William James Sivyer – Royal Navy

Stoker 1st Class William James Sivyer – Royal Navy

Early Life

Born in 1888 at Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire, William James Sivyer was the son of William James Sivyer and Martha Ann Griffiths. His childhood was spent largely in the home of his grandparents, a pattern reflected across several census returns.

Family Life (1891 Census)

1891 Census

At the 1891 Census, William, aged 3, was living at 1 Victory Row, Pembroke, in the household of his grandparents. His grandfather William, aged 50, worked as an Engine Driver, while his wife Mary, aged 51, managed the home. Their children present were Frederick (26) and William (16)—both employed as ship fitters—along with Elizabeth (14), Albert (10), and Mary Maria (9).

Family Life (1901 Census)

1901 Census

By the 1901 Census, William, now 13, was still residing with his grandparents, this time at 36 Lewis Street, Pembroke. His grandfather William, aged 59, remained employed as an Engine Driver, and his wife Mary, aged 60, continued household duties. Their children present were Frederick (36) and William (26)—again recorded as ship fitters—and Mary A. (19), who was employed as a Pupil Teacher.

Royal Navy Records 

Early Naval Career

William enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1905, beginning a long career that saw him serve throughout the First World War and continue in naval service until 1928. His early postings included service as a Stoker 1st Class, a demanding engineering role within the fleet.

1911 Census

1911 Census

At the 1911 Census, William, aged 23, was recorded aboard T.B. 045, serving as a Stoker 1st Class, reflecting his active naval duties during the pre‑war period.

1921 Census

1921 Census

By the 1921 Census, William, aged 33, was still serving as a Stoker 1st Class, residing at 8 Hargood Terrace, Devonport, Devon, one of the principal naval communities of the era.

1939 Register

1939 Register

In the 1939 Register, William was recorded as a Boiler Makers Labourer, living as a boarder at 54 Church Way, Plymouth, in the household of the Syms family. His civilian occupation reflected the engineering skills gained during his long naval service.

Second World War Service

During the Second World War, William again served as a Stoker 1st Class with the Royal Navy. His final posting was aboard H.M.S. Lucifer, a shore establishment associated with naval operations in South Wales.

Death and Burial

British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records

William James Sivyer
Morriston Cemetery
credit - findagrave

According to the British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, William died on 1 January 1945 at R.N. Sick Quarters, Swansea, his death attributed to illness. He was buried at Morriston Cemetery, his interment marking the first military burial of 1945 within the cemetery’s wartime roll.