Acknowledgments: Barney Rice

Alexander was the son of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Aikenhead, of South Shields, Co. Durham

S.S. Harpagus was a Steam merchant, Tonnage 5,173 tons Completed 1940 - Bartram & Sons Ltd, South Dock, Sunderland. Owner J. & C. Harrison Ltd, London Homeport, London.

SS Harpagus was torpedoed by U-Boat U-109 commanded by Fregattenkapitän Hans-Georg Fischer on the 20th May 1941, at 23.20 hours the Harpagus, carrying 8250 tons of grain, having almost regained position, was struck by two torpedoes from U-109 in the starboard side and sank very quickly about 250 miles south-southeast of Cape Farewell. 25 crew members, four gunners, three passengers and 26 survivors were lost. The master, 17 crew members and 22 survivors were picked up by HMS Burnham (H 82) (Cdr J. Bostock) and landed at Reykjavik.

With Thanks to U-Boat net

Alexander Aikemhead is remembered at South Shields on S86.036, at Westoe in W101.08 page 2, and on our List of Ships’ crews

His Christian name is given as both "Alexandra" and "Alexander".

Merchant Navy Losses updated database
The CWGC entry for Fireman Aikenhead