Captain C A Milligan joined the Merchant Navy in 1925, was appointed Commodore of the fleet in 1965 and retired after 42 years' sea service.
Commodore Master, Captain C A Milligan MBE, is commemorated by a plaque at Kilkeel Harbour, unveiled by Newry Maritime Association on Saturday 26 September 2026.
A life at sea
The family were evacuated from Belfast to Kilkeel after the Blitz. In 1925 Charles joined the Merchant Navy, and after an illustrious career he was appointed Commodore of the fleet in June 1965. He retired in 1967 after 42 years' sea service.
Captain Milligan lived in Killowen and died in 1975. He was a linguist, fluent in German, Dutch, Russian and Japanese.
The plaque
His daughters, Deirdre and Bronagh, still live in the family home in Killowen. They unveiled the commemoration plaque in his honour, which also reflects on the bravery of all those in the Merchant Navy, victims and survivors.
