Name :-   Cuthbert, John Gilbert

Nationality :-   UK

Age :-   43

Rank :-   Second Cook

Service :-   Mercantile Marine

Regiment / ship :-  M.V. Benedick

Date of death :-   27th July 1945 (United States)

Cemetery / Memorial :-  Not on Commonwealth War Graves Commission site

Family information :-   Son of William Falconer Cuthbert and Susan Campbell Doig, Pearl Cottage, Rattray

"Gib", as he was known, was the second cook on the M.V. "Benedict".  He had served his bakers apprenticeship with J. & A. Reid, Blairgowrie (they also employed Kenneth James Davidson [sic.]), and worked for Wm. Stewart Ltd., Grayburn Bakery, Coupar Angus.  

He died at Port Aranas, Texas.  He, and his companions had missed the last ferry back after having been on shore leave.  They decided to swim to their ship, and Gib was not seen again until his body was recovered some time later.  This was considered a very great tragedy, as he was an expert swimmer.