Ernest Frederick Andrews and Rita Andrews  – Civilian Casualties, S.S. Avoceta

Early Life

Ernest Frederick Andrews was born in 1868 in Manchester, the son of William John Andrews and Rachel Andrews. His early years were shaped by a family that moved across England and Wales due to his father’s employment on the railways.

1881 Census

By 1881, the Andrews family were living at 61 Front Street, Tynemouth, Northumberland. Ernest’s father, William J. Andrews, aged 48 and born in Devon, worked as a Ticket Collector on the Railway, while his Irish‑born wife Rachel, aged 42, managed the household. Their children at home were William F., aged 23, an Engine Fitter at Works; Ernest, aged 13; Arthur, aged 6; and Louisa, aged 4. Also present were William’s widowed father, William, aged 70, two servants—Annie Harvey, 26, and Catherine Laban, 16—and a lodger, Alfred Lingard, aged 29.

1891 Census

By 1891, the family had moved to 15 Contguet Road, Penarth, Cardiff. Rachel, now a 52‑year‑old widow, was the head of the household. Living with her were Ernest, aged 23, employed as a Cashier (C.C.); Archer, aged 16, working as a Clerk; and Louisa, aged 14, who was still attending school. The household also included a servant, Annie Marder, and two visitors, Jno. W. Middleton, aged 28, and Fred A. Middleton, aged 21.

1901 Census

By 1901, the Andrews family had relocated to 20 Uplands Crescent, Swansea. Rachel, aged 62, was described as living by her own means. Her children at home were Ernest, aged 33, and Arthur, aged 26, both working as Coal Exporters; Louisa, aged 24; Edith, aged 19; and Freda, aged 12. Also present were a visitor, Parry C. Le. Edwards, aged 30, and two servants, Annie Harvey, 42, and Maggie Brown, 20.

Marriage

France and Vicinity Marriage Banns

In May 1901, Ernest Frederick Andrews married Lucie Rita Thomas Closmadeuc in Paris, France, forming a family that blended Welsh, English, and French heritage.

1911 Census

By 1911, Ernest and his family were living at “Hor Neiz,” Radyr, Glamorgan. Ernest, aged 43, was employed as a Coal Exporter, while his French‑born wife Rita Lucie, aged 29, managed the household. They had two daughters: Nelly Louisa, aged 9, and Yvette Alice, aged 6.

Later Life

There are no further official records for Ernest or his wife until the time of their deaths. By the early 1940s, the couple were living at 22 Grosvenor Road, Sketty, Swansea, the home of Ernest’s sister. At the time of the sinking, the couple had not yet returned home to Swansea, and were still away when tragedy struck.

Loss of Ernest and Rita Andrews – S.S. Avoceta, 25^th September 1941

South Wales Daily Post 

Ernest and Rita Andrews lost their lives on 25 September 1941, following the sinking of the S.S. Avoceta during the Second World War. Their deaths were later reported in the South Wales Daily Post in October 1941, and their loss was deeply felt within the Swansea community.

The Sinking of S.S. Avoceta – 25^th September 1941

S.S. Avoceta

The S.S. Avoceta was a British passenger and cargo vessel operated by the Yeoward Line, running regular services between Liverpool, Lisbon, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. By 1941, the Atlantic had become one of the most dangerous theatres of the war, with German U‑boats intensifying their attacks on Allied and neutral shipping. Despite the risks, Avoceta continued to carry families, refugees, diplomats, and business travellers—many of whom were attempting to return to Britain from neutral Portugal.

On 25^th September 1941, Avoceta sailed as part of Convoy HG 73, homeward‑bound from Lisbon to Liverpool. The convoy soon came under sustained attack from a coordinated wolf‑pack of German submarines. Over several days, multiple ships were torpedoed, and the escorts struggled to protect the remaining vessels.

Shortly after dawn, the German submarine U‑203, commanded by Kapitänleutnant Rolf Mützelburg, fired a torpedo that struck Avoceta aft. The explosion was catastrophic. Many passengers were still below deck—families, children, elderly travellers, and businesspeople returning home. The blast destroyed several lifeboats and caused the ship to list heavily. Crew members attempted to organise an evacuation, but the vessel was sinking too quickly.

Within minutes, the S.S. Avoceta slipped beneath the surface of the Atlantic.

The loss of life was severe. Among those who perished were Ernest Frederick Andrews and his wife Rita Lucie Andrews, who had been returning to Swansea. The sinking of Avoceta became one of the most significant civilian maritime tragedies of the war, illustrating the indiscriminate nature of the U‑boat campaign and the vulnerability of even non‑military vessels.

The attack on Convoy HG 73 resulted in the loss of multiple ships and hundreds of lives, marking one of the darkest episodes of the Battle of the Atlantic. For families like the Andrews, the tragedy brought a sudden and devastating end to lives lived across borders, communities, and generation