Description
John Harrison Cassap, of the S.S. Westminster, was killed instantly by a shell when his ship was sunk by the German U-Boat U-43 off the south coast of Malta on 14 December 1916. Born in Mile End, East London, in 1867. A contemporary report by the Chief Officer, adds the following information: ‘As the ship sank the U-Boat came to the surface and opened fire. One of the first shells went through the Master’s lifeboat, which capsized, instantly.’ killing the Captain, Chief Engineers and Engineer Cassap.
Joining the Mercantile Marine, he was serving aboard the S.S.Westminster on 14 December 1917 when she was torpedoed by the German U-Boat U-43 196 miles East of Malta, sinking within just a few minutes. The Captain and First Engineer were killed, and two Engineers and three seamen drowned when their lifeboat sank. In addition, four men were killed by the torpedo explosion, leaving 15 men lost in total during this incident. His medals and plaque were sent to his widow, Louisa, at 201A Uxbridge Road, West Ealing, in June 1921, and he is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.
