Idris Davies – Merchant Navy, S.S. Barberrys

Second Officer Idris Davies – Merchant Navy, S.S. Barberrys

Early Life

Idris Davies was born in 1913 in New Quay, Cardiganshire, the son of Captain William Baxter Davies and Mary Ann Wilcox, who had married in Cardiff in 1903.

Family

1921 Census

By the time of the 1921 Census, Idris’s mother had died, and the younger Davies children were living in the household of Frances Hetty Owen at 4 High Terrace, New Quay. Frances, aged 47, worked as a housekeeper, and the Davies children—Ceinwen (10), Idris (6), and Megan (6)—were all recorded as attending school. The census reflects a family adjusting to loss, supported by their local community.

Service in the Merchant Navy

Idris later joined the Merchant Navy, rising to the rank of Second Officer, a senior deck officer responsible for navigation, watch‑keeping, and the safe operation of the ship. His position placed him among the experienced seafarers who kept Britain supplied during the Second World War.

Loss of the S.S. Barberrys – 28^th November 1942

S.S. Barberrys 
credit - wrecksite

The S.S. Barberrys, a 5,102‑ton British steam merchant ship operating in the North Atlantic, was sailing south of Cape Farewell, Greenland, on 28^th November 1942 when she was attacked by the German submarine U‑663. The U‑boat launched a torpedo that struck the vessel with devastating force, causing her to sink rapidly and giving the crew little chance to escape. All 40 men on board were lost, including Second Officer Idris Davies. The sinking occurred during one of the most dangerous phases of the Battle of the Atlantic, when U‑boat activity was at its height and merchant ships faced constant peril.

Death and Commemoration

Merchant Seamen Deaths

Idris Davies 
Tower Hill Memorial, London
credit - findagrave

The Merchant Seamen Deaths register records that Second Officer Idris Davies lost his life on 28^th November 1942 following the sinking of the Barberrys. 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.