William Cunningham – Merchant Navy, S.S. Roxby

Fireman & Trimmer William Cunningham – Merchant Navy, S.S. Roxby

Early Life

William Cunningham was born in 1908 in Swansea. Although little is recorded about his early years, he later became part of Swansea’s long maritime tradition by serving in the Merchant Navy, a service that played a crucial role in keeping Britain supplied during the Second World War.

Service in the Merchant Navy

William served as a Fireman and Trimmer, one of the most physically demanding and essential roles aboard a steam‑powered vessel. Working deep in the ship’s stokehold, he was responsible for feeding the boilers, managing coal supplies, and ensuring the vessel maintained the steam power required for propulsion. His recorded address was 8A Brynmill Crescent, Swansea, placing him within a community closely connected to the sea.

S.S. Roxby
credit - wrecksite

He served aboard the S.S. Roxby, a British merchant ship operating during the height of the Battle of the Atlantic, when German U‑boats posed a constant and deadly threat to Allied shipping.

Sinking of the S.S. Roxby – 7^th November 1942

The S.S. Roxby was a 4,986‑ton British steam merchant ship, built in 1923 by William Gray & Co. Ltd., West Hartlepool, and operated by Roxby Shipping Co. Ltd., London. She was engaged in coastal and transatlantic trade, carrying essential wartime cargoes.

On 7^th November 1942, the Roxby was sailing independently from Loch Ewe to Bonawe, Scotland, with a cargo of coal. While off the west coast of Scotland, she was attacked by the German submarine U‑613. A torpedo struck the vessel, near the Hebrides.

The explosion was devastating. The Roxby sank rapidly, giving the crew almost no chance to escape. All 32 men on board were lost, including Fireman and Trimmer William Cunningham. No survivors or wreckage were ever recovered.

The sinking of the Roxby was one of many tragic losses during the Battle of the Atlantic, a campaign in which Merchant Navy crews faced relentless danger as they kept Britain’s supply lines open.

Death and Commemoration

Merchant Seamen Deaths

William Cunningham
Tower Hill Memorial, London
credit - findagrave

According to the Merchant Seamen Deaths register, William Cunningham lost his life on 7^th November 1942 in the sinking of the S.S. Roxby. 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