In amongst the rows of naval headstones in the Woodlands Cemetery, Gillingham, Kent, is one dedicated to Robert McQueen. The inscription notes that he was a Fireman on board HMS Princess Irene, a liner that was conscripted by the Royal Navy as a minelayer during the First World War.

The headstone records that he died during the catastrophic explosion on 27th May 1915 that destroyed the ship, killing more than 300 people in the process. It also confirms that Robert was 23 years old when he died.

Birth records identify at least six Robert McQueens born in 1891/92, and without a place of birth, or parental names, it is not possible to definitively confirm which of these was serving on the Princess Irene on that fateful day. He was in what would become the Merchant Navy: their records are sparser than the Royal Navy equivalents, and none match the man who lies buried in Gillingham.

The life of Robert McQueen, therefore, is destined to remain lost to time, although his sacrifice will never be forgotten.

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