James Griffith MacDougall

Able Seaman James Griffith MacDougall – Merchant Navy, S.S. Baronesa

Early Life

The McDougall family was among the many who made their home in St. Thomas, Swansea, a community that welcomed people from across the United Kingdom. At the time of the 1921 Census, they were living at 7 Kilvey Terrace.

1921 Census

The head of the household, James McDougall, born in Inverness-shire, Scotland, was a Marine Engine Fitter in ship repairing, employed at the Prince of Wales, Swansea Docks, though unemployed at the time. His wife, Cassie (née Griffiths), born in Clydach, undertook the household duties. The couple had married in Swansea in 1914.

Their children included Frances Mary (5), James Griffiths (3), Maggie (2), and infant Donald Frank. Frances Mary, and James Griffiths had been born in Elswick, Northumberland, while Maggie and Donald were Swansea-born.

Tragedy struck later in 1921 when James McDougall died and was buried at Tomnahurich Church, Inverness.

1939 Register 

By 1939, James Griffiths MacDougall was living at 4 Wallace Terrace with his grandmother, Catherine, and his aunt May. His occupation was recorded as Seaman.

Military Service

In April 1940, James Griffiths MacDougall married Ann L. Chesterman. That September, he was listed as a crew member of the Highland Brigade, which had docked at Liverpool after sailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

S.S. Baronesa

James later served as an Able Seaman in the Merchant Navy aboard the S.S. Baronesa, a refrigerated cargo vessel launched in 1918. The Baronesa had already survived attacks during the war—bombed in London on 7^th September 1940 and again in Liverpool on 3 May 1941.

South Wales Daily Post

Merchant Seamen Death

Death

On 31^st January 1945, James Griffiths MacDougall died while serving in the Merchant Navy. The cause of his death is not recorded in the official Merchant Seamen Death Records. News of his passing was not reported until November 1945, when the South Wales Daily Post published an article announcing his death.

Burial

James Griffith MacDougall
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

James Griffiths MacDougall was laid to rest at Danygraig Cemetery, Swansea, and his burial was recorded as the first of 1945 at the cemetery. His grave stands among those of many servicemen and civilians of the city who were interred during the war years.

Legacy

James Griffiths MacDougall is commemorated on the Swansea Cenotaph, although his name is not listed on the Merchant Navy Memorial in Swansea. His story forms part of the wider history of the Eastside, where families from across the United Kingdom made their homes and where the sacrifices of men like James are remembered as part of the city’s wartime heritage.