Ahoy - Mac's Web Log

Regarding the sinking of the above on 16/03/1942, my late fathers best friend Able Seaman James Thomson is supposed to have been on the ship. He died on 18/03/1942, which would imply he was rescued and died later. Do you know if any Royal Navy Seamen were on the ship, and any other details.

Thanks
Freda Sandford

Freda,

Here is James Certificate from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission site.

In Memory of
Able Seaman JAMES THOMSON

D/JX 286916, H.M.S. President III, Royal Navy
who died age 20
on 18 March 1942
Son of William and Clara Thomson, of Great Harwood, Lancashire.
Remembered with honour
PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL

Commemorated in perpetuity by
the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

He is listed on Panel 66 Column 3 of the Plymouth Naval memorial.

Casualty Details
Name:  THOMSON, JAMES
Initials:  J
Nationality:  United Kingdom
Rank:  Able Seaman
Regiment/Service:  Royal Navy
Unit Text:  H.M.S. President III
Age:  20
Date of Death:  18/03/1942
Service No:  D/JX 286916
Additional information:  Son of William and Clara Thomson, of Great Harwood, Lancashire.
Casualty Type:  Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference:  Panel 66, Column 3.
Memorial:  PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL

The fact he is listed at HMS President 111 ( a London shore base ) means he was a DEMS Gunner who manned the guns in Merchant ships, President 111 carried the Pay records etc for the DEMS Gunners.

Regards. 
Mac.

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