My elusive William David Rees SHIP WRECK?

[reesnm]

My Great grandfather, WILLIAM DAVID REES, was born in Aberystwyth in 1859, spent most of his life at sea and died in Portmadog in 1919.  He managed to 'miss' all census.  The only thing that I have gleaned is he was in 3 ship wrecks (a real Uncle Albert) and on one,  he managed to build a raft and survive 3 days.  My mother remembers seeing a magazine in Holyhead library with him on the cover.  If anyone can point me in a direction where I can find out more on the man, I would be forever thankful.

Nesta

[D ap D]

Hi Nesta,

I see you've already posted on :
http://www.welshmariners.org.uk/

which is the site I would have recommended first. As you know where and when he was born, I assume you have his birth certificate.

The LDS site does have an option for the 81 census, location "at sea". I've never used it myself, but I would assume this would cover all British registered ships.

You could also try Llangefni archives - its worth a go. I've posted the contact details elsewhere on this site - can't remember where though.

Dewi