Ordinary Telegraphist William Holt Conroy (D/JX 619388) served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. Born on 31st August 1917, he was the youngest son of William Henry Conroy and Charlotte Conroy (née Coates) of 20 Elmwood Avenue, Belfast.
His father was an assistant cashier at Belfast City Hall and his older brother Lieutenant W.T. Conroy served in one of the Ulster Light Anti-Aircraft Batteries of the Royal Artillery. Before the outbreak of the Second World War, William’s education took place at Royal Belfast Academical Institution.
WartimeNI Photo: A family memorial on the Conroy family grave in Belfast City Cemetery, Belfast to Ordinary Telegraphist William Holt Conroy of the Royal Navy. Photo taken on tour of Belfast City Cemetery with Peter McCabe in Spring 2017. Copyright Scott Edgar - WartimeNI.
William died on 21st August 1944 aged 26 years old. He was a member of the crew on H.M.S. Kite when it came under attack from U-344 under the command of Ulrich Pietsch. Only 9 of those on board survived with 217 officers and ratings dying as the vessel went down.
William Holt Conroy has no known grave. His name is on Panel 88, Column 3 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth, Devon, England. His name is also on the family memorial at Grave I-550 in Belfast City Cemetery, Belfast.