Following his years at sea with the Union Castle Line, he expressed a wish during his lifetime to be buried at sea.

This was not possible, but it was decided to have him cremated at the East London Crematorium and ask Union Castle Line for their assistance.

The following letter was received from Union Castle Lines.

Email from Eric Stewart, 18th July 2008

1906 Birth Address: 25 Ashgrove, Musselburgh.

James Dickson Stewart suffered for many years with Crescendo Angina ( From 1963 ), but still enjoyed his hobby of old time dancing when ever his health permitted. He had a stroke but made a good recovery. Then, a few years later, immediately after returning home from a holiday, became ill and was admitted to hospital. But a week later, on the very day he was to be discharged, he had another stroke. The family were summoned but he had another two strokes and died just as they arrived at the hospital.

I am including a Report on my Uncle James Stewart.

As you can see he kept a log of various voyages during the war. Which I thought would have been illegal.

(These notes I have included on the page of HMS Pretoria Castle)

Cape Town

July 18, 1978

Dear Mr. Stewart,

This is to inform you that the ashes of your late father Mr. James Stewart were scattered on the waters of the South Atlantic at 1900 hours, 17th July 1978. The ships position was :-

          Latitude 31 degrees 31 minutes South

          Longitude 15 degrees 57 minutes East.

This position is approximately 190 nautical miles north west of Cape Town. A short portion of  the Church of England burial service was read over the scattering.

Yours sincerely

Peter Eckford

Master