Commemoration for John Macaulay and crew of SS Kenmare
February 23, 2018 ADMIN 0Commemoration for John Macaulay and crew of SS Kenmare. On 2nd of March 1918 the SS Kenmare, belonging to City of Cork Steam Packet Co. Ltd, sailing from Liverpool to Cork, was torpedoed by a German U-Boat about 60 km northeast of Skerries, North County Dublin. Six members of the crew survived but twenty-nine perished. The sea only gave up three of the missing crew, their remains were found a few weeks later on Balbriggan, Gormanston and Skerries beaches.
Of those found, one could only be identified by a letter in his pocket, this was Leading deck hand John Macaulay, Royal Navy Reserve, from Islivig, Isle of Lewis, Scotland. John was buried in Balrothery Cemetery with full military honours on 18th of March 1918 with Coast Guard, Navy, R.I.C. and Military in attendance.
Another unknown crew member was also buried in Skerries on that same day. On Saturday 3rd of March 2018 at 12 noon, the Community of Balrothery will hold a commemoration for John Macaulay and his crewmates to mark the 100th Anniversary of sinking of the SS Kenmare.
Members of John’s family from Isle of Lewis, Scotland are travelling over to attend. All welcome to attend.
