Alfred Marquis Mackilligin is presumed to have died as the result of enemy action at sea, while returning to this country from South America in February, 1941. The vessel on which he was travelling was lost with all on board. Mr. Mackilligin was in his 60th year.
He entered the Camborne School of Mines in 1900 and on completion of his course worked for about one year in various Cornish mines. He then went to Egypt for Messrs. Bewick, Moreing & Co., and two years later to West Africa, where for two and a half years he was mine captain at Bibiani, and for five years manager for Broomassie Mines, Ltd. Returning to England, he joined Mr. E.B. Lighthill in partnership as mining and consulting engineers.
During the Great War he served in H.M. Forces, attaining the rank of Captain in the Royal Engineers (Tunnelling Companies). He was awarded the French Croix de Guerre. While serving he was unfortunate enough to lose one hand.
After the war he was for some time manager of the Gaika Gold Mining Co., Ltd., in Rhodesia, the life of which he was instrumental in prolonging. In 1930, he joined the staff of the St. John d’el Rey Mining Co., and during the next six years was able to extend the activities of the company to a satisfactory extent.
On his return from Brazil he joined Mr. W. Pellew-Harvey and Mr. W.H. Rundall in partnership and in addition to retaining his association with the St. John d’el Rey in that connexion, he visited mines in West Africa and the Republic of Colombia. He was returning from a trip to Colombia at the time of his presumed death.
Mr. Mackilligin was admitted to Studentship of the Institution in 1902; he was elected an Associate in 1907, and was transferred to Membership in 1913.
Vol. 51, Trans IMM 1941-2, p.337
