Born in South Wales, Griffiths left school at the age of thirteen to run errands for a baker, then worked for a short period at the Panteg Steel Works.
He later found work for the Great Western Railway, initially as a cleaner, then becoming a fireman, then in 1902, an engine driver.
[2][3] In 1936, the presidency of the NUR became vacant, and Griffiths was one of twelve candidates for the post.
[4][3][5] In the early hours of 23 December 1938, Griffiths was sleeping on a train from Paddington to Newport, Wales.
On waking, he opened the wrong door from his compartment, and fell to his death.