Alexander John Liddell – Merchant Navy, S.S. Matina

Assistant Steward Alexander John Liddell – Merchant Navy, S.S. Matina

Early Life and Family Background

Alexander John Liddell was born in 1902 in Glasgow, Scotland, the son of Robert Liddell and Catherine Liddell. No census returns have been traced that record Alexander during his early years, and much of his childhood and youth remains undocumented. What is known is that he later settled in Wales, becoming part of the wider Swansea and Gower community.

In 1938, Alexander married Marjorie Dalrymple McLelland in Swansea, and the couple established their home at Ravens Craig, Bishopston, on the Gower Peninsula.

Merchant Navy Service

Merchant Seamen Deaths

Alexander served with the Merchant Navy, holding the rank of Assistant Steward, a role responsible for supporting the catering department, attending to the needs of passengers and crew, and maintaining the domestic operations of the ship. According to the Merchant Seamen Deaths register, Alexander was recorded as residing at Ravens Craig, Bishopston, firmly placing him within the Gower community at the time of his service.

The S.S. Matina

S.S. Matina
credit - wrecksite

The S.S. Matina was a British merchant steamer of 5,389 tons, built in 1929 and owned by Elders & Fyffes Ltd, a company well known for its banana‑carrying vessels operating between the Caribbean and Britain. On 12 October 1940, the Matina sailed from Port Antonio, Jamaica, bound for Garston, carrying a cargo of 1,500 tons of bananas.

The Final Voyage and Loss of the Ship

Alexander John Liddell
Tower Hill Memorial
credit - Benjidog Histroical Research Resources.
The Merchant Navy Memorial

On 26 October 1940, while on passage across the Atlantic, the Matina was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U‑28. The attack was devastating and left no survivors. The entire complement of 70 crew members and one passenger was lost. Among those who perished was Assistant Steward Alexander John Liddell, whose duties placed him at the heart of the ship’s domestic operations during the voyage.

Commemoration

With no known grave but the sea, Assistant Steward Alexander John Liddell is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. His name stands among those of thousands of Merchant Navy personnel who gave their lives during the Second World War, ensuring that his service and sacrifice are remembered.