Master James Jarvie Aitken, Jr.

James Jarvie Aitken, Jr. (1912 – 1915), 2, was the son of Jarvie Aitken, grandson of James Aitken, and nephew of Chrissie Aitken.  The Aitkens were traveling aboard Lusitania to return to Scotland from British Columbia, Canada, following the death of James Jarvie Jr.’s mother, Grace.  The Aitkens had originally booked passage aboard Cameronia, but when that ship was requisitioned, her passengers and crew were transferred to Lusitania.  Jarvie, Jr., James Jarvie, and James were lost in the disaster.  Chrissie was the only member of their party to survive.

Life

James Jarvie Aitken, Jr., was born in 1912 in Merritt, British Columbia, Canada.  His parents were James Jarvie Aitken, Sr., and Grace Mackay Aitken (née Taylor).  That same year, his grandfather James and aunt Chrissie came from Scotland to live with his family.

Tragically, Grace died in 1914, and Jarvie and James decided to return to Scotland bringing Chrissie and James Jarvie, Jr., with them.  The Aitkens had originally booked passage aboard Cameronia, but the British Government requisitioned the ship the day of her sailing.  Thus, the Aitkens were among the passengers and crew transferred to Lusitania.

James Jarvie, Jr., Jarvie., and James were lost in the disaster.  Chrissie was the only member of their party to survive.  Chrissie was not with them during the sinking.  James’ body was recovered and identified.  James Jarvie’s and Jarvie’s were not.

While Ballard and Dunsmore’s book have recorded James Jarvie’s name as “Jarvie, Jr.” it is more likely that the family called the young child “James” and not “Jarvie.”

Contributor:
Oliver Russell