Hello Everyone, I'm looking for Merchant Navy Info WW2

[funnell63]

I'm hoping to find some further information about HMS Oriskany and her crew during WW2.

My Gt Uncle, Albert Meagan was serving on her when she was blown up in by a U boat, from what I've been told, in the Thames Estruary, in Feb 1945.

Any info will be gratefully received, especially photos. I have never seen a picture of Albert and it would be nice to put a face to his name.

Here's hoping

Thanks

Paula

[herakles]

Welcome to the Forum Paula.

Enjoy your time here.

[kc]

Welocme Paula.

The only details I can add to that are from WW2 Merchant Ship losses database; http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/merchant_navy_losses.htm

which give the date as 24th February 1942, and also the tonnage as 1644 tons. It also confirms it was a steamship sunk by torpedo from a submarine.

[John Brown]

Welcome Paula

I have found a little information for you:


The ship was the SS Oriskany and not HMS Oriskany.

Whilst sailing in Convoy BTC-78 she was torpedoed and sunk by U-1208 (some accounts say U-480) west of Lands End on 24th February 1945. The master, the convoy commodore, 21 crewmembers, seven naval staff members and four gunners were lost.

If you click on this link you will find details of your Great Uncles entry in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2800753

I hope this helps a little. Do come back and let us know how your search progresses.

Regards...John

[stewart mcloughlin]

Hi Paula,
The SS Oriskany was built by Swan Hunter of Wallsend in the North East on 8.2.1924, yard no. 1227. She was sunk on 24.2.1945 off Land's End at 50-04N / 5.50-40W. Go to http://www.thewrecksite.com/wreck.aspx?30668 for a map of where she lies.
if you Google SS Oriskany there are various references to her including:-
http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/TheShipsList/2007-11/1194858773
which amongst other things refers to a book with a picture of her, which I have been unable to find.
Stewart

[funnell63]

Hi Gents

Thanks for giving me the facts. You know how it is with family tales, they get longer and extra bits added for good measure. I shall look up the websites given.

Paula