On Tower Hill Memorial London is the name of First Engineer John Harle Johnston serving on S.S. “Cairnstrath” (Newcastle) with the Mercantile Marine who died 04/08/1917.

The son of Charles William and May Ann Johnston and the husband of Mary Elizabeth Johnston (nee Franks), of 26, Thomas St., South Shields. He was born at South Shields.

In Westoe Cemetery is a family headstone which reads:-
In loving memory of
Mary Ann Johnston
Who died July 19th 1932 aged 76 years

Also Charles William Johnston
Beloved husband of the above
Who died Aug. 31st 1932 aged 76 years

Also John Harle Johnston
Who was lost at sea by enemy action
Aug. 4th 1917 aged 34 years

The Steamer SS Cairnstrath, ship number 95455, was torpedoed by a German U Boat U 71, commanded by Oberleutnant zur See Reinhold Saltzwedel, 6 miles SSW of Ile du Pilier. The vessel was carrying iron ore from Bilboa to the Tyne, with the loss of 22 casualties.

John Harle Johnston is remembered at South Shields on S86.102 and in our List of Ships’ Crews.