William Barry was born on 14th June 1882 at 34 Commons Street, North Docks. This was the home of his grandparents, while his family home was at nearby 31 Commons Street. He was the second born son of James and Mary Ann Barry (née Hampson), brother to Michael, James, Richard, Mary and Susan.
He was just 14 years of age when he signed on his first vessel, listed as ‘Boy’ on board the SS Duke of Gordon. He would also serve on the SS Duke of Leinster, the SS Duke of Fife and the SS Hare.
By the time he was twenty he was working as a ship’s fireman, and served on several vessels out of Dublin Port, mainly travelling across to Liverpool and Manchester.
In 1908, he married Mary McKeag at St. Laurence O’Toole Church, Seville Place. The newly-weds moved to nearby 31 Leland Place, and had five children – Eileen, William, John, James and Mary – who was just a baby when he died.
William Barry signed onto the SS Adela as a fireman in July of 1916. His uncle, Able Seaman George was already with the ship, and would be on board when tragedy struck in December of 1917.