Albert Edward Bidder – Merchant Navy, S.S. Empire Wagtail

Storekeeper Albert Edward Bidder – Merchant Navy, S.S. Empire Wagtail

Early Life and Family Background

David John Bidder and Hannah Jane Bowen
marriage certificate
St. Mary’s Church, Swansea

Albert Edward Bidder was born in 1910 in Llan, Glamorgan, the son of David John Bidder and Hannah Jane Bowen, who married in 1891 at St. Mary’s Church, Swansea.

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the Bidder family were living at Gellygranog, Port Tennant, Swansea. David John, aged 40, was employed as a Chemical Labourer, while his wife Hannah Jane, aged 38, managed the home. Their children were David John (19) and William George (15), both working as labourers, along with Nellie (11), Brinley (8), Evelyn (5), and Albert Edward, then 1 year old. Also present was David’s mother, Ellen Bidder, aged 78.

1921 Census

In the 1921 Census, the Bidder family were recorded at 27 Crymyn Street, Port Tennant, having moved from their earlier address. David John Bidder, now 50, was working as a Navvy for Toppin, Jone & Railton Contractors, while Hannah Jane, aged 48, remained at home. Several of their children were still living with them: David John (29), a general labourer employed at Jersey Marine Golf Links; William George (24), also a navvy with the same contractors as his father; Eleanor Jane (21); Albert Edward (11); Lilian M. (8); and Violet M. (6). The younger children were all attending school, reflecting a busy and close‑knit household.

Service in the Merchant Navy

There is no record of Albert in the 1939 Register, suggesting he may already have been serving at sea. He later became a Storekeeper in the Merchant Navy, a responsible role involving the management of provisions and supplies aboard ship. His home address was recorded as 43 King Edward’s Road, Swansea.

S.S. Empire Wagtail – Background and Loss

S.S. Empire Wagtail 
credit - wrecksite

The S.S. Empire Wagtail was a 4,893‑ton British steam merchant ship, originally built in 1919 by Todd Drydock & Construction Corp. in Tacoma, Washington. She was first launched as the Ossining for the U.S. Shipping Board, later renamed Point Lobos in 1933 under the Gulf Pacific Mail Line of San Francisco. In 1941, she was transferred to the British Ministry of War Transport and renamed Empire Wagtail, operating under the management of Smith, Hogg & Co. Ltd., West Hartlepool. Powered by a triple‑expansion steam engine and measuring 380 ft by 53 ft, she carried essential wartime cargoes, including coal.

On 28^th December 1942, while sailing with Convoy ONS‑154 in the North Atlantic, the Empire Wagtail came under attack by German U‑boats operating in wolf‑pack formation. She was torpedoed and sunk by U‑260. The ship was carrying 3,857 tons of coal, which contributed to her rapid sinking. All 44 men on board were lost, with no survivors. The sinking formed part of a series of heavy losses suffered by the convoy during one of the most dangerous phases of the Battle of the Atlantic.

Death and Commemoration

Merchant Seamen Deaths

Albert Edward Bidder 
Tower Hill Memorial, London
credit - findagrave

According to the Merchant Seamen Deaths register, Albert Edward Bidder lost his life on 28^th December 1942 when the Empire Wagtail was sunk. As he has no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London, which honours Merchant Navy personnel who died at sea during both world wars