Owen was born on 18th March 1895, in Holyhead, Anglesey.
He is recorded as the Nephew of Owen and Margaret Williams on the 1901 census, living at 4 Greenfield Terrace, Holyhead, along with their children William and Margaret, who were single and in their twenties and thirties. Owen was more likely to have been the grandchild of Owen Snr and Margaret.
As mentioned in De Ruvignys's Roll of Honour 1914-1924 he had previously worked at Holyhead Library and Post Office before working as a Ship's Steward for the LNWR Company on SS Rathmore, aged 16, as listed on the 1911 Census. The ship was anchored at the London and North Western Railway Dock, Holyhead on the evening of 2nd April 1911.
Owen joined the Royal Navy for the duration of hostilities on 4th December 1915, recorded as 5’7” tall with dark brown hair and brown eyes, beginning training at HMS Pembroke. His first posting was to HMS Talisman (for Titania) on 17th January 1916 until 23rd February 1916; he spent a further 3 weeks back at Pembroke before embarking to HMS Prince George on 17th March 1916 to 14th September of the same year. He returned to Pembroke for 2 weeks and was then posted to HMS Vanguard, joining the ship on 29th September 1916 until her explosion.
His Victory and British medals were awarded to his Aunt as well as Margaret, or Maggie, being mentioned on his pension papers, although notice of his death was sent to his mother, Mrs K Jones of 4 Arthur Street, Kingsland, Holyhead (it is possible he was later adopted).
His Memorial Plaque can be viewed at the Holyhead Maritime Museum.
#189 - 818/843
Sources:
1901 & 1911 Wales Census
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 - Free BMD
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties First World War ADM 242/010 (1914 - 1919)
CWGC Register
De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, 1914-1919
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 - ADM 171; Piece: 119
Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services, 1848-1939 National Archives Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; ADM 188/1004
Western Front Association; London, England; PRC Ledgers; Reference: 691/05D WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923
Photo image - http://newspapers.library.wales/.