Fireman and Trimmer Michael Murtagh of Belfast died on 8th March 1943 when S.S. Fort Lamy came under attack from the German U-527 in the north Atlantic Ocean.
Fireman and Trimmer
Fireman and Trimmer Michael Murtagh served in the Merchant Navy during the Second World War. He was the son of J. Murtagh and Sarah Jane Murtagh, and the husband of Susan Murtagh of 18 Vulcan Street, Belfast.
Murtagh died on 8th March 1943 aged 46 years old while serving on S.S. Fort Lamy. U-527 commanded by Herbert Uhlig torpedoed S.S. Fort Lamy at 1823hrs on 8th March 1943 as it straggled behind Convoy SC-121 southeast of Cape Farewell en route from New York, New York, U.S.A. to Liverpool, England. The Master, 39 crew members, and 6 gunners died as a result of the sinking. Also lost was H.M.S. LCT-2480, which was carried on the vessel.
Fireman and Trimmer Murtagh has no known grave and his name is on Panel 50 of the Tower Hill Memorial, London, England.