Ahoy - Mac's Web Log

December 07, 2008

Hi,

I just wanted to drop a note to say thanks - I read your information on the SS North Britain. I was very interested in the information from Brian James Newcombe too.

My Uncle Pat Gillon was on the SS North Britain. I had not known very much other than that he had been on a merchant navy boat that had been sunk. Yesterday we were visiting Edinburgh Castle and looked at the Merchant Navy Roll of honour - so got the details of the date of his death and that he was on SS North Britain. When I did a search - I found your information. It was very interesting to read your information. It sounds like all those poor men were like lambs to the slaughter. It is in a sense reassuring that the boat went down so quickly - rather than it being a long and desperate struggle.

I spoke to an older generation family friend recently - and she said that my grandparents had been heartbroken by the death of their 20 year old son.

I have found folks recently who are doing research on my family history -I will send them the link to your information - so at least in generations to come the information will remain.

So thank you for your work in recording this history!

Anne Gillon

Anne,
 
Pleased that AHOY could help.
 
Here is your Uncle's Certificate from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission site, his name is listed on the Merchant Navy memorial at

Tower Hill London at Panel 74.

Casualty Details
Name:  GILLON, PATRICK
Initials:  P
Nationality:  United Kingdom
Rank:  Ordinary Seaman
Regiment/Service:  Merchant Navy
Unit Text:  S.S. North Britain (Newcastle-on-Tyne)
Age:  20
Date of Death:  05/05/1943
Additional information:  Son of Patrick and Annie Gillon, of Stoneyburn, West Lothian.
Casualty Type:  Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference:  Panel 74.
Memorial:  TOWER HILL MEMORIAL

Best regards, 
Mackenzie J. Gregory.

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