Hector Fuge Fisher – Mercantile Marine, S.S. Isleworth

Boatswain Hector Fuge Fisher – Mercantile Marine, S.S. Isleworth

Birth and Family Background

Hector Fuge Fisher was born in 1880 in Swansea, the son of George Harman Fisher and Alice Fuge, who were married in 1860 at Swansea.

1881 Census

The Fisher family appear in the 1881 Census residing at 20 Jones Terrace, Swansea. The head of the household was William Fuge, aged 70, born in Gower, who was employed as a stableman, with his wife Elizabeth, aged 71, also born in Gower. Living with them was their married daughter Alice Fisher, aged 39, a dressmaker (not employed), along with her children: Elizabeth A. (15), a shop assistant (drapers); William H. (13), an office boy; John F. (10); George N. (8); James C. (5), all attending school; and Hector F., aged one.

1891 Census

By the time of the 1891 Census, George Fisher was still absent from the household, but the family were residing at 13 Pleasant View Terrace, Swansea. Alice Fisher, now aged 49, was recorded with her children Elizabeth A. (24); John (20), a haulier; James A. (15), a spirit bottle collector; and Hector F., aged 11, who was attending school.

Royal Navy Service

Royal Navy Records

In 1897, Hector enlisted in the Royal Navy. His first recorded ship was HMS Impregnable, and his final posting, in 1906, was aboard HMS Victory I.

Marriage

In 1906, Hector married Margaret Jane Davies.

1911 Census

The 1911 Census records the Fisher family living at 15 Evans Terrace, Swansea. Hector, aged 31, was employed as a rigger, and his wife Margaret Jane, aged 35, managed the household. Their family consisted of a stepson, William F. (12); Leslie Graham Fuge (2); and Hector George Harman, aged two months.

Mercantile Marine Service and Death

During the First World War, Hector served with the Mercantile Marine, holding the rank of Boatswain (Bosun) aboard the S.S. Isleworth.

S.S. Isleworth

The S.S. Isleworth was built by R. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, in 1896, and at the time of her loss was owned by Britain Steamship Company Ltd., London. She was a British steamship of 2,871 tons.

On 30^th April 1918, Isleworth was on a voyage from Bilbao to Middlesbrough, carrying a cargo of ore, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine UC-17. The sinking occurred approximately three miles south-west of Ventnor Pier, Isle of Wight. Twenty-nine members of the crew were lost.

Hector Fuge Fisher
Tower Hill Memorial
credit - Benjidog Historial
Research Rescources: 
The Merchant Navy Memorial

Hector Fuge Fisher
Tower Hill Memorial
credit - Benjidog Historial
Research Rescources: 
The Merchant Navy Memorial

Hector Fuge Fisher was among those who lost their lives. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London, which honours members of the Merchant Navy who died during the First World War and have no known place of burial.