Patrick Walker Brophy – Merchant Navy, S.S. Brinkburn

Able Seaman Patrick Walker Brophy – Merchant Navy, S.S. Brinkburn

Early Life and Family Background

Patrick Walker Brophy was born in 1921 in Swansea, the son of Edward Brophy and Asenath Jane John.

1921 Census

At the time of the 1921 Census, the family were living at 32 Llangyfelach Road, Brynhyfryd, Swansea. Patrick’s father, Edward, aged 34, was born in Dublin and worked as a General Labourer. He had previously been employed at Baldwins Steel Works, though at the time of the census he was recorded as out of work. His wife, Annett (Asenath), aged 24, was born in Manchester. Their children were Edward Aloysius, aged 1, and Patrick Walter, then just three months old.

Service in the Merchant Navy

Patrick later served with the Merchant Navy, holding the rank of Able Seaman, a skilled and essential role involving deck duties, lookout responsibilities, and the safe handling of the ship at sea.

Sinking of S.S. Brinkburn – 21^st June 1943

S.S. Brinkburn 
credit - wrecksite

The S.S. Brinkburn was a 4,737‑ton British steam merchant ship, built in 1924 by William Gray & Co. Ltd., West Hartlepool, and operated by R. Ropner & Co. Ltd. During the Second World War she transported essential cargoes across the Atlantic and around the British Isles—routes made increasingly hazardous by persistent German U‑boat activity.

On 21^st June 1943, while sailing independently from Loch Ewe to Halifax, the Brinkburn was attacked in the North Atlantic by the German submarine U‑338, fired a torpedo that struck the vessel with devastating force. The explosion caused catastrophic damage, and the ship sank rapidly, leaving the crew with little chance to escape.

All 40 men on board were lost, including Able Seaman Patrick Walker Brophy of Swansea. No survivors were ever recovered. The sinking occurred during a period when U‑boat operations were still inflicting heavy losses on Allied merchant shipping, despite improving convoy protection. The total loss of the vessel and her crew stands as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by Merchant Navy personnel during the Battle of the Atlantic.

Death and Commemoration

Merchant Seamen Deaths

Patrick Walter Brophy
Tower Hill Memorial
credit - Benjidog Histroical Research Resources.
The Merchant Navy Memorial

According to the Merchant Seamen Deaths register, Able Seaman Patrick Walker Brophy, of 18 Promenade, Swansea, lost his life on 21^st June 1943 when the Brinkburn was sunk. 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