Leo Lloyd – Merchant Navy, S.S. Empire Amethyst

Greaser Leo Lloyd – Merchant Navy, S.S. Empire Amethyst

Early Life and Family Background

Leo Lloyd was born in 1905 in Swansea, the son of David John Lloyd and Ellen Osborne, who married in 1903, also in Swansea.

1911 Census

The 1911 Census records the family living at 31 Brynmelin Street, Swansea. David John, aged 30, was employed as a Labourer, while Ellen, aged 29, managed the household. Their children at that time were Leo, aged 5; John David, aged 3; and Thomas Mac, just one month old.

1921 Census

By the 1921 Census, the family had moved to 19 Brook Street, Swansea. David J., then 44, was working as a Fuel Worker (Pacific) for the Pacific Fuel Co., Prince of Wales Dock, Swansea. Ellen, also 44, remained at home. Their children were Leon, aged 16, employed as a Fish Trader; John, aged 14; Thomas, aged 11; and Eison, aged 9, all attending school.

Merchant Navy Service

Merchant Seamen Deaths

Leo later served with the Merchant Navy, holding the rank of Greaser, a demanding engine‑room role responsible for lubricating and maintaining the ship’s machinery to ensure smooth and continuous operation. According to the Merchant Seamen Deaths register, Leo was recorded as residing at 19 Brook Street, Swansea, at the time of his service.

The S.S. Empire Amethyst

The S.S. Empire Amethyst was a British steam tanker of 8,023 tons, built in 1941 to support Britain’s wartime fuel supply. On 23 January 1942, during an earlier voyage, she rescued five survivors from the Norwegian vessel Innerøy, which had been sunk by U‑553, and safely landed them at Halifax. This act of rescue highlights the dual role of merchant ships during the war: delivering vital cargoes while also responding to the tragedies unfolding across the Atlantic.

Leo Lloyd
Tower Hill Memorial
credit - Benjidog Histroical Research Resources.
The Merchant Navy Memorial

The Final Voyage and Loss of the Ship

On 13 April 1942, the Empire Amethyst was sailing independently from New Orleans to Freetown, carrying 12,000 tons of clean oil, a highly flammable and strategically essential cargo. During this passage she was torpedoed by the German submarine U‑154. The attack was catastrophic. The tanker was destroyed with the loss of all on board: the master, 40 crew members, and six gunners. Among those who perished was Greaser Leo Lloyd, whose duties placed him deep within the ship’s machinery spaces at the time of the attack.

Commemoration

With no known grave but the sea, Greaser Leo Lloyd is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. His name stands among those of thousands of Merchant Navy personnel who gave their lives during the Second World War, ensuring that his service and sacrifice are remembered.