Daniel Collins – Royal Naval Reserve S.S. Greavesash

Engineman Daniel Collins – Royal Naval Reserve S.S. Greavesash

Family Background and Early Life

Daniel Collins was born in 1897 in Swansea, the son of John Collins.

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, the Collins family were living at 5 Castle Walls, Swansea. John Collins (40) was a widower and employed as a general labourer. His children were Thomas (6); Daniel, recorded in the census as David (4); John (2); and an infant daughter Z., aged six months. Also residing in the household was a servant, Rachel Balling (29).

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, John Collins and Rachel Balling had married, and the family were still residing at 5 Castle Walls. John Collins (52) was employed as a dock labourer, while Rachel (39) managed the household. Their children at this time were Thomas (16), employed at the Bottle Stores; Daniel (14); John (12); and Nellie (10), all attending school; along with Alice (8); James (5); and William (2).

Maritime Service

Daniel Collins entered wartime service with the Royal Naval Reserve, serving as an Able Seaman aboard S.S. Greavesash. As an Able Seaman, his duties included lookout and watchkeeping, deck maintenance, handling ropes and rigging, assisting with cargo operations, and supporting defensive measures during action stations—work that placed him directly at risk, particularly on merchant vessels operating in submarine-infested waters.

S.S. Greavesash was a defensively armed British merchant steamer of 1,263 gross registered tons, built in 1917. Like many newly constructed merchant ships, she was equipped with defensive armament and operated under heightened risk as German submarine activity intensified in the Channel and Western Approaches.

Loss of S.S. Greavesash and Death

On 26^th February 1918, Greavesash was sailing in ballast from Le Havre to Barry Roads when she was torpedoed without warning by the German submarine UB-74. The attack occurred approximately 10 miles north-east of Cape Barfleur, France. Struck by the torpedo, the vessel sank rapidly, resulting in the loss of eight lives, among them Engineman Daniel Collins.

British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records

According to the British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, Daniel Collins lost his life on 26^th February 1918. No further personal details were recorded in the official documentation, a not uncommon occurrence for merchant and reserve personnel lost at sea.

Commemoration

Daniel Collins
Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth
credit - findagrave

Daniel Collins
Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth
credit - findagrave

Engineman Daniel Collins has no known grave. His sacrifice is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, which honours members of the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Reserve who were lost at sea during the First World War.