World War 1 Memorial Plaque for David Stephen

Captain David Simpson Stephen

Montrose, Scotland, 1864 - 1918

About MeCaptain David Simpson Stephen (circa 1864 - 1918) was the captain of the Hogarth when she sunk in June 1918. Stephen was from a seafaring family in Montrose, Scotland. He was started his own career engaged on ships handling trade in the West Indies Islands, East India and throughout the British Colonies. He joined an Aberdeen sailing company, probably the Aberdeen Steam Navigation Company, in 1893 as an able-body seaman and went on to serve as bosun before getting his second mate's certificate in October 1895, there after being promoted to second officer. In 1899 he was appointed chief officer and served on steam vessels throughout the comapny's fleet. A year later he had gained his master's certificate and in 1903 he obtained his Trinity pilot's certificate. In 1915 he was appointed a master.
In 1916, he helped rescue a vessel during a gale after it struck a mine and was rewarded with a gold watch. He would also assist in the rescue of another ship for which he was recognised by the Admiralty of the Board and Council of Merchenatile Marine Service Association; of which he was a member.
Stephen was also a member of the Aberdeen Freemasons and Ancient Order of Shepherd's. He was married and had three sons and a daughter. Two of his sons were serving with the armed forces at the time of his death.