Chief Steward John McNeill served in the Merchant Navy during the Second World War. He was the son of Joseph McNeill and Elizabeth McNeill of Belfast, and husband of Teresa McNeill of Belfast.
John served on SS Orlock Head. SS Orlock Head launched in 1921, built in Dublin and operated by the Ulster Steamship Company. On 11th March 1940, the Irish steamship collided with Clan Stewart as both ships travelled in a convoy in foggy weather. The second ship sank as a result of this incident.
On 28th July 1940, SS Orlock Head lagged behind its convoy when a Luftwaffe fighter plane launched an attack. The steamship caught fire resulting in the deaths of 6 crew members including John McNeill. Another vessel from the convoy, Star of Liberty brought the dead and injured to Scrabster Harbour, Thurso, Scotland. This was a base for ferries that brought explosives to Scapa Flow. Of the fatalities from this incident, 5 have graves in Northern Ireland with the final casualty buried in Thurso, Scotland.
Remembering the crew of SS Orlock Head
| Last Name | First Name(s) | Rank | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blaney | Robert James | 3rd Engineer Officer | Killed aged 35 years old. Buried in Ballynahinch Congregational Cemetery, Ballynahinch, Co. Down. |
| McNeill | John | Chief Steward | Killed aged 36 years old. Buried in Belfast City Cemetery, Belfast, Co. Antrim. |
| Ross | James | Chief Officer | Killed aged 49 years old. Buried in Ballyharry Cemetery, Islandmagee, Co. Antrim. |
| Sloan | Samuel | Chief Engineer Officer | Killed aged 61 years old. Buried in Dundonald Cemetery, Dundonald, Co. Down. |
| Ward | Victor Edwin | 2nd Engineer Officer | Killed aged 61 years old. Buried in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Thurso, Scotland. |
| Wilson | Hill | Able Seaman | Killed aged 32 years old. Buried in St. John's Church of Ireland, Islandmagee, Co. Antrim. |
John McNeill’s grave is in Glenalina Extension, Section A, Grave 372 of Belfast City Cemetery, Belfast.