William Fisken served with the Merchant Navy during World War Two. He died when the SS Lochgarry went down off the coast of Rathlin Island. His role onboard was 1st Radio Officer.
Fisken was born in the village of Luss, Argyll and Bute in Scotland. At the time of the sinking, he lived at 280 Crow Road, Glasgow with his wife Nan.
Sinking of the SS Lochgarry
The SS Lochgarry sank on 20th January 1942. The Master and Chief Engineer stayed onboard until 0530hrs on 21st January 1942. As the Lochgarry sank, they took a remaining lifeboat and made it to Rathlin Island around 0630hrs. There they found 25 survivors. A further 23 men were missing, presumed dead. After the ship went down, Fisken died from exposure to the cold off the Northern Irish coast.
His grave is in Bonamargy Cemetery, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim. He is remembered on the Scottish National War Memorial in his hometown. Fisken’s name does not appear on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Register. This is perhaps due to his death not being caused by enemy action.