In Newcastle upon Tyne (West Road) Cemetery is the Commonwealth War Grave of:

W.J. McCartney
Able Seaman, RN. C/JX 144699
H.M.S. Pembroke
28th March 1940 age 20

Below it is a semicircular stone which reads:

A.B/Seaman W.J. McCartney R.N.
Died March 28th 1940 aged 20 years.

The son of William John and Gladys McCartney, of Newcastle upon Tyne.

The Newcastle Evening Chronicle 29/03/1940 reports with a photograph:-
SEAMAN’S DEATH ON TYNESIDE LEAVE
Twenty-two-year-old Seaman Torpedoman William John McCartney, Stamfordham Road. Newcastle, has died after spending seven days in Newcastle Infirmary.

He had enjoyed only one day’s leave before being removed to the Infirmary for an immediate operation for a perforated appendix.

McCartney had been in the Navy for more than five years. He served aboard H.M.S. Royal Sovereign before being transferred on the outbreak of war to special duty at Chatham Naval Barracks. He was educated at St. Aloysius’ School and was an able footballer.

His father was wounded while serving with the Royal Engineers in the Great War. The funeral will take place on Monday at West Road Cemetery.

William John McCartney is remembered in our List of Ships’ Crews.