Ships hit by U-boats


British Gunner

British Steam tanker



Photo Courtesy of Library of Contemporary History, Stuttgart

NameBritish Gunner
Type:Steam tanker
Tonnage6,894 tons
Completed1922 - Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson Ltd, Walker-on-Tyne 
OwnerBritish Tanker Co Ltd, London 
HomeportLondon 
Date of attack24 Feb 1941Nationality:      British
 
FateSunk by U-97 (Udo Heilmann)
Position61° 09'N, 12° 04'W - Grid AE 8893
Complement44 (3 dead and 41 survivors).
ConvoyOB-289
RouteSwansea - Aruba 
CargoBallast 
History Completed in September 1922 
Notes on event

At 06.24 hours on 24 Feb 1941 the British Gunner (Master James William Kemp) in convoy OB-289 was hit by one G7a torpedo from U-97 273 miles northwest of Cape Wrath. Four hours later, HMS Petunia (K 79) (LtCdr G.V. Legassisk, RNR) ordered the crew to abandon ship in 61°16N/12°20W, even though the master reported that his ship can be towed to port. Three crew members were lost. The master, 38 crew members and two gunners were picked up by the corvette and landed at Stornoway, Hebrides.

 
On boardWe have details of 4 people who were on board


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