William John Morgan – Royal Naval Reserve, H.M.S. Black Prince

Able Seaman William John Morgan – Royal Naval Reserve, H.M.S. Black Prince

Early Life and Family

William John Morgan

William John Morgan was born in 1891 in Swansea, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Morgan, who lived at 181 Pentre Treharne Road, Landore, Swansea. He grew up in a close‑knit working‑class community where many families had long-standing ties to maritime trades and naval service. Like many young men from Swansea at the time, William sought opportunities beyond civilian employment and joined the Royal Naval Reserve, a force made up largely of merchant seamen, fishermen, and coastal workers trained to serve in wartime.

Service with the Royal Naval Reserve

As a member of the Royal Naval Reserve, William received naval training and was mobilised for full-time service during the First World War. He attained the rank of Able Seaman, a role requiring skill, discipline, and experience at sea. William was posted to H.M.S. Black Prince, an armoured cruiser of the Duke of Edinburgh class. Before the war, Black Prince had served across the British Empire, but by 1914 she was part of the 1st Cruiser Squadron, attached to the Grand Fleet at Scapa Flow.

H.M.S. Black Prince and the Battle of Jutland

H.M.S. Black Prince

On 31^st May 1916, the Grand Fleet met the German High Seas Fleet in what became the Battle of Jutland, the largest naval engagement of the First World War. During the battle, Black Prince became separated from the main British line in the confusion of smoke, gunfire, and rapidly shifting manoeuvres. Later that night, she unexpectedly encountered the German battle fleet at close range.

The ship was illuminated by searchlights and subjected to overwhelming fire from multiple German battleships. Black Prince was struck repeatedly by heavy shells, causing catastrophic explosions. She sank with the loss of all hands, estimated at over 850 officers and men. Among them was Able Seaman William John Morgan, who died at the age of 25.

Loss and Legacy

The destruction of Black Prince was one of the most devastating single-ship losses of the battle. News of the tragedy reached communities across Britain, including Swansea, where families anxiously awaited word of loved ones serving at sea. For the Morgan family of Landore, the confirmation of William’s death was a profound and lasting blow.

Commemoration

As with all those lost aboard Black Prince, William has no known grave, his resting place being the North Sea. His name is preserved with honour on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, which commemorates Royal Navy and Royal Naval Reserve personnel who died at sea during the First World War and have no burial place but the ocean. His inclusion ensures that his service and sacrifice are remembered alongside the many thousands who gave their lives in the naval war.