Stoker Robert McAtamney - H.M.S "Osmanieh"

A big thank you to Donna Wilson for providing some fantastic pictures of Stoker Robert McAtamney, lost at sea 31st December 1917. 

Robert pictured on the left with crew mates from the HMS Victory

NAME; McAtamney, Robert

RANK; Stoker

SERV. NO; 871011

UNIT/SERVICE; Mercantile Marine Reserve  

REGIMENT; H.M.S. "Osmanieh"

BORN; Carrickfergus

LIVED; 34 Taylors Row, Carrickfergus

ENLISTED; Carrickfergus

FATE; Lost at Sea as a result of enemy action

CEMETERY; Body Lost at Sea

CHURCH; St Nicholas Church of Ireland

MEMORIAL; Plymouth Naval Memorial Panel 26

REMARKS; Robert was the son of William and Sarah McAtamney and husband of Margaret McAtamney.  Robert was a stoker on board the liner H.M.S “Osmanieh”. On Monday - 31st December, 1917, she was carrying troops and medical staff to Alexandria, Egypt when she struck a mine laid by UC 34 under the command of Oberleutnant zue See Horst Obermuller at the entrance to the harbour. She sank very quickly taking with her: Lieutenant Commander D.R. Mason, 2 other officers, 21 of its crew, 1 military officer. 166 other ranks and 8 nurses – Robert was one of the 21 crew lost. 

Robert's Death Penny sent to his family following news of his death

Built in 1906 as a passenger steamer, requistioned by the Admiralty in 1914. HMS Osmanieh struck a mine and sank in the entrance of Alexandria harbour, 31 December 1917