McNeil, Ignatius Fireman and Trimmer SS Empire Sky (Sunderland, England) Canadian Merchant Navy November 6, 1942 Halifax Memorial Commemorated on Page 190 of the Merchant Navy Book of Remembrance Displayed in the Memorial Chamber of the Peace Tower in Ottawa on April 16, September 13 and November 19 Ignatius McNeil was the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. McNeil, of Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. On November 6, 1942, the British cargo ship SS Empire Sky was on voyage from Hull to Reykjavik and Archangel with government stores, ammunition, and aircraft. The ship was attacked by the U-625 about 20 miles south east of Spitzbergen. The SS Empire Sky blew up in a terrific explosion when the ammunition on board exploded, with debris falling over a wide area. All 42 crew and 18 gunners lost their lives.