Harold Grey - Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, S.S. Dundalk

Ordinary Seaman Harold Grey - Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, S.S. Dundalk

Family Background and Early Life

Lewis Grey and Selena Jones
marriage certificate
St. Mary's Church, Swansea

Harold Grey was born in 1900 in Swansea, the son of Lewis Grey and Selena Jones, who were married in 1883 at St. Mary’s Church, Swansea.

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, the family surname was recorded as Gray, and they were residing at 64 Lower Aberdyberthi Street, Swansea. Lewis (40) was employed as a Watchman, while Selena (37) managed the household. Their children were Thomas Henry (17), employed at the Nickel Works; Albert Leslie (13), an Errand Boy in a tailor’s shop; Lewis Eustace (11); William Gordon (11); Agnes Grace (5); and Harold (1).

1911 Census

Selena died in 1906, and by the time of the 1911 Census, the family had moved to 37 Earl Street, Hafod, Swansea. Lewis (50), now widowed, was employed as an Engine Driver. His children at home were Thomas Henry (27), a Groom; Lewis Eustace (21) and William Gordon (17), both Labourers; Grace (15); and Harold (11), who was attending school.

S.S. Dundalk

S.S. Dundalk was built in 1899 by A. & J. Inglis for the Dundalk & Newry Steam Packet Company. She was a 794 gross register ton defensively-armed British merchant vessel, later owned by S. J. Cocks of Dundalk.

On 14^th October 1918, while on passage from Liverpool to Dundalk, she was intercepted and captured by the German submarines UB-123 and U-905, approximately five miles north-northwest of the Skerries, Anglesey. During the attack, 21 lives were lost, including the Master.

Naval Service and Death

Harold served with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve as an Ordinary Seaman aboard S.S. Dundalk.

British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records 

The British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records confirm that he lost his life on 14^th October 1918, during the loss of the vessel.

Harold Grey
Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth
credit - findagrave

With no known grave, Harold Grey is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, which honours members of the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve who were lost at sea during the First World War.