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Re: Info on HMS Vascama & HMS Aarla
Posted by: Nick Clark ()
Date: August 02, 2004 06:28PM

Hello Roger and John

I have begun to gather more detailed information which should clear up the mistakes made by Gerald Toghill and which I would like to share with you.

HMS VASCAMA was credited with sinking U-452 after the U-boat had previously suffered damaged from an attack by Catalina J (RAF 209 sqdn). The Catalina had caught U-452 on the surface while on patrol 25/8/41. U-452 had just been passing through the Iceland/Faroes on her first war patrol when, despite the efforts of her commanding officer Jurgen March, failed to avoid the surprise attack, badly damaging the U-boat. Flying Officer Jewiss of Catalina J then passed on the information regarding the location of U-452 to C.O. Lt R Walgate RNR of HMS VASCAMA, The armed trawler was on patrol close to the incident. As HMS VASCAMA approached her target U-452 was once again caught on the surface but dived as soon as her C.O. had seen the approaching threat from VASCAMA. Some 14 minutes later 2 patterns of depth charges from HMS VASCAMA sealed the fate of all 43 crew.

The fishing numbers for VASCAMA were GY-164 changing to FY-185 when she was kitted out for anti-sub war service and changed again to GY-147 when she returned to fishing after the war.

VISENDA GY-377 was changed to FY-138 when she was kitted out for anti-sub war service.

HMS VISENDA sunk U-551 with depth charges south of Iceland 23/3/41. It was HMS VISENDA that was later attacked by gunfire from U-564 and not VASCAMA! The exchange of fire killed VISENDA'S C.O. Lt Winder and several others of the crew 22/6/41. However, HMS VISENDA survived the war after carrying out her duty as an A/S trawler.

The best references I have found regarding the above are: GRIMSBY'S FIGHTING FLEET by HARRY HUSTON - for the details on the U-boat attacks

COOK WELTON & GEMMEL (Shipbuilders of Hull and Beverley) by MICHEAL THOMPSON et all - for a good reference on armed trawlers built by CWG

I still have not managed to get hold of Gerald Toghill's book but have read mixed reviews?

Good to read your comments

Nick Clark
www.harry-tates.org.uk


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Subject Written By Posted
Info on HMS Vascama & HMS Aarla Nick Clark 07/27/2004 10:07PM
Re: Info on HMS Vascama & HMS Aarla john 07/31/2004 08:03PM
Re: Info on HMS Vascama & HMS Aarla Nick Clark 07/31/2004 10:23PM
Re: Info on HMS Vascama & HMS Aarla Roger 08/01/2004 06:25PM
Re: Info on HMS Vascama & HMS Aarla Nick Clark 08/02/2004 06:28PM
Re: Info on HMS Vascama & HMS Aarla alan morton 08/03/2004 02:10PM
Re: Info on HMS Vascama & HMS Aarla Nick Clark 08/03/2004 09:40PM
Re: Info on HMS Vascama & HMS Aarla Roger 08/03/2004 05:18PM
Re: Info on HMS Vascama & HMS Aarla alan morton 08/05/2004 09:39AM
Re: Info on HMS Vascama & HMS Aarla alan morton 08/05/2004 09:49AM
Re: Info on HMS Vascama & HMS Aarla alan morton 08/05/2004 01:33PM
Re: Info on HMS Vascama & HMS Aarla Nick Clark 08/05/2004 10:17PM
Re: Info on HMS Vascama & HMS Aarla Jack Richards 09/04/2019 01:31PM
Re: Info on HMS Vascama & HMS Aarla alan morton 08/06/2004 09:08AM
Re: Info on HMS Vascama & HMS Aarla alan morton 08/17/2004 07:38AM


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