Robert George McCahon was the third son of James McCahon. He was born about 1911. The family lived in Tamlaght-O’Crilly and then in of Crewe, Culnady, in the Upperlands area. Around February 1939, Robert George McCahon joined the Royal Navy. First Class Stoker Robert George McCahon served on the light cruiser H.M.S. Dunedin. On 24th November 1941 HMS Dunedin was attacked in the South Atlantic by a U-boat and was hit by two torpedoes and sunk. Stoker Robert George McCahon was one of those who died.
Further Information
Robert George McCahon was the third son of James McCahon. He was born about 1911. The family lived in Tamlaght-O’Crilly and then in of Crewe, Culnady, in the Upperlands area.
Robert was educated at Culnady P.E. School.
Robert was a member of Culnady Protestant Flute Band and of Culnady Presbyterian Church. His father was a member of Ulster Defenders L.O.L. No. 228.
Around 1936, Robert George McCahon went to work in England.
Around February 1939, Robert George McCahon joined the Royal Navy.
First Class Stoker Robert George McCahon served on the light cruiser H.M.S. Dunedin.
On 24th November 1941 HMS Dunedin was attacked in the South Atlantic by a U-boat and was hit by two torpedoes and sunk.
Only four officers and 63 men survived out of Dunedin's crew of 486 officers and men. First Class Stoker Robert George McCahon was one of those who died. He was 30 years old.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 31st January 1942: Captain R A Stewart, R.A.M.C., Cape Town
Official intimation has been received from the Admiralty that First Class Stoker Robert George McCahon is missing. He was serving on H.M.S. Dunedin. The missing sailor, aged 30, was the third son of Mr and Mrs James McCahon, of Crewe, Culnady, and formerly of Tamlaght-O’Crilly district. He went to work in England five years ago and joined the Royal Navy over two years ago. Educated at Culnady P.E. School, he was a member of Culnady Protestant Flute Band and of Culnady Presbyterian Church. The news that he has been missing for a considerable time has caused keen regret in his native district. His late father was an esteemed member of Ulster Defenders L.O.L. No. 228.
First Class Stoker Robert George McCahon has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 55 of the Portsmouth Naval Memorial in Hampshire.
A HMS Dunedin Memorial plinth and oak was dedicated at the National Memorial Arboretum on 26th July 2003.
