Alfred George Marjoram

A Mate with M.V. Novio, Alfred died on 14th of March 1941 at the age of 37. 

Alfred was born in 1903, a son of George and Edith Marjoram. He was baptised at Saint Edmunds Church, Kessingland, on 17 January 1904. In 1911 his family lived at Gladstone Cottages, London Road, Kessingland. 

Alfred married Gwendoline Wigg in 1927. In 1939 Alfred, Gwendoline, and children, lived at Davies Cottages, Kessingland, and Alfred was a fisherman.

During World War Two Alfred served with the Merchant Navy and was a Mate on the Dutch vessel Novio.

Some details of what happened to Alfred are unclear, but the Merchant Navy Seamen's Death records show that he died at the Royal Cornwall Sailors Home and Hospital, Falmouth, from 'septic pneumonia brought about by shock and immersion due to mine explosion.' 

On 22 February 1941 a German parachute mine was dropped and fell into the inner harbour at Falmouth. Efforts were made to detonate the mine, but these did not work. A team of divers, from H.M.S. Vernon, attempted to defuse the mine, but this was extremely difficult and on 6 March 1941 it exploded killing three of the Royal Navy men and three sailors who were supporting the diving team. Alfred was on the support vessel, the M.V. Novio Magnum, and he was injured and thrown into the sea by the explosion. Three other men were injured, but survived.

Alfred was buried at Falmouth Cemetery on 18 March 1941.

For further details see: Service Most Silent - remembering those who died in Falmouth 6th March 1941 | WW2Talk

With thanks to Andy Pearce for additional information.