Chief Officer John McKibbin Holmes served in the Merchant Navy during World War Two. He was the son of the late Charles Holmes and Mary Jane Holmes (née McKibben) of 22 Canning Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim, and the husband of Mary Ellen Holmes of Belfast, Co. Antrim. The 1911 Irish Census lists the family at Marine Parade, Holywood, Co. Down.
He died on 12th March 1941 aged 50 years old on board SS Empire Frost. The cargo ship came under Luftwaffe attack on 12th March 1941 in St. George’s Channel, sustaining much damage. The 7,0005-ton vessel was returning from its maiden voyage. While under tow from the Dutch vessel Seine the following day, a further bombing attack occurred in the Celtic Sea. SS Empire Frost went down after the second attack. A total of 6 crew members died as a result of the Heinkel HE111 bombings.
John McKibbin Holmes has no known grave. His name is on Panel 41 of the Tower Hill Memorial, London, England.