Ships hit by U-boats


Western Head

British Steam merchant


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NameWestern Head
Type:Steam merchant
Tonnage2,599 tons
Completed1919 - American Shipbuilding Co, Cleveland OH 
OwnerMaritime Navigation Co Ltd, Nassau, Bahamas 
HomeportNassau 
Date of attack29 May 1942Nationality:      British
 
FateSunk by U-107 (Harald Gelhaus)
Position19° 57'N, 74° 18'W - Grid DN 7686
Complement30 (24 dead and 6 survivors).
Convoy
RoutePort Antonio - Kingston, Jamaica - Sydney 
Cargo3710 tons of sugar 
History Laid down as Lake Fessenden, completed in November 1919 as Bartholomew for US Shipping Board (USSB). 1925 renamed Cumberland for Eastern SS Lines, Portsmouth NH. 1939 sold to Britain and renamed Western Head
Notes on event

At 02.17 hours on 29 May 1942 the unescorted Western Head (Master Thurlow W. Bagnell) was hit by two torpedoes from U-107 and sank immediately in the Windward Passage 50 miles east of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. 24 crew members were lost. The master and five crew members were picked up by a US Navy patrol ship and landed at Guantanamo Bay.

 
On boardWe have details of 26 people who were on board


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