Brymor Edgar Davies – Merchant Navy, S.S. Hartington

Cadet Brymor Edgar Davies – Merchant Navy, S.S. Hartington

Early Life

Brymor Edgar Davies was born in 1924 in Swansea. He was the son of Jean Davies and the stepson of W. H. Thompson of Haverfordwest. Although few early records survive, it is clear that Brymor spent his youth between Swansea and Pembrokeshire before entering wartime service.

Service in the Merchant Navy

Brymor joined the Merchant Navy, serving as a Cadet, one of the youngest officer‑training ranks. Cadets were responsible for learning navigation, seamanship, and shipboard duties under the guidance of senior officers, preparing them for future roles as deck officers.

According to the Merchant Seamen Deaths register, Brymor’s home address at the time of his service was 9 Bridgend Square, Haverfordwest.

Sinking of the S.S. Hartington – 2^nd November 1942

S.S. Hartington
credit - wrecksite

The S.S. Hartington was a 5,086‑ton British steam merchant ship, built in 1919 and operated by Houlder Brothers & Co. Ltd. During the Second World War she carried essential wartime cargoes across the Atlantic and along coastal routes—voyages made increasingly dangerous by the relentless threat of German U‑boats.

In late October 1942, the Hartington became separated from her convoy while sailing in the North Atlantic, leaving her unescorted and vulnerable. On 2^nd November 1942, she was sighted by the German submarine U‑521. Operating south of Cape Farewell, Greenland, the U‑boat manoeuvred into position and fired a torpedo that struck the Hartington with devastating force.

The explosion caused catastrophic structural damage, and the ship sank rapidly. All 41 men on board were lost, including Cadet Brymor Edgar Davies. No survivors or bodies were ever recovered, and the vessel disappeared without sending a distress signal. The loss of the Hartington was one of many suffered during the intense U‑boat campaign of 1942, a year in which Allied merchant shipping endured some of its heaviest casualties.

Death and Commemoration

Merchant Seamen Death

Brymor Edgar Davies
Tower Hill Memorial
credit - Benjidog Histroical Research Resources.
The Merchant Navy Memorial

According to the Merchant Seamen Deaths register, Cadet Brymor Edgar Davies, of 9 Bridgend Square, Haverfordwest, lost his life on 2^nd November 1942 when the Hartington was sunk. As he has no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London, which honours the thousands of Merchant Navy personnel who died at sea during both world wars.