Edward Higgison Coode – Merchant Navy

 Chief Steward Edward Higgson Coode – Merchant Navy

Birth and Family Background

Frederick Samuel Coode and Arabella Williams
marriage certificate
St. Mary's Church, Swansea

Edward Higgison Coode was born in 1901 at Swansea. He was the son of Frederick Samuel Coode and Arabella Williams, who were married on Christmas Day 1878 at St Mary’s Church, Swansea.

1911 Census

At the time of the 1911 Census, the Coode family were living at 17 Clifton Hill, Swansea. Frederick S. Coode (50) was employed as a cabinet maker, and his wife Arabella (50) managed the household. Their children were Ernest (24), a ship’s steward; Oscar (22) and Glyndon (20), both employed as port men; Caroline (11); Edward (9); and William (7), with the younger children attending school.

1921 Census

The 1921 Census records Edward H. Coode (19) residing at 27 Middle Road, Cwmbwrla, Swansea, in the household of William Weaver (38), a bricklayer foreman employed by J. F. Weaver, Builder and Contractor, and his wife Mary Weaver (37), who undertook household duties. Their children were William A. (11), Winifred M. (9), and Evelyn (5), all attending school. Edward was recorded as Mary Weaver’s cousin and was employed as a tube cutter with The British Mannesmann Tube Company.

Marriage

Edward Higgison Coode and Edith Aileen Vera Michael
marriage certificate
All Saints’ Church, Oystermouth

In April 1928, Edward Higgison Coode married Edith Aileen Vera Michael at All Saints’ Church, Oystermouth.

There is no entry for Edward Higgison Coode in the 1939 Register, although other members of the family were recorded as residing at Rock Cottage, Hill Street, Mumbles.

Maritime Service

Edward Higgison Coode served with the Merchant Navy, attaining the rank of Chief Steward. During the Second World War, he was serving aboard the S.S. Empire Gull.

Death and Commemoration

The S.S. Empire Gull was a British cargo steamer of 6,408 tons, built in 1919, and was formerly known as Brave Coeur until 1941.

On 12^th December 1942, while sailing in ballast on a voyage from Port Sudan and Aden to Lourenço Marques, and onward to Baltimore, Empire Gull was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-177. Of a total crew of 46, two men were lost, one of whom was Chief Steward Edward Higgison Coode.

South Wales Daily Post

Edward Higgison Coode’s death was later reported in September 1943 by the South Wales Daily Post, reflecting the delays that often occurred before losses at sea could be officially confirmed and made public.

Edward Higgison Coode
Tower Hill Memorial, London
credit - Benjidog Historical Research Resources
The Merchant Navy Memorial 

Edward has no known grave, and his name is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London, which honours members of the Merchant Navy who lost their lives at sea during the Second World War and whose burial places are unknown.