Remembering Richard Orton Fireman on SS Eston (London, England) Lost at Sea: January 28, 1940 Canadian Virtual War Memorial Listed on the Halifax Memorial Commemorated on Page 204 of the Merchant Navy Book of Remembrance. Richard Orton was the youngest son of Thomas Green Orton (1836-1909) and Louisa Annie (Taylor) Orton (1871-1944) of Halifax, Nova Scotia. His parents were born in the England. Richard, born in 1904, was the brother of William (1892-1961), Alexander (b.1894), Albert (1896-1952) and Bernard (1899-1979). Richard was 36 years of age Richard was one of 18 crew members on the SS Eston, lost at sea on January 28, 1940 when the ship struck a mine laid by U-boat 22 on December 20, 1939. The Eston departed Hull on January 26, en route to Blyth, and was lost near Blyth, in south east Northumberland, England. The crew, with the exception of Richard Orton, aged 36, were British. The youngest was the Mess Room Boy, Robert Robinson, aged 14, from Blyth.