John Tyssul Davies, Royal Naval Reserve

Sub-Lieutenant John Tyssul Davies, Royal Naval Reserve

John Tyssul Davies was born in 1879 at Llandyssil, Cardiganshire, the son of Rev. Daniel Sawelian Davies and Margaret Davies (née Davies). His family later developed a connection with the Mumbles, through his mother, who at one time lived at Church Park, linking John to the area in which he would later be commemorated.

Early Life and Family Background

1881 Census

The earliest census on which John appears is the 1881 Census, when the family was residing at Cerdin Villa, Newcastle Emlyn, Cardiganshire. His father, Daniel, aged 34, was serving as the Curate of Llandyssil, while his mother Margaret, aged 33, cared for their young family. Both parents were born in Llansawel, Carmarthenshire. Their children at that time were Mary (9), Thomas Martin (7), Eleanor (4)—all attending school—and John, then 2 years old. Also living in the household was Rachel Evans, a 14-year-old servant.

1891 Census

By the 1891 Census, the family had grown and had moved to the Vicarage at Llanstephan, Carmarthenshire. Daniel, now 44, was recorded as a Clerk in Holy Orders, and Margaret, aged 42, remained at home. Their children present were John T. (12), Louisa M. (9), Latimer D. (7), and Chalmers S. E. (5)—all attending school—along with the younger children Ivor B. (2) and Hugh A. (1). The household was supported by two servants: Jane Elias (32) and Alice Jane Jones (21).

1901 Census

Certificate of Competency

The 1901 Census shows that the family were still resident at the Vicarage, Llanstephan, Carmarthenshire. Daniel, now 54, remained a Clerk in Holy Orders, and Margaret, aged 52, continued as homemaker. Their children present were Margaret (29); John (22), recorded as a Sailor; Latimer D. (17), a Student; and Hugh A. (11). Also in the household was Thomas Thomas (49), a visitor and Clerk in Holy Orders, along with two servants: Margaret Rees (20) and Benjamin Sharp (16).

In the same year, John was awarded a Certificate of Competency as Second Mate at the Port of Swansea, confirming that he had entered professional maritime service. He does not appear in the 1911 Census, consistent with his continued career at sea.

Marriage and Naval Career

John married Sybil Evelyn Hamilton Horlock Harding in 1908 at Forden, Montgomeryshire.
According to De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, he was educated at Llandovery College, after which he pursued a maritime career that led to his appointment as Sub-Lieutenant, Royal Naval Reserve, in August 1915.

During the First World War he served on several Royal Navy vessels, including H.M. Torpedo Boat Lucifer, H.M.S. Vengeance, and H.M.S. Hindustan. His duties placed him in roles that demanded skill, endurance, and leadership at sea during wartime operations.

Death and Burial

John Tyssul Davies
Woodland Cemetery, Gillingham, Kent
credit - findagrave

John died on 20^th January 1918 at the Royal Naval Hospital, Chatham, having contracted an illness during active service. His death was officially attributed to the conditions of wartime naval duty. He is buried at Woodland Cemetery, Gillingham, Kent, a burial ground used extensively for those who died in service at Chatham Dockyard and its associated hospitals.

Family Note

1921 Census

A notable detail recorded in later sources is that John’s brother, Rev. Latimer Daniel Davies, went on to become Vicar of Oxwich, a position he held at the time of the 1921 Census. The Davies family thus remained closely connected to both Carmarthenshire and Gower, reinforcing the local ties that link John to memorials in the Mumbles area.