George Robert Jamieson

 The following blog is about the importance of headstone inscriptions.

The headstone in question, is the Bowen family grave, which is located at Babell Cemetery, Carmarthen Road.

The headstone is in memory of George Robert Jamieson, “Who Was Drowned While Serving His Country – April 15th, 1917, Aged 40 Years – “Thy Will Be Done””. Husband of Margaret and son in law of David Bowen.

So, who is George Robert Jamieson?







First, we must look at the 1911 Census.  George Robert Jamieson,

1911 Census

At this time, Scottish born, 34-year-old George was residing at 207 Carmarthen Road, his occupation is listed at Credit Draper. Present at the same time, is his father-in-law, 58-year-old David Bowen and wife, Margaret Ann. 

Twenty years earlier, 1881, George is listed on the 1891 Scottish Census.  Residing at 21 Millbrae Crescent Renfrewshire.  14-year-old Robert’s occupation is listed Commercial Clerk. His parents, 42-year-old David, who is listed as Established Church Clergyman Tilwood Pollokshields, and 41-year-old Margaret.  Also, present are 5 siblings and 2 servants.

At the time of the First World War, George, enlisted with the 24th (Denbighshire Yeomanry) Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers.  The Battalion was formed March 1st, 1917, at El Arish Egypt. 

April 15th, 1917.  SS Arcadian was en route from Thessaloniki (Salonika) to Alexandra, Egypt with a company of 1,335 troops and crew was escorted by a Japanese Navy destroyer.

SS Arcadian
SS Arcadian was a 9-ton Passenger Liner, having been launched as SS Ortona, on 26th October 1899 Initially she was the last ship that Pacific Steam had built for London to Australia route. Completing her maiden voyage on the 24th November, carrying 140 first class, 180 second class and 300 third class passengers. December 1902, Ortona was used to return troops back to the UK from Second Boer War.

May 1906, Ortona was sold to the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, who used her in joint operation with the Orient Line to Australia. September 1907, the professional New Zealand Rugby League team travelled on the Ortona, from Australia to France.

Olave St. Claire Soames
1910, sent to Harland & Wolff shipyards, Belfast, the Ortona was refitted and renamed Arcadian.  1912, she stated on first world cruise.  During this voyage, that Olave St. Claire Soames met Lieutenant General Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout Movement.

February 1915, following the outbreak of the First World War, the Admiralty hired Arcadian.  April of that year, Ian Hamilton had used both the Arcadian and battleship Queen Elizabeth as his headquarters during the opening phrase of the Gallipoli Campaign.  Following the transportation of Hamilton’s staff to Imbros, the Arcadian was employed a troops ship in the Mediterranean.

Register of Soldiers' Effects 1901-1929

Sir Marc Armand Ruffer
On that fateful April.  After completing a boat drill, whilst 26 miles north-east of Greek Island of Milos, the Arcadian was hit by a single torpedo fired from the German submarine SM UC-74 and sank within in 6 minutes. with a loss of 270 lives.  One of those lost was George Robert Jamieson, it is information from the Register of Soldiers Effects (above) that gives the information that George was onboard.  The Japanese Navy destroyer had 2 torpedoes launched at her whilst she was attempting to rescue men from the water.   One of the of those who was killed was the eminent bacteriologist Sir Marc Armand Ruffer, who was returning to Alexandria.




It wouldn’t be until 5th May 1917, that The Cambria Daily Leader, reported that George was believed to have been drowned.

The Cambria Daily Leader - 5th May 1917


Mikra Memorial, Greece

Royal Welch Fusiliers - Jamieson, G. R. 

George Jamieson is commemorated on the Mikra Memorial, Greece.

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