John Anderson Dempster – Merchant Navy, F.V. Caerphilly Castle

Second Engineer John Anderson Dempster – Merchant Navy, F.V. Caerphilly Castle

Early Life and Family Background

John Anderson Dempster was born in 1902 in Swansea, the son of Robert Mitchell Dempster and Martha Walker, who had married in 1900. 

1911 Census

The 1911 Census records the family living at 40 Kilvey Road, Foxhole, Swansea, where Robert, aged 30 and born in Liverpool, worked as a general labourer, while Martha, aged 31, managed the home. Their children at that time were John (8), Martha Jane (4), and Robert Mitchell (1).

1921 Census

By the 1921 Census, the family was still at the same address. Robert, now 40, was employed as a Water Inspector for the Swansea Corporation Water Works, and Martha was 41. Their household had grown to include John Anderson (18), recorded as a Copper Worker Furnace‑man who had previously worked for William Foster Rains, Greenfield Street, but was unemployed at the time of the census; Martha Jane (14); Robert Mitchell (11); Florence Elizabeth (8); Winifred (5); and William George (3).

Service in the Merchant Navy

John later joined the Merchant Navy, serving as a Second Engineer, a demanding role requiring technical skill, physical strength, and resilience. He served aboard the Fishing Vessel Caerphilly Castle, one of the many small British fishing vessels that continued to operate throughout the Second World War despite the increasing threat from enemy aircraft. These vessels were vital to Britain’s food supply and coastal operations, placing them directly in harm’s way.

Loss of the F.V. Caerphilly Castle – 27^th January 1941

The F.V. Caerphilly Castle was among the many small fishing vessels lost during the war. Although built for commercial fishing, trawlers like her were essential to sustaining Britain’s food supply during wartime, and their continued operation brought them into dangerous waters.

On 27^th January 1941, the Caerphilly Castle was caught in an air raid. Lightly built and carrying no defensive armament, the vessel had little chance once spotted from the air. The attack was swift and devastating, and the vessel was sunk with the loss of several crew members, including Second Engineer John Anderson Dempster.

Death and Commemoration

Merchant Seamen Deaths 

James Cecil Cole
Tower Hill Memorial
credit - Benjidog Histroical Research Resources.
The Merchant Navy Memorial

According to the Merchant Seamen Deaths register, John Anderson Dempster lost his life on 27^th January 1941 when the Caerphilly Castle was destroyed in an air raid. As he has no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London, which honours the thousands of Merchant Navy personnel who died at sea during both world wars.