Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
ff
   Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson
Save as PDF
Dated added: 30/12/2015   Last updated: 19/01/2019
Personal Details
Regiment/Service: S.S. Atheltemplar, Merchant Navy (British Civilian)
Date Of Birth: 13/05/1903
Died: 01/03/1941 (Died at Sea)
Age: 37
Summary      
Arthur Waterson was the eldest son of Robert and Annie Waterson He was born on 13th May 1903 in the Bangor area, probably in Groomsport. He was the eldest of four children. His father was a fisherman. Arthur was the husband of Eileen Waterson. Arthur Hill Coates Waterson was with the Merchant Navy in World War Two, serving as captain on board the ship SS Atheltemplar. In March 1941, his convoy was attacked by German aircraft. Captain Waterson and ten crew members were lost. As far as is known, Arthur Waterson’s only connection with Cookstown was that he was a cousin of Arthur Killips of 78 Chapel Street, Cookstown.
Further Information
Arthur Waterson was the eldest son of Robert and Annie Waterson Robert Waterson and Annie Graham were married on 15th October 1901 in the district of North Down.
Arthur Hill Coates Waterson was born on 13th May 1903 in the Bangor area, probably in Groomsport. He was the eldest of four children.
Proposed family: Robert Waterson, Annie Waterson, Arthur Hill Coates Waterson (born 13th May 1903), Fanny Waterson (born 22nd October 1907), John Waterson (born 1st December 1911). Ellen Waterson (born 9th November 1912).
The 1911 census lists Arthur H C as age 7, living with the family at house 78 in Groomsport, Bangor, County Down. His father was a fisherman.
Arthur was the husband of Eileen Waterson. They lived in the Bangor area.
Arthur Hill Coates Waterson was with the Merchant Navy in World War Two, serving as Master on board the ship SS Atheltemplar.
SS Atheltemplar
In March 1941, the SS Atheltemplar, as a Vice-Commodore ship, was leading the Starboard Column of the outward bound convoy EN79. EN79 departed from Methil at 0630hrs on 1st March 1941 bound for Buenos Aires. EN79 met the inbound convoy WN91 of the Aberdeenshire coast.
Whilst air cover had been provided by three Hurricane fighters during the daylight hours, this was withdrawn at last light. The Luftwaffe had charted the progress of both convoys during daylight hours and forty five minutes after sunset, convoy EN79 was attacked by three Heinkel III German Bombers. Their bombs hit the Atheltemplar destroying the Navigation Bridge and bridge deck house causing an immediate devastating fire.
Captain Waterson and ten crew members were lost. The fires on board the Atheltemplar were eventually brought under control and she was taken under tow to the Tyne for major repairs.
Master Arthur Hill Coates Waterson was killed in action on 1st March 1941.
Master Arthur Hill Coates Waterson has no known grave and is commemorated in Tower Hill Memorial, London.
Arthur Waterson is also commemorated on the memorial on the vestry door in Groomsport Church of Ireland in Groomsport, Bangor.
Arthur Waterson is also commemorated on Groomsport War Memorial.
There is a drinking fountain located at the Sunken Gardens in Bangor, which was erected by members of the Bangor Corinthians Sailing Club in memory of Mrs. Arthur Hill Coates.
The CWGC record Master Arthur Hill Coates Waterson as the son of Robert and Annie Waterson. He is also recorded as the husband of Eileen Waterson of Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland.
As far as is known, Arthur Waterson’s only connection with Cookstown was that he was a cousin of Arthur Killips of 78 Chapel Street, Cookstown.
Read more
References and Links
No Link Reference Map Doc
1 1911 Census lists Waterson family Lists Arthur H C as age 5 living with the family at house 78 in Groomsport, Bangor, Down
2 Barry Niblock - North Down & Ards Arthur Waterson listed on Groomsport War Memorial
3 Groomsport Memorial Arthur Waterson listed on Groomsport Church Memorial
4 Tower Hill Memorial photo Atheltemplar on Tower Hill Memorial
5 Uboat.Net - Atheltemplar Atheltemplar ship information including photo
Cookstown District's War Dead Acknowledgements 2010-2023