Benjamin Ambridge – Mercantile Marine Reserve, R.F.A. Industry
Fireman Benjamin Ambridge – Mercantile Marine Reserve, R.F.A. Industry
Benjamin Ambridge was born in 1896 at Ystalyfera,
Glamorgan, the son of Benjamin Ambridge and Mary Ann Bazzant.
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| 1901 Census |
At the time of the 1901 Census, the Ambridge family were living at 20 Brick Row, Allt-y-Grug, Ystalyfera. Benjamin Ambridge senior (42), born in Lincolnshire, was employed as a coal hewer. His wife, Mary Ann (34), managed the household.
Their children present were Edward (15), a coal hewer; Margaret A. (14), employed as a domestic servant; and Benjamin (5).
Also recorded in the household were four visitors: Alfred
Ambridge (41), Harry Hodgkiss (24), William Lewis (31), and Robert
Horacks (45).
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| 1911 Census |
By the 1911 Census, the family were residing at Ynisydarren Road, Ystalyfera. Benjamin Ambridge senior (57) was employed as a colliers’ labourer (below ground). Mary Ann was absent from the census return.
The household included their son Charles (25), a fish
hawker, and his wife Bessie (24). Also present were sons Benjamin
(16), working as a colliery assistant (hewer); Alfred (9); Stanley
(7); and Bertie (5).
Two grandchildren were also recorded: Charles (5) and Addie (4).
A young servant, Edith Roberts (13), was employed in the household.
Marriage
In 1915, Benjamin Ambridge married Rosie
Cady, of 3 Rosehill Cottage, Treharne Road, Morriston.
Service and Death
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| R.F.A. Industry |
Industry was a British steamship of approximately
1,460 tons, built in 1901 by W. Beardmore & Co. Ltd., Glasgow.
Originally constructed as a steel-hulled cargo vessel, she was later
requisitioned for government service during the First World War and
operated by the Royal Navy as part of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
Ships of this type were essential to the war effort, transporting coal,
fuel, and naval stores, and were crewed largely by men of the Mercantile
Marine Reserve.
By 1918, German U-boat activity had
intensified in the Irish Sea and surrounding waters, and despite the
introduction of convoy systems and defensive measures, losses continued
into the final weeks of the war.
On 18th October 1918, just weeks before
the Armistice, Industry was torpedoed and sunk near the Strangford
Light Buoy by the German submarine UB-92. The attack resulted in the
loss of the vessel and 21 members of her crew, including Fireman
Benjamin Ambridge.
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| British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records |
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| Benjamin Ambridge Plymouth Naval Memorial credit - fidnagrave |
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| Benjamin Ambridge Plymouth Naval Memorial credit - fidnagrave |
According to the British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, Benjamin was killed in action in this incident. Having no known grave, he is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
His death reflects the continued dangers faced by
merchant and auxiliary seamen until the very final weeks of the First
World War.
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