Ships hit by U-boats


West Wales

British Steam merchant



NameWest Wales
Type:Steam merchant
Tonnage4,353 tons
Completed1925 - William Dobson & Co, Walker-on-Tyne 
OwnerGibbs & Co, Cardiff 
HomeportCardiff 
Date of attack29 Jan 1941Nationality:      British
 
FateSunk by U-94 (Herbert Kuppisch)
Position56° 00'N, 15° 23'W - Grid AM 4137
Complement37 (16 dead and 21 survivors).
ConvoySC-19 (straggler)
RouteNew York - Halifax - Newport 
Cargo7147 tons of steel 
History Completed in March 1925 
Notes on event

At 06.18 hours on 29 Jan 1941 the West Wales (Master Frederick Charles Nicholls), a straggler from convoy SC-19, was hit amidships by one G7e torpedo from U-94 south-southwest of Rockall. At 06.29 hours, she was hit by a second G7e torpedo and settled by the stern. Immediately afterwards, the U-boat was forced to dive by gunfire from a destroyer and several times unsuccessfully attacked with depth charges. The master, 14 crew members and one gunner were lost. 17 crew members were picked up by HMS Antelope (H 36) (LtCdr R.T. White, DSO and Bar, RN) and four crew members by HMS Anthony (H 40) (LtCdr V.C.F. Clark, RN) and landed at Gourock.

 
On boardWe have details of 37 people who were on board


If you can help us with any additional information on this vessel then please contact us.

Return to Allied Ships hit by U-boats