Sydney Burnett – Mercantile Marine, S.S. Alacrity
Chief Engineer Sydney Burnett – Mercantile Marine, S.S. Alacrity
Birth and Family Background
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| William Burnett and Emma Johnson marriage certificate St Mary’s Church, Swansea |
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| 1891 Census |
At the time of the 1891 Census, the Burnett family were residing at 6 York Street, Swansea. William Burnett, aged 49 and born in London, was employed as a sea pilot, while his wife Emma, aged 47, managed the household. Their children were Emily (24), Florence (13), Edward A. (11), Beatrice (9), and Sydney (3).
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| 1901 Census |
By the 1901 Census, the family had moved to 15 Russell Street, Swansea. William, now aged 56, continued to work as a sea pilot, and Emma was aged 54. Their children were William John (28), a marine engineer; Florence L. (22); Edward A. (21), a clerk; Beatrice A. (19); and Sydney J., who was still attending school.
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| 1911 Census |
Emma Burnett died in 1908, and at the time of the 1911 Census the family were living at 1 Brynymor Crescent, Swansea. William, now 68 and widowed, was still employed as a sea pilot. Residing with him were Sydney J., aged 23, working as a marine engineer, and Beatrice, aged 29, a pianoforte teacher. Also present were a boarder, Charles S. Baul (23), and a servant, Mary Jones (22).
Sydney later married Mary Jones.
Mercantile Marine Service and Death
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| S.S. Alacrity |
The S.S. Alacrity was built by Castle Steel
& Iron Works Company, Milford Haven, in 1883, and at the time of her
loss was owned by Harries Brothers & Co., Swansea. She was a British
steamship of 1,080 tons.
On 30th March 1916, Alacrity was on
a voyage from Le Havre to Seaham Harbour, travelling in
ballast, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine UB-13,
off Southwold. Fourteen members of the crew were lost.
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| Sydney Burnett Tower Hill Memorial credit - Benjidog Historical Research Resources: The Merchant Navy Memorial |
Sydney Burnett 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
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