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Allied Ships hit by U-boats


Firby


Photo Courtesy of Library of Contemporary History, Stuttgart

NameFirby
Type:Steam merchant
Tonnage4.869 tons
Completed1926 - W. Gray & Co Ltd, West Hartlepool 
OwnerSir R. Ropner & Co Ltd, West Hartlepool 
HomeportWest Hartlepool 
Date of attack11 Sep, 1939Nationality:      British
 
FateSunk by U-48 (Herbert Schultze)
Position59.40N, 13.50W - Grid AM 1366
- See location on a map -
Complement34 (0 dead and 34 survivors).
Convoy 
RouteTyne - Port Churchill, Hudson Bay 
CargoBallast 
History  
Notes on loss

At 13.35 hours on 11 Sep, 1939, the unescorted Firby (Master Thomas Prince) was attacked by U-48 with gunfire about 270 miles west of the Hebrides. After five hits the crew abandoned ship and the ship was sunk at 15.40 hours by one torpedo. The master and 33 crew members were picked up by HMS Fearless (H 67) (Cdr K.L. Harkness) and landed at Scapa Flow on 12 September.

After sinking this vessel, Schultze sent the following radio message:
Transmit to Mr. Churchill. I have sunk British steamer Firby position 59°40N/13°50W. Save the crew if you will please. German submarine.
The message was relayed by the American merchant Scanpenn and received by the Admiralty at Rosyth at 18.25 hours.

 


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