Cleaner James Gregson Cairns served in the Merchant Navy during the Second World War. Born on 30th November 1920, he was the son of James Cairns and Mary Cairns of 31 McClure Street, Belfast.
James died on 3rd September 1941 aged 20 years old. At the time, he served on M.V. Fort Richepanse. The refrigerated cargo ship was around 450 miles south-west of Bloody Foreland when U-567 launched a torpedo attack. The unescorted merchant ship went down after 2042hrs with the loss of Master Charles Draper, 25 crew members, 5 gunners, and 5 passengers.
James Gregson Cairns has no known grave. His name is on Panel 51 of the Tower Hill Memorial, London, England.