Cook Robert Herdman served in the Merchant Navy during World War Two. Born on 17th April 1879, he was the son of William Herdman and Elizabeth Jane Herdman, and the husband of Jane "Jeannie" McGaw Herdman of 14 Keadyville Avenue, Belfast, Co. Antrim.
He died on 12th November 1940 aged 61 years old when SS Balmore came under aerial attack from the Luftwaffe in the North Atlantic. A total of 26 people died when the steam cargo ship went down.
Robert Herdman has no known grave. His name is on Panel 13 of the Tower Hill Memorial, London.