General Discussions
This is the place to discuss general issues related to the U-boat war or the war at sea in WWII.
SS 'Umvuma' Sunk 7 August 1943 out of Durban, Sout
Posted by:
Mike South
()
Date: November 07, 2001 03:42AM
<HTML>I am seeking information on the loss of the SS 'Umvuma' (4,419 gross tons, British cargo liner), sunk by submarine fired torpedo at 20 degrees 18' South, 57 degrees 14' East on Saturday 7 August 1943, having sailed out of Durban, South Africa. I have never been able to determine the identity of the atacking vessel nor even under which navy's flag (German, Japanese, Italian) she sailed. My uncle, Surgeon Robert South, was lost in or after the sinking and there was a persistent rumour amongst the older generation of my family (now totally unverifiable, as they are all long dead) that initially the entire crew got away in the ships boats, but the submarine surfaced alongside them and the Captain and officers were made to return to the sinking vessel where - of course - they were drowned (sounds more in line with Japanese than German 'atrocity' mythology). On the face of it this seems highly improbable, but it would be most interesting to learn more about this 'incident'. Any and all leads or information gratefully received,
Mike South
Calgary, Alberta, Canada</HTML>
Mike South
Calgary, Alberta, Canada</HTML>