Ships hit by U-boats


Empire Fusilier

British Steam merchant



Empire Fusilier under her former name Mincio. Photo courtesy of Stuart Smith

NameEmpire Fusilier
Type:Steam merchant
Tonnage5,408 tons
Completed1921 - SocietĂ  Anonima Santieri Cerusa, Genoa-Voltri 
OwnerWatts, Watts & Co Ltd, London 
HomeportLiverpool 
Date of attack9 Feb 1942Nationality:      British
 
FateSunk by U-85 (Eberhard Greger)
Position44° 45'N, 47° 25'W - Grid BC 8179
Complement47 (9 dead and 38 survivors).
ConvoyON-60 (dispersed)
RouteTyne - Tampa, Florida 
CargoBallast 
History Completed in June 1921 as Mincio for Pietro Ravano fu Marco, Genoa. On 10 June 1940 seized by Britain at Liverpool and renamed Empire Fusilier by the Ministry of War Transport (MoWT). 
Notes on event

At 20.20 hours on 9 February 1942 the unescorted Empire Fusilier (Master William Reid), dispersed from convoy ON-60, was hit by one of three torpedoes from U-85 after a chase of 7 hours southeast of St. John’s, Newfoundland. The ship immediately settled by the stern and sank after a boiler explosion. Six crew members and three gunners were lost. The master, 34 crew members and three gunners were picked up by HMCS Barrie (K 138) (SkrLt G.N. Downey, RCNR) and landed at Halifax.

 
On boardWe have details of 12 people who were on board


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