Ernest Woollard
I will provide an example of my research work that can be undertaken.
About my recent post about Swansea St. Joseph’s Cathedral, my
second cousin, Ernest Woollard, is commemorated on the Second World War panels.
Ernest, who was born in 1921, was the son of Hugh Vaughan
Woollard and Julia Shea. He was one of 8
children. Hugh and Julia were married in
1906.
At the time of Ernest’s birth, the Woollard family was
residing at 12 Llangyfelach Street, Brynmelyn
 |
| 1921 Census |
The 1921 Census indicates that Hugh, aged 38, was employed
as a Patent Fuel Worker at Sun Patent Fuel Company, although he was currently
out of work. Julia, also aged 38, was responsible for managing the household
duties. Their children were
William John, aged 14, is noted as not having an occupation
and is recorded as having a disability. Hugh, aged 12, is attending school. The
other individuals are Frederick, aged 10; Mary, aged 8; Jeremiah, aged 6;
Samuel, aged 1; and Ernest, aged 3 months.
Ernest’s name isn’t listed on the 1939 Register.
Ernest held the position of Able Seaman in the Merchant Navy
and was a crew member aboard the M.V. San
Emiliano.
 |
| M.V. San Emiliano |
The registered owners of M.V. San Emiliano were Eagle Oil and Shipping Co. Ltd, London.
The final voyage of M.V. San
Emiliano commenced from Swansea on April 29th, 1942,
subsequently joining convoy OS 27
heading southbound towards Freetown. Convoy OS
27 comprised 48 ships and 11 escorts.
Before reaching Freetown, the M.V. San Emiliano separated from the convoy and proceeded alone to the
oil refinery on the island of Curaçao off the coast of Venezuela, arriving
there on 27th May 1942. The vessel loaded petrol and departed in a
convoy to Trinidad on 29th May 1942, then continued independently to
Takoradi, arriving on 16th June 1942. After unloading the cargo, the
vessel sailed independently back to Curaçao, arriving on 17th July.
Upon arrival at Curaçao, the M.V. San Emiliano loaded high octane fuel and departed for Trinidad on
29th July, arriving on 31st July. Subsequently, on 6th
August, she set sail independently for Cape Town.
On 9th August 1942, the M.V. San Emiliano was struck by two torpedoes fired by the German
submarine U-155, resulting in a
significant explosion. This incident is discussed in the television series 'World
at War' episode 'Wolf Pack: U-Boats in the Atlantic 1939 - 1944',
which includes footage of some survivors being rescued. Out of the 48
individuals on board, only 8 survived.
 |
| Ernest Woollard Tower Hill Memorial, London |
Ernest wasn’t one of those who survived. The crew are commemorated at the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
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