Memorial for WWII PoWs killed by torpedo

[Kyt]

Memorial for WWII PoWs killed by torpedo - Liverpool Echo.co.uk

A MEMORIAL to remember the victims of a sunken wartime liner will be created in Liverpool.

More than 800 people were killed when a German submarine torpedoed the Arandora Star off the Irish coast in July 1940.

The ship was carrying internees and prisoners-of-war from Liverpool to Newfoundland.

There is still no official British commemoration to those who died.

But in a renewed spirit of European cooperation, officials from Liverpool and the Italian city of Palma are to unveil an official memorial to the victims.

Cllr Flo Clucas, Liverpool’s executive member for Europe, said: “470 Italian and 243 German prisoners-of-war were killed when the Blue Star liner was torpedoed.

“Twelve officers, 42 crew and 37 guards also lost their lives.

“Because the incident involved people of different nationalities, some of whom were at war, there has never been an official memorial.

“Now, as members of the European Union, we are all working together to commemorate all the victims.

“It is a good example of what a difference us being European has made to the peace in the world.”

Cllr Clucas met Nunzia Bertali, from the Italian consulate, to discuss the plans earlier this week.

THE ARANDORA STAR

arandorastarcampaign.com

uboat.net - Boats - U-47

[Hugh]

ss ARANDORA STAR ex-ARANDORA. GRT 14694. Official number 149837 built in 1927.
2.7.1940: Torpedoed and damaged by U-47 (Prien), in the Atlantic about 125 miles E by N of Malin Head, Co. Donegal, in position 55.20N 10.33W and later sank in position 56.30N 10.38W while sailing independently on government service on a voyage from Liverpool to St John's, Newfoundland, with 479 German internees, 734 Italian internees, 86 German prisoners-of-war and 200 military guards. The Master, Capt Edgar Wallace Moulton, 55 crew, 91 military guards, 713 German and Italian internees and prisoners were lost. 118 crew, 109 military guards and 586 internees and prisoners were rescued by HMCS destroyer ST LAURENT 1375/31 (H.83) and landed at Greenock. Capt E.W. Moulton was awarded the Lloyd's War Medal for bravery at sea.

Regads
Hugh

[Kyt]

Thanks Hugh. It seems that mostLWM recepients also received other awards. It would be fascinating to cross check these and compile a citation list:

Lloyd's War Medal for Bravery at Sea - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Hugh]

Hi Kyt,
Yes, indeed, but a mamoth task. There were 541 recepients of the LWM and the London Gazette is not the easiest database to work on, but I suppose it could be done.

Regards
Hugh