James Alexander Logan was the youngest son of Roswell Turner and Alice Leonara Logan. He was born on 6th January 1889 in Charleston, South Carolina. He was the youngest of ten children. He joined the US Navy in 1912. On 15th March 1943, Commodore Logan was appointed commander of the United States Naval Operating Base (USNOB) at Londonderry. In addition to his duties as commandant of the base, oversaw all US Navy activity within Northern Ireland. On 4th September 1943, he was killed when the airplane in which he was travelling crashed near Maghera.
Further Information
James Alexander Logan was the youngest son of Roswell Turner and Alice Leonara Logan (nee Plowden).
James Alexander Logan was born on 6th January 1889 in Charleston, South Carolina in the United Stated of America. He was the youngest of ten children. He was a member of a well-known Charleston family.
Known family: Roswell Turner Logan, Alice Leonara Logan (nee Plowden), Roswell Plowden Logan (born 1867), Edward Charles Logan (born 3rd January 1869, died 4th September 1871), Lena Attie Logan (born 28th February/1872), William Turner Logan (born 21st June 1874, died 15th September/1941), Wade Hampton Logan (born 6th November 1876), Maynard Marshall Logan (born 30th August 1878, died 30th July 1879), Anne Plowden Logan (born 19th June 1882), George Christian Logan (born 19th April 1885), Charles Vedder Logan (born 24th July 1888), James Alexander Logan (born 6th January 1889, died 4th September 1943).
Alex, as he was known, became a cadet at the Citadel in Charleston in 1905. After two semesters there, he received an appointment to the Naval Academy in 1906, following in the footsteps of his brother, George Christian Logan, in 1908. While at the Academy, Alex was a member of the secret Special Duty Squad, specialising in matching wits with the Discipline (Executive) Department. Following graduation, he served as a passed midshipman aboard West Virginia, receiving his commission as ensign in 1912.
James was married to Rae Ruth Heppe Logan (1891–1978). They had one son, James Alexander Logan (1924–1968).
James was commanding officer of USS Chase (DD 323) from June 1926 to April 1929.
On 15th March 1943, Commodore James Alexander Logan was appointed commander of the United States Naval Operating Base (USNOB) at Londonderry. In addition to his duties as commandant of the base, oversaw all US Navy activity within Northern Ireland.
Commodore Logan’s position as Commandant was to be tragically cut short.
On 4th September 1943, he left the base to attend a conference in London, to a meeting with the Commander of US Naval Forces in Europe, Admiral Harold R Stark. Arriving at RNAS Eglinton, he boarded a Cessna UC-78 Bobcat (Serial No 42-58314) which was piloted by Captain Loren Lee Miles of the USAAF. On the flight, Logan was also joined by Mr David Grimes, the Vice President in charge of engineering at the Philco Radio Company, who was involved in radar development work.
All three men were killed when Cessna UC-78 Bobcat utility plane crashed into the mountains near Maghera. The aircraft departed Eglinton at approximately 14:35. However, after its failure to arrive in London an investigation into its disappearance was started some four hours after its expected arrival time.
The crash site was discovered the following day at about 18:00 with all three men killed. The US Army were first notified and attended the scene before contacting the now acting navy commandant, Executive officer Commander John E Williams, who proceeded immediately to the crash site. The bodies were subsequently recovered and moved to the US Naval hospital at Creevagh, with the exception of the pilot, whose body was claimed by the US Army authorities.
After the bodies were recovered, a funeral service with full military honours was held on 8th September 1943 and was attended by senior governmental officials from Northern Ireland, Britain, Canada and the U.S.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 18th September 1943: Naval Chief Dead
The body of Commodore James A Logan, U.S. Navy, who was killed in an airplane crash at Maghera, was taken from the U.S. naval base in Derry on the first stage of its journey to London for internment. Representing the governor of Northern Ireland at the service was Captain Martelli, while Sir Norman Stronge, Bt, H.M.L., M.P., representing Sir Basil Brooke, the Northern Ireland premier. The British services were represented by senior officers. The mayor of Derry (senator F J Simmons) and the High Sheriff (Mr J J Buchanan) represented the citizens, and there was a large attendance of other prominent figures in public life. An oration was delivered by the base chaplain, Lieutenant Commander F A Burke, and the funeral service was conducted by Rev Henry J Cluver, of the American Red Cross, Derry. Commodore Logan’s favourite hymn, Abide With Me, was sung by a navy choir. The remains were borne to the gates of the camp, past two battalions of marines and seamen drawn up in the square. The Navy band played Chopin’s ‘Marche Funebre’ and a detachment of marines fire three volleys as a parting salute.
Lt Commander Thomas J Greene thereafter accompanied the remains to Brookwood Cemetery in England. Surrey, near London. Commodore Logan’s remain were laid to rest there after a brief service on 10th September 1943.
In December 1943, Commodore James A Logan was posthumously awarded the Legion of Merit. His citation reads:
‘The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Commodore James A. Logan, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commandant of the Navy Operating Base at Londonderry, Northern Ireland, from 15 March to 4 September 1942. Commander Logan was responsible for the efficient operation of the base, and for maintenance of cordial relations with representatives’
After the war, Commodore Logan’s remains were returned to the U.S. for reburial in his family’s plot in the Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston, South Carolina.
A small plaque was placed near the crash site by the Logan family on the 60th anniversary of the event on 4th September 2003. The plaque is located at the side of the Old Coach Road (the original road from Maghera to Belfast) at map ref. C80287 05185. Access to this road is at the ‘Black Gate’
