Robert Evans - Royal Navy, H.M.S. Seagull

Stoker 2^nd Class Robert Evans - Royal Navy, H.M.S. Seagull

Birth and Family Background

Robert Evans was born in 1896 in Swansea, the youngest son of Benjamin Evans and Hannah Evans.

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, the Evans family were residing at 1 Stable Row, Spitty, Llanelly. Benjamin Evans (39) was employed as a tinplate worker, while his wife Hannah (38) managed the household. Their children were Ferdinand Llewellyn (16), a riser at the tinplate works; Benjamin (15), a cold roller; William John (13); David Charles (11); Griffith Thomas (9); Mary Olwen (7); and Robert (5).

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the family had moved to 14 Approach Road, Manselton, Swansea. Benjamin Evans (48) was then working as an assorter of tin plates, and Hannah (47) remained at home. Their children still living in the household were David Charles (21), a packer; Mary Olwen (19); Robert (15), employed as a riser; Iorwerth (8); Trevor (7); Sarah Hannah (6); and Gwylfa (3).

Naval Service

Royal Navy Records

Robert Evans entered service with the Royal Navy and trained as a stoker. He served as a Stoker 2^nd Class aboard H.M.S. Seagull, where his duties involved maintaining the ship’s boilers and engines—physically demanding work essential to the vessel’s operation.

H.M.S. Seagull

H.M.S. Seagull

H.M.S. Seagull was originally built as a torpedo gunboat and launched in 1889. In 1909, she was converted for minesweeping duties, a vital role during the First World War as the threat from naval mines increased around British coastal waters and shipping lanes.

In 1918, Seagull was sunk following a collision with the merchant vessel S.S. Corrib. Such incidents were not uncommon during wartime, when heavy traffic, poor visibility, and operational pressures increased the risks faced by naval and merchant vessels alike.

Death and Commemoration

British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records 

Robert Evans
Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth
credit - findagrave

The British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records record that Robert Evans died on 30^th September 1918. With no known grave, he is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, which honours members of the Royal Navy who lost their lives at sea during the First World War.