Firby
British Steam merchant
Photo Courtesy of Library of Contemporary History, Stuttgart
| Name | Firby | ||
| Type: | Steam merchant | ||
| Tonnage | 4,869 tons | ||
| Completed | 1926 - W. Gray & Co Ltd, West Hartlepool | ||
| Owner | Sir R. Ropner & Co Ltd, West Hartlepool | ||
| Homeport | West Hartlepool | ||
| Date of attack | 11 Sep 1939 | Nationality:  British | |
| Fate | Sunk by U-48 (Herbert Schultze) | ||
| Position | 59° 40'N, 13° 50'W - Grid AM 1366 | ||
| Complement | 34 (0 dead and 34 survivors). | ||
| Convoy | |||
| Route | Tyne - Port Churchill, Hudson Bay | ||
| Cargo | Ballast | ||
| History | | ||
| Notes on event | 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: | ||
| On board | We have details of 2 people who were on board. | ||
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