was employed as Fireman at Sea, whilst Lillian was also 24 years old.

Their two children were Thomas 2 years old and Margaret Ellen who was 12 days old.

John died in 1927, aged 28 years, following a road accident

Lillian married for the second time to John Corbett in 1935.

At the time of the 1939 Register, Thomas, who was living at 127 Cwm Road.  His occupation is recorded as a Cutter Cartridge Cane Factory.

1939 Register

H.M.S. Galatea

Following the outbreak of the Second World War, Thomas enlisted and joined the Royal Navy, and served on the H.M.S. Galatea.  He was on home on leave.  

 South Wales Daily Post 

December 1940, Thomas, lost his life following injuries sustained in a road accident.  The South Wales Daily Post wrote an article reporting Thomas’ death.  A verdict of “Accidental Death” was recorded at an inquest, when Thomas was knocked down by a S.W.T. bus in Neath Road, during a black out.

Thomas’ sister, Margaret, married in 1938 to Thomas J. H. Connors, and they had a son, Thomas, born 1939.  At the time of the 1939, they were living at 60 Mount Pleasant, Swansea.

Sadly, Margaret, lost her life during 1943, and she was buried at Morriston Cemetery, with her mother and stepfather.

H.M.S. Galatea was sunk off Alexandria, Egypt, December 1941, after being hit by a torpedo fired from U-557.