Ships hit by U-boats


King Alfred

British Steam merchant



Photo Courtesy of Library of Contemporary History, Stuttgart

NameKing Alfred
Type:Steam merchant
Tonnage5,272 tons
Completed1919 - William Doxford & Sons Ltd, Sunderland 
OwnerDodd, Thomson & Co Ltd, London 
HomeportSunderland 
Date of attack4 Aug 1940Nationality:      British
 
FateSunk by U-52 (Otto Salman)
Position56° 59'N, 17° 38'W - Grid AL 0344
Complement39 (8 dead and 31 survivors).
ConvoyHX-60
RouteSt. John’s - Halifax - Methil 
Cargo6750 tons of pit props 
History Launched as War Azalea, completed in September 1919 as King Alfred 
Notes on event

At 03.35 and 03.38 hours on 4 August 1940, U-52 fired torpedoes at convoy HX-60 about 300 miles west-northwest of Bloody Foreland and sank the King Alfred and Gogovale.

The King Alfred (Master Richard Storm) broke in two, the bow sank and the stern was sunk by HMS Vanoc (H 33) (LtCdr J.G.W. Deneys, RN), which also picked up the master, 29 crew members and one gunner and landed them at Liverpool. Eight crew members were lost.

 
On boardWe have details of 9 people who were on board


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