November 1, 2012

Dear Mac,

I am emailing about my uncle who was part of the SS North Britian crew in the second  world war. The person I am inquiring about is my great uncle his name is Herbert Currell I found some info but not a lot regarding him or any
pictures of him/crew. Some information says he was MIA (missing in action)  other information says he died, can't find a straight answer.

Any information  about Herbert would be much appreciated,

Thanks
Jacob Currell

 

NORTH BRITAIN CARGO SHIP 1940-1943

 

Details General Nationality: British Purpose: transport Type: cargo ship Propulsion: steam Date built: 1940 Is nickname: no Status: Unknown Details Weight (tons): 4635 grt Dimensions : 128,5 x 16,3 x 7,4 m Material: steel Engine: triple expansion engine  Armament: armed merchant ship Power: 406 n.h.p. Speed: 11 knots Yard no.: 519 IMO no.: 1165801 About the loss Cause lost: torpedo Date lost: 05/05/1943 [dd/mm/yyyy] Casualties: † 35 rank: 553 About people Builder: Readhead John & Sons Ltd., South Shields Engine by: North Eastern Marine Engineers Ltd., Sunderland Owner: Roberts H. & Son - Hugh Roberts - North Shipping, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Captain: John Lamsdale Complement: 8 No. Of crew: 37 Uboat website About Builders Readhead John & Sons Ltd., South Shields Readhead and Softley (1865~1872) John Readhead & Co. (1872~1888) Readhead & Sons (1888~1909) John Readhead & Sons Ltd. (1909~) North Eastern Marine Engineers Ltd., Sunderland North Eastern Marine Engineering Co of South Docks, Sunderland was formed in 1860. Engine builders in Sunderland and Wallsend, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. By 1889 the company's works at Sunderland and Wallsend have supplied 100 vessels afloat with their triples fitted. In 1925 sees the Application of Superheated Steam to Marine Engines at both Wallsend...

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NORTH BRITAIN CARGO SHIP 1940-1943

THE LOSS OF SS NORTH BRITAIN"

The ship was torpedoed at about midnight on the 4th May 1943 and went down in 4 minutes. The Captain almost immediately gave orders to abandon ship but after returning to his quarters for the ship's papers was never seen again. Having been hit at the aft end of the ship apparently began to sink rapidly by the stern and all members of the crew living in the poop quarters and not on watch, were unable to get out in time with the exception of M.C. Chapman who was the only man who escaped from this part of the ship.

These quarters were used by the sailors, firemen, donkeymen, carpenter, bosun and naval gunners,efforts were made by the remaining crew who were on watch and the rest of the crew who were midship and on the bridge to launch the boats, but many had to jump into the sea and swim to wreckage and rafts. It can be stated clearly that at least one boat got away because Mr Beaven 3rd radio officer was picked up by it after having jumped from the bridge boat deck into the sea. This boat was waterlogged and contained about 12 men of whom 4 died of exposure, the remainder being picked up by a Naval trawler after repeated attempts in heavy seas, the Third Officer Mr. A. Hansen was seen on a raft with 2 men who were presumably picked up by the same trawler.".......a letter of confirmation of my Dad's death was received 18th of April 1944, he was 28 years old in 1943 and I was 3 years old ........

Yours Faithfully,

Bryan James Newcombe .

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