Rees Arthur French

 

S.S. Ulea 
credit - uboat.net

S.S. Ulea was a 1,574-ton steam merchant ship built in 1936 by Burntisland Shipbuilding Co Ltd, Burntisland. It was owned by Glen & Co Ltd, Glasgow.

While traveling from Huelva to Clyde, the S.S. Ulea transported 2393 tons of copper pyrites. On the morning of October 28, 1941, at 05:08 and 05:09, the submarine U-432 launched a series of torpedoes at convoy HG-75, located east-northeast of the Azores. The attack resulted in hits on two ships, with one vessel sinking stern-first approximately four minutes later, which was to be confirmed as the S.S. Ulea. The vessel's master, twelve crew members, three gunners, and three passengers perished. HMS La Malouine rescued four crew members and one gunner, while HMS Bluebell recovered two more crew members and brought them to Liverpool.

S.S. Ulea
Tower Hill Memorial
credit - Benjidog Historical Research Resources
The Merchant Navy Memorial 

Steward Rees Arthur French, aged 43, was among the crew members who perished in the sinking.  Rees and the other 18 crew members are commemorated at the Tower Hill Memorial.

Ress Arthur French was born in 1899 and was the son of Charles French and Sarah Jane Morris, who were married at St. John-juxta-Swansea in 1891. 

 Charles French and Sarah Jane Morris
marriage certificate
St. John-juxta-Swansea

According to the 1901 Census, the French family resided at 6 Burrows Place. 

1901 Census

Charles, aged 31 and born in Holmfirth, Yorkshire, works as a Dock Labourer. Sarah J. is 26 years old.  Their children are

Amy, 8; John H., 5; William, 4; Rees A., 2; and Elizabeth H., 1 month.

Cambrian Daily Leader

In September 1908, the Cambrian Daily Leader published an article titled "Lad’s Theft from High-Street Station". Philip J. Davies, aged 14, and Rees A. French, aged 9, were accused of stealing pears from a basket at High Street Station. Rees was discharged with a caution and expressed his gratitude to the court by saying, "I thank you, sir," in a composed manner as he exited.

According to the 1911 Census, the French family resided at 181 Morfa Terrace, Landore. 

1911 Census

Charles, aged 31, works as a Timber Preserver for a Railway Sleeper. Sarah J. is 36 years old.  Their children are

Amy, 18; John Henry, 15; William, 14; Rees Arthur, 12; Elizabeth Hannah, 10; Esther, 8; Charles Edward, 6; David George, 4; Rachel Rose, 2; and Mary Margaret Emma Clementia, 1.

Incoming Passengers Lists

Desna

In April 1917, Rees departed from Buenos Aires, Argentina, on board the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, Desna, and arrived at Liverpool on the 13^th of May.

Rees entered matrimony with Elizabeth Hart. The 1921 Census indicates that they resided at 25 Ann Street, the residence of Elizabeth’s parents.

1921 Census

Michael Hart, 50 years old, was employed as a Stoker with the Mercantile Marine but was unemployed. Margaret Hart was 45 years old.  Their children were

Michael, 18, worked as a haulier for coal merchant Mr. Harry Williams in South Dock, Swansea. Norah, 16, and Catherine, 14, who assisted with household duties. Daniel, 11; Helen, 9, and Jeremiah, 5, all attended school.

Elizabeth, 21, and Rees, 22, who is unemployed and listed as Ships Coal Mercantile Marine, have a 1-month-old son named Charles.

Rees was listed on Crew Lists during the 1930s.

Massachusetts Crew List

Arriving Passenger and Crew List
(including Castle Garden and Ellis Island)

In November 1932, Rees was recorded on the Massachusetts Crew List in the United States following the arrival of the Baron Cochrane, which had departed from Grangemouth.

In November 1936, Rees arrived in New York after the Canadian Constructor had arrived from Sydney.

South Wales Evening Post

World War I and World War II
Shipping and Seamen Rolls of Honour

Merchant Seaman Deaths

Rees's death was reported in the South Wales Evening Post. His name is listed in the World War I and World War II Shipping and Seamen Rolls of Honour records and the Merchant Seaman Deaths record, which noted his home address as Pant Street.