Ships hit by U-boats


Mary Slessor

British Motor merchant



Photo courtesy of the Allen Collection

NameMary Slessor
Type:Motor merchant
Tonnage5,027 tons
Completed1930 - A. McMillan & Son Ltd, Dumbarton 
OwnerElder Dempster Lines Ltd, Liverpool 
HomeportLiverpool 
Date of attack7 Feb 1943Nationality:      British
 
FateSunk by U-118 (Werner Czygan)
Position35° 58'N, 5° 59'W - Grid CG 9585
Complement80 (32 dead and 48 survivors).
ConvoyMKS-7
RouteAlgiers - Gibraltar - Liverpool 
CargoGeneral cargo, including sardines and tartar 
History Completed in May 1930 
Notes on event

At 23.59 hours on 7 Feb 1943 convoy MKS-7 ran into a minefield laid by U-118 on 1 and 2 February west of Gibraltar and lost three ships: Baltonia, Mary Slessor and Empire Mordred.

The Mary Slessor (Master Charles Herbert Sweeney) later sank in 35°55N/06°02W in the Strait of Gibraltar. 28 crew members, two gunners and two passengers (military personnel) were lost. The master, 32 crew members, 12 gunners and three passengers were picked up by HMS Landguard (Y 56) (LtCdr T.S.L. Fox-Pitt, RD, RN) and landed at Liverpool.

 
On boardWe have details of 34 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