Ahoy - Mac's Web Log

Hello - I have stumbled upon your site looking for something else but I am a genealogist. I had a relative who was an engineer on the ship HMS Athelgreen which I understand blew up in Yokohama harbour around 1935. I have been unable to find any information on this ship or the event.  Do you know anything about this ship?
 
thanking you    Jo Ann Allan  Vancouver Island Canada

Jo Ann,

I cannot find any Royal Navy ship carrying the name of Athelgreen, do you know what type of warship she was please?

Nor have I ever heard of an RN ship blowing up at Yokohama around 1935.

Sorry I cannot at this stage help.

Best wishes and its lovely area where you live.

Mac. Gregory.

Jo Ann,

I asked an Australian friend in London to look at the times Archives to seek any piece about Athelgreen, apparently it should be Athelqueen, it was merchant ship and not a Royal Navy vessel.

Here is Martin's response, and an Engineer is listed, is that who you were seeking?

Regards, 
Mac.

Hi Mac.

I couldn't find anything for Athelgreen either but, on searching for the accident itself, found that the name was Athelqueen: not a Royal Navy ship I don't think but an "oil-engined vessel of 8,780 tons, owned by the United Molasses Company." The explosion occurred 1st of Sept 1933. I've attached two small articles, one of which includes the names of the five casualties.

Best regards,
Martin

Jo Ann,

Some more about Athelqueen in 1942. 

1942 Convoy HX 169 Departed Halifax on Jan 8th 1942 and arrived Liverpool on the 23rd. On the 15th March, Commander Fecia di Cossato located and sank the ATHELQUEEN, on a voyage Hull to Port Everglades in ballast. Position given 26.50N 75.40W. The 46 survivors were later rescued. During this attack, the TAZZOLI ended up colliding with the hard-to-sink ATHELQUEEN, damaging the forward tubes. Due to the damage, Commander Fecia Di Cossato was forced to abandon the mission and return to base, arriving on the 31st of March. 

Three men died, before reaching shore, 17th March 1942. 

FIRTH, Greaser, DAVID W Age 52. Son of Edward and Sarah Firth.

JONES, Able Seaman, HAROLD, Age 21. Son of William and Mary E. Jones, of Conway, Caernarvonshire.

PROCTOR, Senior Third Engineer Officer, WILLIAM, Age 30. Husband of Nellie Proctor, of Cadishead, Lancashire.

The crew list can be found in the National Archives TNA reference: BT 381/1987.

Mac.

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