Thomas Morris – Royal Naval Reserve, H.M.S. Eagle
Engineman Thomas Morris – Royal Naval Reserve, H.M.S. Eagle
Early Life and Family Background
Thomas Morris was born in 1873 in Swansea, the son of
Thomas Morris and Elizabeth Davies. He grew up in an industrial district of the
town, typical of the working‑class communities that supported Swansea’s
expanding metal and maritime industries.
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| 1881 Census |
By the time of the 1881 Census, the Morris family were living at 6 Gray Street, Mysydd, Swansea. Thomas’s father, aged 28, was employed as a Furnace Man, while his mother, Elizabeth, aged 29, was at home caring for their young family. Their children were Thomas, aged 8; David J., aged 6; and Mary C., an infant of just eight months. Also living with them was John Davies, a 21‑year‑old boarder, reflecting the common practice of taking in lodgers to supplement household income.
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| 1891 Census |
A decade later, the 1891 Census recorded the family at 41 Vivian Street, Swansea. Thomas’s father, now 39, was working as a General Labourer, and his mother, also 39, continued to manage the home. Their children still living with them were Thomas, aged 19, and David J., aged 17, both employed as General Labourers, along with Mary Catherine, aged 11, and Sarah, a baby of six months. A lodger, Joseph Davies, aged 26, was also present in the household.
Marriage and Early Married Life
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| Thomas Morris and Jessie Couch marriage certificate St. Mary's Church |
In 1892, Thomas married Jessie Couch at St Mary’s Church, Swansea.
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| 1901 Census |
By the 1901 Census, the couple were living at 8 Cwm Terrace, Swansea. Thomas, aged 29, was employed as a Stoker, while Jessie, also 29, was at home caring for their son Stanley, aged 7.
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| 1911 Census |
By 1911, the family had moved to 13 Frederick Street, Brynhyfryd, Swansea. Thomas, now 39, was working at sea as a Fireman, a demanding and physically strenuous role. Jessie, also 39, was recorded at home with their growing family. Their children were Stanley, aged 17, employed as a Labourer in the Electric Department; William, aged 9; Lillie, aged 7; and Ivor, a baby of four and a half months. A visitor, Walter Jones, aged 25, was also present in the household at the time of the census.
Duties of an Engineman
As an Engineman in the Royal Naval Reserve, Thomas Morris
held a skilled and physically demanding engineering role, responsible for the
operation, maintenance, and repair of a ship’s machinery. His duties included
keeping the boilers and engines running safely and efficiently, managing the
vessel’s coal or oil fuel systems, and maintaining the pumps, valves, and
auxiliary machinery essential to the ship’s daily functioning. Enginemen were
also expected to carry out emergency repairs, often in difficult and dangerous
conditions at sea. The work was hot, noisy, and labour‑intensive, requiring
technical knowledge, strength, and endurance. On smaller naval vessels, where
engineering crews were limited in number, each Engineman carried significant
responsibility, and although their contribution was largely unseen by the public,
it was vital to the safety, mobility, and overall success of every mission.
War Service and Death
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| British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records |
During the First World War, Thomas served with the Royal Naval Reserve, where his engineering skills were essential aboard naval vessels. According to the British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, he was serving on H.M.S. Eagle when he died on 12th April 1920, his death recorded as being due to disease. Although occurring after the Armistice, his death was directly connected to his wartime naval service.
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| Thomas Morris Cwmgelly Cemetery, Swansea credit - findagrave |
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