Belgian Soldier
Belgian Steam merchant
We don't have a picture of this vessel at this time.
| Name | Belgian Soldier | ||
| Type: | Steam merchant | ||
| Tonnage | 7,167 tons | ||
| Completed | 1941 - William Doxford & Sons Ltd, Sunderland | ||
| Owner | Belgian Government | ||
| Homeport | Antwerp | ||
| Date of attack | 4 Aug 1942 | Nationality:  Belgian | |
| Fate | Sunk by U-607 (Ernst Mengersen) | ||
| Position | 45° 52'N, 47° 13'W - Grid BC 5746 | ||
| Complement | 60 (21 dead and 39 survivors). | ||
| Convoy | ON-115 (straggler) | ||
| Route | Glasgow - USA | ||
| Cargo | |||
| History | Built as British Empire Selwyn for MoWT 1942 sold to Belgian Government and renamed Belgian Soldier | ||
| Notes on event | At 04.01 hours on 3 Aug 1942, U-553 (Thurmann) attacked convoy ON-115 and damaged the Belgian Soldier (Master H. Sanglier). The ship then fell out of convoy and was sunk by a coup de grâce from U-607 at 02.29 hours on 4 August. 21 men were lost from 53 crew members (24 Belgians) and seven gunners. | ||
| On board | We have details of 53 people who were on board. | ||
Attack entries for Belgian Soldier
| Date | U-boat | Commander | Loss type | Tons | Nat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Aug 1942 | U-553 | KrvKpt. Karl Thurmann | Damaged | 7,167 | |
| 4 Aug 1942 | U-607 | Kptlt. Ernst Mengersen | Sunk | 7,167 | |
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