Greaser Charles Reilly served in the Merchant Navy during World War Two. He served on board SS Housatonic at the time of his death. Born in Irvine, Scotland, he was the husband of Jane Reilly of 71 Hardinge Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim.
Charles died on 20th February 1941 aged 41 years old after receiving fatal burns during an attack on the SS Housatonic. His place of death was on board HMS Periwinkle, a Harland and Wolff built Corvette that acted as a rescue ship after the bombing.
The SS Housatonic was part of Convoy OB 287. The tanker came under attack from a Luftwaffe plane and went down in the Atlantic with a loss of 3 crew members.
Charles Reilly’s grave is in Section B , Row SF, Grave 41 of Milltown Cemetery, Belfast, Co. Antrim. His headstone bears the inscription:
Deeply regretted by his loving wife, son and daughters. RIP.