William Edward Bevan – Merchant Navy, M.V. Canadian Star

Assistant Steward William Edward Bevan – Merchant Navy, M.V. Canadian Star

Early Life

William Edward Bevan was born in 1924. As he was too young to appear in the 1939 Register, there are no surviving civilian records for him during that period.

Service in the Merchant Navy

William served with the Merchant Navy, holding the rank of Assistant Steward. His recorded home address at the time was 1 Dupre Row, St. Thomas, Swansea.

Sinking of M.V. Canadian Star – 18^th March 1943

M.V. Canadian Star 
credit - wrecksite

The M.V. Canadian Star was a refrigerated cargo liner operated by the Blue Star Line, responsible for transporting food and essential supplies across the Atlantic during the Second World War. On 18thh March 1943, while sailing as part of Convoy HX 229 from New York to Liverpool, the ship came under attack during one of the most intense U‑boat assaults of the war. The convoy was targeted by several German submarines operating as a coordinated wolf pack. At approximately 54°40’N, 31°25’W, the Canadian Star was struck by a torpedo fired by U‑221. The explosion caused catastrophic damage, and the vessel sank rapidly in heavy seas, leaving little chance for escape. Many of those on board were lost, including Assistant Steward William Edward Bevan. The sinking formed part of the wider battle for Convoy HX 229, one of the most fiercely contested convoy engagements of the Atlantic campaign.

Death and Commemoration

Merchant Seamen Deaths 

William Edward Bevan
Tower Hill Memorial
credit - findagrave

According to the Merchant Seamen Deaths register, William lost his life on 18^th March 1943 when the Canadian Star was sunk. As he has no known grave, he is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London, which honours Merchant Navy personnel who died at sea during both world wars.