Bill Riccalton has supplied the following:

I believe Robert Blackburn joined the Merchant Marine before the war started and before his parents (or perhaps only his mother and brother - I can't recall a man of the house) came to Longhorsley in October 1938 from Jesmond Newcastle. (Source: Longhorsley Schools admission Register for his brother David on 25/10/1938, previous school recorded as Jesmond). I was at school with David, Robert’s brother, - he was always in trouble, getting many a severe caning for misbehaviour. I had no knowledge of David’s brother’s existence or death, however, looking back, could his behaviour have been as a result of his sad loss? Mrs Blackburn was always dressed in dark clothing and was often seen picking and eating the new hawthorn buds, at this time of year, from the hedgerow on Smallburn Road leading to their house.

Robert died in February 1943 when his ship the S.S. Radhurst, on which he was third officer, was sunk by German action when it was attacked by the U-boat U-525 on the 20th February 1943. He has no known grave.

Source: The Register of Deceased Seamen 1781-1968, page 226, May 1943, records the following: Ship: S S Radhurst. Date of Death: 1943. Place of Death: At Sea. Rank or Rating: 3rd Mate. Nationality including Birthplace: Newcastle. Last Place of Abode: Greystones, Longhorsley, Northumberland. Cause of Death: Presumed Drowned Vessel Sunk

While the above information I believe is correct, it is not cast in concrete. Refinement and confirmations would be obtained, by acquiring the various certificates, of births, deaths and marriages.

Robert Blackburn is remembered on our List of Ships’ crews

S.S. Radhurst
Crew list from S.S. Radhurst
The CWGC entry for 3rd Officer Blackburn