S.V. Jane Williamson, Mercantile Marine (Unknown Civilian)
Date Of Birth:
02/09/1897
Died:
10/09/1917 (Died at Sea)
Age:
20
Summary
Joseph Deacon was the son of Thomas and Mary Anne Deacon (nee Downing). Thomas Deacon was a constable.in the Royal Irish Constabulary. Joseph Deacon and his twin brother Samuel were born on 2nd September 1897 in Benburb. Sadly, Samuel died some six months later. By 1911 the familywere living in Caledon. Joseph Deacon joined the Mercantile Marines as an Ordinary Seaman on board the SV Jane Williamson, a sailing vessel. Ordinary Seaman Joseph Deacon was serving on the Mercantile Marine vessel SS Jane Williamson when he was killed at sea on the 10th September 1917. His body was recovered and he is buried in Penzance Cemetery in Cornwall, England.
Further Information
Joseph Deacon was the son of Thomas and Mary Anne Deacon (nee Downing). Thomas Deacon was a constable.in the Royal Irish Constabulary.
Joseph Deacon and his twin brother Samuel were born on 2nd September 1897 in Benburb. Sadly, Samuel died some six months later.
Known family: Thomas Deacon, Mary Anne Deacon, Margaret S Deacon (born about 1892), Alice Mary Deacon (born 16th July 1896, Benburb), Joseph Deacon (born 2nd September 1897, Benburb), Samuel Deacon (born 2nd September 1897, died 11th May 1898, Benburb), John Deacon (born 1st December 1898, died 18th December 1898, Caledon).
The 1901 census lists Joseph as age 3, living with the family at house 3 in Gortnaboul, Kilgarvan, County Kerry. His mother is described as the wife of a police constable.
The 1911 census lists Joseph as age 13, living with the family at house 61 in Main Street, Caledon, County Tyrone.
Joseph Deacon joined the Mercantile Marines as an Ordinary Seaman on board the SS “Jane Williamson” (Belfast). The “Jane Williamson” was a 197 tons sailing vessel.
On the 10th September 1917 she left Liverpool on route to Cherbourg with a cargo of coal. At 4 pm, twenty miles NNE of St Ives the boat was shelled by a U Boat (UC51 Hans Galster) German Navy and sunk
One of the lifeboats was also shelled and four of the six men crew were killed, including the captain and Joseph Deacon.
Ordinary Seaman Joseph Deacon was serving on the Mercantile Marine vessel SS Jane Williamson when he was killed at sea on the 10th September 1917.
On the 25th May 1920 his next of kin was sent his Mercantile Marine Medal and ribbon and the British War Medal.
Ordinary Seaman Joseph Deacon body was recovered and he is buried in Penzance Cemetery in Cornwall, England.
Many thanks to Kenny Farquhar, who provided both the name and all the information here
There is some confusion of whether his name was John or Joseph. It seems he may have taken the name John when he joined the Mercantile Marines.
