Robert Frederick McArt was born in West Derby, Lancashire on 15 October 1900 and likely forged a career in the merchant service prior to the outbreak of hostilities. More certain is the fact he was appointed to the temporary rank of Lieutenant-Commander in the Royal Naval Reserve in August 1940.

His subsequent award of the Distinguished Service Cross (D.S.C.) stemmed from his services in the escort carrier H.M.S. Avenger. The D.S.C. published in the London Gazette 1 December 1942:

‘For gallantry, skill and resolution in H.M. ships escorting an important convoy to North Russia in the face of relentless attack by enemy aircraft and submarines.’ 

The original recommendation states:

‘This officer showed great skill and devotion to duty in maintaining the efficiency of the main engines and other machinery during the passage of a Russian convoy and particularly during action on the 13th, 14th and 15th September 1942.’

Tragically, the gallant McArt was among those lost in the Avenger on 15 November 1942, following her participation in Operation ‘Torch’, when she was torpedoed by the U-155 west of Gibraltar. Hit abreast her bomb room, which exploded, she went down inside five minutes, just 17 men surviving out of a normal complement of 545 officers and ratings.

Aged 42, McArt left a widow, Catherine, of Great Cosby, Liverpool. She received his D.S.C. at a Buckingham Palace investiture, accompanied by their 10-year-old son.

He is remembered on the Liverpool Naval Memorial.

Distinguished Service Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1942’ and additionally inscribed ‘Engr. Lt. Comdr. R. F. McArt, R.N.R., H.M.S. “Avenger” Russian Convoy’; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45.