John William Thompson was born in Liverpool, Lancashire, England in 1885. He lived at 15 Grafton Street, Toxteth, Liverpool. He was a professional seaman in the Mercantile marine and his previous ship had been the SS Aidan.
John engaged as a trimmer in the Engineering Department on board the Lusitania at Liverpool on 12 April 1915 at a monthly wage of £6-0s-0d, was advanced £1-0s-0d from his pay. He reported for duty on the morning of 17 April, before she left the River Mersey for the last time.
He survived the sinking three weeks later and having been rescued from the sea, was landed at Queenstown from where he travelled home.
On his return to Liverpool he was officially discharged from the Lusitania’s final voyage and paid the balance of wages owing to him, which amounted to £4-6s-4d (£4.31½). This was in respect of his sea service from 17 April to 8 May 1915 - 24 hours after the liner had gone down.
References
Cunard Records, PRO BT 100/345.