Zachariah Benjamin – Mercantile Marine, S.S. Harmattan

Cook Zachariah Benjamin – Mercantile Marine, S.S. Harmattan

Birth and Family Background

Zachariah Benjamin was born in 1869 in Swansea, the son of Simon and Louisa Benjamin.

The only census record in which Zachariah can be confidently identified is the 1891 Census, when the family were residing in Leeds, Yorkshire. His mother, Louisa, recorded on the census as Jesse, was widowed and aged 60. She was born in Germany and was employed as a housekeeper.

Zachariah appears on the census under the name Bachsiria, aged 23, and was working as a boot finisher. Also residing in the household were his sisters Cecillia, aged 21, and Annie, aged 18, both employed as tailoresses. A lodger, Lazarus Blumberg, aged 20, was also present.

Mercantile Marine Service and Death

During the First World War, Zachariah served in the Mercantile Marine with the rank of Cook aboard the S.S. Harmattan.

The S.S. Harmattan was built by Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson Ltd., Newcastle, in 1911, and at the time of her loss was owned by J. & C. Harrison Ltd., London. She was a British steamship of 4,792 tons.

On 5^th May 1917, Harmattan was on a voyage from Avonmouth, carrying a cargo of government stores, when she was destroyed by a mine laid by the German submarine UC-37, commanded by Otto Launburg. The sinking occurred approximately seven miles north of Ras Rosa, Algeria. Thirty-six members of the crew were lost.

Zachariah Benjamin
Tower Hill Memorial
Benjidog Historical Research Resources:
The Merchant Navy Memorial

Zachariah Benjamin
Tower Hill Memorial
Benjidog Historical Research Resources:
The Merchant Navy Memorial

Zachariah Benjamin
Tower Hill Memorial
Benjidog Historical Research Resources:
The Merchant Navy Memorial

Zachariah Benjamin
Tower Hill Memorial
Benjidog Historical Research Resources:
The Merchant Navy Memorial

Zachariah Benjamin was among those who lost their lives. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London, which honours members of the Merchant Navy who died during the First World War and have no known place of burial.