Alfred Herbert Blake – Merchant Navy, S.S. Aviemore

Boiler Attendant Alfred Herbert Blake – Merchant Navy, S.S. Aviemore

Early Life and Family Background

Alfred Herbert Blake was born in 1903 in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, the son of Alfred Herbert Blake and Annie Mary Sibley, who married in 1901 at SS Peter and Paul Church, Richmond upon Thames.

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the Blake family were living near Gendros, Swansea. Alfred’s father, Alfred Herbert, aged 39, was working as an Engineer at Sea (Trawler), while his mother Annie May, aged 29, kept the home. Their children were Alfred Herbert (8), Annie Mary (5), and Elizabeth Ellen (2).

1921 Census

In the 1921 Census, the Blake family were living at Owens Row, Gendros, Fforestfach, Swansea. Alfred’s father, Alfred H. Blake, aged 49, was recorded as having a tug boat, while his wife Annie M., aged 39, was at home caring for their growing family. Their children present were Alfred H. (18), who was serving with the South Wales Borderers; Annie H. (15); Elizabeth E. (12); Thomas J. (9); Florence (7); Ronald (5); Norah K. A. (2); and Glenys J. (1). The census paints a picture of a large and lively household, with Alfred already embarked on a military path.

Service in the Merchant Navy

Alfred later served with the Merchant Navy, where he held the rank of Boiler Attendant, a demanding and physically intensive role essential to the operation of steam‑powered vessels.

Sinking of S.S. Aviemore – 16^th September 1939

S.S. Aviemore
credit - wrecksite 

The S.S. Aviemore was a 4,060‑ton British steam merchant ship, built in 1920 by Irvine’s Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co. Ltd., West Hartlepool, and operated by Furness, Withy & Co. Ltd. of Liverpool. At the outbreak of the Second World War, she was carrying 5,105 tons of tinplate and black sheets from Swansea to Montevideo and Buenos Aires.

On 16^th September 1939, only two weeks into the war, the Aviemore became one of the earliest British merchant ships to fall victim to German U‑boat action. At 08:15 hours, while sailing in the Atlantic, she was torpedoed by U‑31. The torpedo struck with devastating force, breaking the ship in two and causing her to sink rapidly. Of the 34 men on board, 23 were lost, including Boiler Attendant Alfred Herbert Blake. Eleven survivors were rescued. The sinking of the Aviemore foreshadowed the heavy toll that would be inflicted on the Merchant Navy throughout the Battle of the Atlantic.

Death and Commemoration

Merchant Seamen Deaths

Alfred Herbert Blake
Tower Hill Memorial
credit - Benjidog Histroical Research Resources.
The Merchant Navy Memorial

According to the Merchant Seamen Deaths register, Alfred Herbert Blake lost his life on 16^th September 1939 when the Aviemore was sunk. As he has no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London, ensuring his service and sacrifice are remembered