Assistant Steward Robert Gallagher served in the Merchant Navy during World War Two. He was the younger son of William Gallagher and Sarah Gallagher (née Edwards) of 5 Upper Nassau Street, Derry/Londonderry.
He died on 24th February 1941 aged 25 years old when U-97 sank SS Jonathan Holt. At 0212hrs, the Nazi U-Boat fired 2 torpedoes at Convoy OB-289 south-west of the Faroe Islands. Both SS Mansepool and SS Jonathan Holt went down.
SS Jonathan Holt lost its Master, 38 crew members, 2 gunners, 4 Special Operations Executive Officers, and 6 other passengers. HMS Petunia picked up 3 survivors and SS Copeland rescued 3 others.
Robert Gallagher has no known grave. His name is on Panel 59 of the Tower Hill Memorial, London.