Chief Officer James McAlpin

Today Carrickfergus remembers Chief Officer James McAlpin (McApline) Mercantile Marine lost at sea today 1917 on S.S “Stuart Prince” (Newcastle)

James was born in Carrickfergus in 1877 the son of William and Eliza McAlpin. He was husband to Edith McAlpin (nee Redmond) and father of a young son and daughter. Prior to the war the family moved to Creagh Road in Belfast where James served his apprenticeship in sailing ships and also served as an officer in wind-jammers.  He was a warm supporter of the work of the Imperial Merchant Service Guild.  On securing his sea master’s certificate he joined the Prince Line with whom he was serving at the time of his death.   James was lost at Sea along with 19 other crew when his ship S.S “Stuart Prince” was torpedoed by U Boat U66 85 miles North West of Broad Haven whilst on transit with a cargo of steel from Manchester and Belfast to Alexandria on 22 March 1917. His body was never recovered and remains lost at sea; he is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial London.  Testimony given at the news of his death hailed James as a very capable officer and in private life highly esteemed for his generous disposition.

S.S Stuart Prince

For information on the wreck site visit http://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?12197