Leon O’Connell Spence Simpson – H.M. Trawler Benton Castle
Second Hand Leon O’Connell Spence Simpson – H.M. Trawler Benton Castle
Early Life and Family Background
Leon O’Connell Spence Simpson was born in 1873 in
Lowestoft, Suffolk, the son of William Simpson and Elizabeth
Simpson.
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| 1881 Census |
By the time of the 1881 Census, the Simpson family were living at 3 Alma Street, Lowestoft. William was absent from the household on the night of the census, and Elizabeth, aged 35, was recorded as head of the family. The children present were Leon O.C.S. (8), Muriel E. H. (5), Harold S. (3), and Ruth U. S. (8 months).
Marriage and Family Life
Leon married Mary Bryce in 1893 at Pembroke
Dock.
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| 1901 Census |
By 1901, Leon and his family were living at Marble Terrace, Johnston and Steynton, Pembrokeshire. Leon, aged 27, was working as a Fisherman, and Mary, aged 28, was at home. Their children were Agnes (7), Haria W. (5), Ada E. (4), Henry E. D. (3), and Rachel B. (2).
The family later moved to 39 Neath Road, Hafod, Swansea.
Service on H.M. Trawler Benton Castle
Leon served as Second Hand aboard H.M. Trawler Benton
Castle. During the First World War, many fishing trawlers were
requisitioned by the Admiralty and converted for naval service. These vessels
were used for patrol duties, minesweeping, and anti‑submarine
operations, often working in dangerous, heavily mined waters with minimal
protection. Crews faced constant risk from mines, torpedoes, and sudden enemy
attack.
Loss of H.M. Trawler Benton Castle
On 10th November 1916, H.M. Trawler Benton
Castle was operating off Dartmouth when she struck a mine laid by
the German submarine UC‑17. The explosion was devastating, and the
vessel sank rapidly. Ten crew members, including Leon O’Connell
Spence Simpson, lost their lives in the disaster.
Death and Commemoration
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| Leon O'Connell Spence Simpson Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth credit - findagrave |
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