Walter Chelley – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, S.S. Heron

Able Seaman Walter Chelley – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, S.S. Heron

Family Background and Early Life

Walter Chelley 

Walter Chelley was born in 1878 in Swansea, the son of James Chelley and Catherine Wellington.

1881 Census

At the time of the 1881 Census, the Chelley family were living at 88 Symons Street, Swansea. James Chelley (46), who had been born in Cornwall, was employed as a general labourer foreman, while his wife Catherine (41), also Cornish-born, managed the household. Their large family included Emma Jane (23), Henry (18), Thomas (17), and William (15), all working as labourers; Mary Catherine (13), Peter (11), James (9), and Walter (2), who were attending school; and Charles, aged just six weeks. Also present in the household was a granddaughter, Elizabeth A.

1891 Census

By the 1891 Census, the family had moved to 88 Wheatfield Terrace, Swansea. James Chelley (55) continued to work as a general labourer, and Catherine (52) remained at home. Their children still living with them were William (24) and Peter (20), both employed as general labourers, along with James (18), Walter (13), and Charles (11), the latter two attending school.

Marriage and Family Life

1901 Census

In 1899, Walter Chelley married Bessie Rosser. At the time of the 1901 Census, the couple were residing at 2 Fern Street, Swansea. Walter (23) was working as a mason’s labourer, and Bessie (21) cared for their infant daughter Rachel, aged six months.

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the family had moved to 25 North Hill Road, Swansea. Walter (33) was employed as a fuel labourer, and Bessie (31) managed the household. Their children were Morgan (8) and James (6), both attending school, along with Jack (4) and Lena (1).

Military Service

Walter Chelley enlisted in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and served as an Able Seaman aboard S.S. Heron, a British merchant steamer requisitioned for wartime service.

S.S. Heron was built by Gourlay Bros. & Co., Dundee, in 1889, and was owned at the time of her loss by the General Steam Navigation Company of London. She was a British steamer of 885 tons, employed primarily in coastal and overseas coal transport during the war.

Loss of S.S. Heron and Death

On 30^th September 1917, Heron was on a voyage from Newcastle and London to Oporto, carrying a cargo of coal. While at sea approximately 300 miles south-west of Ushant, the vessel was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-90, commanded by Walter Remy.

The attack resulted in the loss of 22 lives, including Able Seaman Walter Chelley.

British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records

According to the British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, Walter Chelley lost his life on 30^th September 1917. The official record notes that his date and place of birth were not recorded, a not uncommon omission in wartime documentation.

Commemoration

Walter Chelley
Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth
credit - findagrave

Able Seaman Walter Chelley has no known grave. His sacrifice 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.