Rhys Edward Francis, one of three children, was born in 1891 in Merthyr Tydfil to John Francis b.1855 in Risca (a station master) and Elizabeth Francis b.1857 in Ebbw Vale.
The 1911 census shows the family living at 44, High Street, Fishguard and John’s occupation as being a grocer with Rhys working as a shop assistant. The shop, known as Fishguard Supply Stores, was at 8, Main Street, Fishguard and situated almost opposite St Mary’s Church. The picture shows Rhys Francis (wearing a dark suit) standing on the far LHS. He had taken over the business from his father but was sadly drowned on July 21st 1917 aged 26. He had been serving as a third engineer on board the steamship SS Paddington which was on a voyage from Cartagena to Glasgow when it was hit by a torpedo, fired from a German submarine u-96, in a position 250′ west of Fastnet.
Rhys married Mary Miles of Letterston in 1914 and they had one daughter Gwenfra A Francis who married T.J Williams (Chemist) in 1940.
Nothing is known of the other people in the photograph, if anyone does, please get in touch!
Mr & Mrs T.J Williams ran their large Chemist’s shop in Fishguard for many years. They were the parents of Helen & David Williams who kindly supplied this interesting photograph.
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