John Samuel Benson – Merchant Navy, S.S. Empire Tiger

Third Officer John Samuel Benson – Merchant Navy, S.S. Empire Tiger

Early Life and Family Background

John Samuel Benson was born in 1901 in Swansea, the son of Thomas Benson and Helena Mary Dark, who later married in 1905, also in Swansea.

1911 Census

By the time of the 1911 Census, the Benson family were living at 32 Gwydr Crescent, Swansea. John’s father, Thomas, aged 28, was working as a Fishmonger, while his mother Helen Mary, aged 26, managed the home. Their children were Thomas Robert (3) and John Samuel, then 6 months old. Also present in the household were Alice Maude Dabs (17), employed as a servant, and Elizabeth Jones (59), a monthly nurse.

Education

1921 Census

At the time of the 1921 Census, 10‑year‑old John was recorded as a pupil at Lucton School, Kingsland, Herefordshire, indicating that he received a formal education away from home.

Marriage and Civilian Life

In 1936, John married Dorothy B. Gatehouse at Newport Market.

1939 Register

By the 1939 Register, the couple were living at 5 Kensington Place, Newport. John was employed as a Quarter Master, while Dorothy undertook household duties.

Service in the Merchant Navy

John later served with the Merchant Navy, rising to the position of Third Officer aboard the S.S. Empire Tiger.

S.S. Empire Tiger

S.S. Empire Tiger

The S.S. Empire Tiger was a 4,954‑ton British steam cargo ship built in 1919 by Todd Dry Dock & Construction Corp. and operated by the Ministry of War Transport during the Second World War. She formed part of the large “Empire” fleet of merchant vessels that maintained essential wartime supply routes. Before her loss, the ship underwent several inspections and surveys in 1940, confirming her readiness for service. On 27^th  February 1941, while bound for the Clyde, Empire Tiger transmitted distress messages reporting severe difficulties, including the loss of all lifeboats. Shortly afterwards, all communication ceased, and the vessel vanished without trace in the North Atlantic. No wreckage or survivors were ever found, and the entire crew—including Third Officer John Samuel Benson—was lost. With no known grave, the men of the Empire Tiger are commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Death and Commemoration

Merchant Seamen Deaths

John Samuel Benson
Tower Hill Memorial, London
credit - findagrave

According to the Merchant Seamen Deaths records, Third Officer John Samuel Benson lost his life on 27^th February 1941 while serving aboard the Empire Tiger. As he has no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London, which honours Merchant Navy personnel who died at sea during both world wars