David McClelland was born in Bootle, Liverpool, Lancashire, England, on the 18th June 1896, the son of Robert and Margaret Ann Anderson McClelland (née Allan). He was one of nine children, and his father was a marine fireman in the Mercantile Marine. In 1915, the family resided at 41. Chesnut Grove, Bootle, Liverpool.
On completing his education, David McClelland followed his father’s example by joining the Mercantile Marine as a cook, serving on vessels operating out of the port of Liverpool.
In April 1915 at Liverpool, he signed on as an Extra Extra Second Cook in the Stewards' Department on board the Lusitania, and joined the liner on the 12th April when she departed from the Princes Landing Stage on the River Mersey for what would
prove to be the very last time.
Having crossed the Atlantic Ocean and landing safely in New York, he was still serving in the same capacity when the Lusitania departed on her return voyage on Saturday, 1st May. When the great liner sank off the coast of southern Ireland on the afternoon of the 7th May, he was counted among the survivors. Having been landed at Queenstown, he eventually made his way back to his home.
On recovering from his experience, in December 1915, David enlisted as 8795 Pte. David McClelland in the 3rd Bn. “The Kings” Liverpool Regiment. He later transferred to the Machine Gun Corps, qualifying as a machine gunner, and serving for the duration of the war as 85942 Pte. David McClelland.
While still serving in the army, Thomas married Ada Waller in Liverpool on the 5th January 1918. They eventually took up residence at 79. Radley Drive, Liverpool, with their three children – Ruth, Maurice, and Malcolm.
After the war, David returned to being a cook in the Mercantile Marine, serving on various liners for many years.
He died on the 30th March 1960 at Walton Hospital, Liverpool, aged 63 years, and his remains cremated. On the 29th November 1961, administration of his estate was granted to his widow, Ada. His effects amounted to £1,600.
Register of Births, Marriages and Deaths, Liverpool England Church of England Marriages and Banns 1901 Census of England, 1911 Census of England, 1921 Census of England, 1939 Register, New York Passenger Lists 1820 – 1957, Cunard Records, UK British Army World War I Service Records 1914 – 1920, Probate Records, PRO BT 350, PRO BT 351/1/91266, PRO BT 364, Graham Maddocks, Geoff Whitfield, Michael Poirier, Jim Kalafus, Cliff Barry, Paul Latimer, Norman Gray.
Copyright © Peter Kelly.
Revised & Updated – 24th November 2024.