Ernest Arthur Griffiths – Merchant Navy

Greaser Ernest Arthur Griffiths – Merchant Navy

Birth and Family Background

Ernest Arthur Griffiths was born in 1908 at Swansea. He was the son of Arthur Griffiths and Mary Elizabeth Sobey, who were married in 1898 at Pontardawe.

1911 Census

At the time of the 1911 Census, the Griffiths family were residing at 37 Kilvey Terrace, Swansea. Arthur Griffiths (35), born in Breconshire, was employed as a railway guard, while his wife Mary Elizabeth (35), born in Cornwall, undertook household duties. Their children were Edith (13); Kate (11); Edward (9); Mary (5); Ernest, recorded as Arthur (3); and Lily (7 months), with those of school age attending school.

1921 Census

By the time of the 1921 Census, the family were still living at 37 Kilvey Terrace, Swansea. Arthur Griffiths (44) was employed as a yard foreman with the Midland Railway Company, while Mary Elizabeth (44) managed the household. Their children were Edward (19), a copper works labourer employed by Grenfell Works, Meter Bank Copper Sheet Mills; Mary (16), a factory assistant employed by Headon & Sweet Shop; Ernest (13); Lily (10); Winifred (8); and George (5), with the younger children attending school.

Also present was their widowed daughter Kate Johns (21), who undertook household duties, together with her daughter Margaret (1). A boarder, Sidney Quick (18), a motor driver employed by Mansel Beavon Motor Bus, was also recorded at the address.

Marriage

In 1934, Ernest Arthur Griffiths married Muriel Sobey in Cornwall.

Merchant Navy Service

Greaser Ernest Arthur Griffiths served in the Merchant Navy, working in the engine room as a greaser, a vital role responsible for the lubrication, maintenance, and safe operation of shipboard machinery.

Death and Commemoration

M.V. British Liberty

Ernest Arthur Griffiths lost his life on 6^th January 1940 following the sinking of the motor vessel British Liberty.

M.V. British Liberty was a British-registered motor tanker of 8,485 gross registered tons. On 6^th January 1940, while on a voyage from Haifa to Dunkerque carrying a cargo of crude oil, the vessel struck a British naval mine approximately four miles north-east of the Dyck Lightvessel. The explosion caused catastrophic damage, and the ship sank with the loss of 25 crew members, including Greaser Ernest Arthur Griffiths.

Merchant Seamen Deaths

Ernest Arthur Griffiths
Tower Hill Memorial, London
credit - Benjidog Historical Research Resources:
The Merchant Navy Memorial

The Merchant Seamen Deaths records confirm that Ernest’s home address was 4 Headland Terrace, West Cross. He has no known grave, and his name is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London, which honours members of the Merchant Navy who died during the Second World War and whose burial places are unknown.