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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: scotmum on Wednesday 23 February 05 10:54 GMT (UK)

Title: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scotmum on Wednesday 23 February 05 10:54 GMT (UK): .....the 'forgotten (or perhaps, hidden)' tragedy from World War 2.

Not sure where best to post this but felt strongly about it and hoped it might help others.

In researching my husband's line, I have discovered that his grandfather ( in the Pioneer Corps at the time), died on the Lancastria.

Having not been familiar with the events surrounding the Lancastria, I did some searching and found the following very imformative (but very saddening) information:

www.royalpioneercorps.co.uk/rpc/history_lancastria.htm (http://www.royalpioneercorps.co.uk/rpc/history_lancastria.htm)

www.lancastria-association.org.uk (http://www.lancastria-association.org.uk)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/768384.stm

www.bbc.co.uk/history/war/wwtwo/lancastria_01.shtml (http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/war/wwtwo/lancastria_01.shtml)

So, if anyone researching a death of someone in their line on 17/6/1940 has hit a brick wall (and you know they were either a civillian in France or in the forces), it might be worth checking this possibility.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scotmum on Saturday 14 May 05 12:17 BST (UK): The Daily Express have an interesting article in today's edition about the Lancastria (albeit it seems a bit 'light' on the reasons as to why the event was 'hushed up' at the time).
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scotmum on Sunday 15 May 05 14:33 BST (UK): Another article in today's The Sunday Post also, in Scotland, a Parliamentary Motion has been raised concerning the Lancastria. Details can, for the time being, be viewed at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/sch/motion.result.

If you are resident in Scotland and feel strongly about the issue, please do contact your own local MSP and ask them to sign the motion.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scotmum on Friday 17 June 05 15:34 BST (UK): 65 years ago today - just wanted to pay my respects to the families of of those who sadly lost their lives.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: Auntie San on Saturday 17 September 05 20:17 BST (UK): Hi

While I was researching my RAF uncle I to came across the sad story of the Lancastria, although my uncle was not on the Lancastria, the story is well worth looking at. A book written by Jonathan Fenby called The Sinking of the Lancastria a very good read for anyone interested or researching the second world war, food for thought.

San
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scotmum on Saturday 17 June 06 12:19 BST (UK): ...another year has passed.

Again, just a short post in memory of those who lost their lives and to remind folks of the date just on the off chance that they have ancestors who died then and had not pursued a possible link to this tragedy.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: liverpool annie on Saturday 17 June 06 14:45 BST (UK): For the thousands who perished - we remember !

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/enter.cfm?l=eng

Annie :)
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: liverpool annie on Saturday 17 June 06 14:46 BST (UK): Probably a big reason for all the secrecy :'(

Quote
Under the Official Secrets Act, the report on the Lancastria cannot be published until the year 2040. If it is proved that Captain Sharpe ignored the Ministry of Defence instructions not to exceed the maximum loading capacity of 3000 persons, grounds for compensation claims could be enormous

Annie
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: Salty on Sunday 18 June 06 09:26 BST (UK): "Under the Official Secrets Act, the report on the Lancastria cannot be published until the year 2040. If it is proved that Captain Sharpe ignored the Ministry of Defence instructions not to exceed the maximum loading capacity of 3000 persons, grounds for compensation claims could be enormous"

Have I missed something here? Was there a war on at the time? Surely there was.

The ship was evacuating people to get them away from the Germans in a war.
If any compensation was going to be claimed, surely it should be from them and not the Captain of the ship or whoever.

Even if such an order was made.

Yes it was a very sad episode, but to claim compensation???

Salty
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scotmum on Sunday 17 June 07 23:33 BST (UK): ...another year has passed.

Again, just a short post in memory of those who lost their lives and to remind folks of the date just on the off chance that they have ancestors who died then and had not pursued a possible link to this tragedy.

Some of you may want to read this post by Liverpool Lass: http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,238706.0.html
and support the medal petition .
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scrimnet on Saturday 18 August 07 17:22 BST (UK): Actually it was NOT as hushed up as much as the stories go...I have a series of contemporary WW2 books called "The War in Pictures" They appear to have either been published in weekly parts by Odhams and bound after the war or are a bound edition from 1945-7.

There are several pages on the Lancastria, including photos and eyewitness accounts....

This two page spread states...

"Lancastria sunk by German Dive-Bombers.

While evacuating British troops from France, the 20,000-ton Cunard White Star Liner Lancastria - Well known to British holidaymakers as a cruising vessel - was bombed by Junkers dive bombers, set on fire and sunk off St Nazaire on 17 June. Nearly 2000 of the 5000 odd men on board mostly British soldiers and airmen were saved in spite of the fact that the ship went down within half an hour of the attack. The dramatic picture above taken from one the ships that rushed to the rescue shows men swimming for safety as she heels over preparatory to taking her death plunge"
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: ADM199 on Thursday 06 December 07 15:02 GMT (UK): Quote from: scotmum on Wednesday 23 February 05 10:54 GMT (UK)
.....the 'forgotten (or perhaps, hidden)' tragedy from World War 2.

Not sure where best to post this but felt strongly about it and hoped it might help others.

In researching my husband's line, I have discovered that his grandfather ( in the Pioneer Corps at the time), died on the Lancastria.

Having not been familiar with the events surrounding the Lancastria, I did some searching and found the following very imformative (but very saddening) information:

www.royalpioneercorps.co.uk/rpc/history_lancastria.htm (http://www.royalpioneercorps.co.uk/rpc/history_lancastria.htm)

www.lancastria-association.org.uk (http://www.lancastria-association.org.uk)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/768384.stm

www.bbc.co.uk/history/war/wwtwo/lancastria_01.shtml (http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/war/wwtwo/lancastria_01.shtml)

So, if anyone researching a death of someone in their line on 17/6/1940 has hit a brick wall (and you know they were either a civillian in France or in the forces), it might be worth checking this possibility

Hi,
if anyone is interested in Lancastria Casualties there is a recently opened File at The National Archives that covers the subject . WO361/5.

Brian
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scrimnet on Thursday 06 December 07 19:44 GMT (UK): Just noticed that the pic I thought I put in in August wasn't there!

Here it is now....

(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l102/scrimnet/IMG_0225.jpg)
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scotmum on Tuesday 17 June 08 18:06 BST (UK): ... and another year has passed.

Again, just a short post in memory of all the many victims who lost their lives and those remaining survivors. Also, to post a link to an article about the recent medal ceremony in Scotland, to honour both victims and survivors:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article4124573.ece
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: nanny jan on Tuesday 17 June 08 22:33 BST (UK): Spotted this announcement in my newspaper:

In memorium

HMT Lancastria.........Memorial Service 3.15pm Sunday June 22nd St Katharine Cree Church, London EC3

A cousin of my mum lost his life on the Lancastria.

Nanny Jan
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: kangarucci on Tuesday 02 September 08 07:50 BST (UK): My father was a survivor of the Lancastria disaster. After the tragedy he was sent to the Orkney Islands. He died in western Australia in 2004, this state has been his home since 1952. I have read of a Lancastria medal being struck. How does one go about applying for one. My father would have loved it to go to his only grandson, who graduated from the Royal military College in Duntroon, Canberra, ACT.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scrimnet on Tuesday 02 September 08 08:01 BST (UK): Just here...

http://www.lancastria.org.uk/News/Lancastria_medal_applications/lancastria_medal_applications.html

Not an "official" medal though...
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scotmum on Wednesday 17 June 09 13:37 BST (UK): Another year has gone by and it is once again the 17th.

Posting in remembrance of all those who tragically lost their lives and those who lived but have since died.

For those remaining survivors, as your memories of the day are once again brought to the fore, may you take comfort from those around you or from knowing others thoughts are with you.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: liverpool annie on Wednesday 17 June 09 17:50 BST (UK): We won't forget !
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scotmum on Thursday 17 June 10 11:18 BST (UK): 70th Anniversary

Another year has gone by and it is once again the 17th. This year is perhaps more poignant, as it is the 70th Anniversary of the tragedy.

Posting, as ever, in remembrance of all those who tragically lost their lives and those who lived but have since died.

For those remaining survivors, as your memories of the day are once again brought to the fore, may you take comfort from those around you or from knowing others thoughts are with you,especially today.

70 yrs.......but remembered still.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: kangarucci on Thursday 17 June 10 12:33 BST (UK): The 70th Anniversary of the sinking of the Lancastria! :-[ I could find no reference to it in our Newspapers down under. I did write to the Editor of our "West Australian", but no mention. I am sure there are many relatives of the victims living in Australia and NZ who may not know about the Commemorative medal. I have contacted a few newspapers,and other media, but no one seems to have any interest in Britain's worst maritime disaster. However much mention is always made of the SYDNEY, I think about 600 lost their lives. Ah well, always next year.
Kangarucci(daughter of Lancastria survivor.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scotmum on Thursday 17 June 10 13:30 BST (UK): I did read this online NZ article earlier :

http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/111098/men-sang-ship-went-down

and the following items in Australian based sites (albeit not just re the 70th):

http://ahoy.tk-jk.net/macslog/LancastriaAssociationofSc.html

http://ahoy.tk-jk.net/macslog/LossofHMTLancastriaatStNa.html

http://www.actrsl.org.au/st2008-09-p11.pdf

but like you, I agree that in some areas, even in the UK, coverage is poor.

I have written to a Northern Ireland online newspaper editor, asking why they haven't mentioned it either, when members of the forces from the counties there, were amongst those killed.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: DeeBoneham on Thursday 17 June 10 13:54 BST (UK): Have put a copy of your links on Commonwealth Forces of WW2 forum for their interest. AWWW may be able to find something from Oz as he is a bit of a superstar at finding that sort of stuff...
Dee
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: kangarucci on Friday 18 June 10 02:43 BST (UK): Thanks for that
Kangarucci
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: Mean_genie on Monday 21 June 10 12:08 BST (UK): The anniversary didn't pass unnnoticed at The National Archives

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/events/forgotten17-06-10.htm

The talk was recorded so the podcast should appear on the website in due course.

Mean_genie
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: brianthetaff on Monday 06 September 10 20:20 BST (UK): On Sunday 20th June, I was in London for the Annual Service of the Lancastria Association.
My connection with this tragedy is that my late father's younger brother was one of those that lost his life that day.
I was made very welcome by the Chairman and a Vice-President and felt quite humble in the presence of some of the survivors that were there.
Although I've had the file of the original war office letters that were sent to my grandparents, due to many reasons, it is only now that I've pieced together some details of my uncle and am in the process of compiling a dossier so that they can be kept for future generations.
I only wish my late parents had told me a lot more when I was a child, but there was never any conversations about the war in our house.
As an ex-serviceman myself, I am sad that such a tragedy still remains a little known fact of WWII in many parts of the UK.
I SHALL ALWAYS REMEMBER!
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: kangarucci on Tuesday 07 September 10 02:24 BST (UK): A few weeks ago, one of our local free papers, showed the famous photo of the sinking of the Lancastria. There are 3 fellows looking over the wreckage from the ship the HIGHLANDER. The fellow in the middle is Ted Pritchett who lives in Perth(WA) He is now 90 but very sprightly and has the original photo, which was taken from the bridge through a porthole. I met up with him and a fellow Lancastria survivor Arthur Snow who also lives in Perth. At the age of 98 he is very frail. The paper organised a meeting with the 2 men, their daughters and myself. My Dad ( a survivor)passed away 5 years ago, but the three families have now all shared photographic memorabilia for our albums.
The major paper that did not carry the story due to the fact that no Australian troups were involved missed out on a good story. The Lancastria took many ex Diggers to visit Gallipoli before WW2 was declared...the local free newspaper did a little bit of research.
Kangarucci
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: DeeBoneham on Tuesday 07 September 10 13:12 BST (UK): Nice one Kangarucci!
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: MJW01 on Friday 10 September 10 20:04 BST (UK): My grandfather was evacuated from St Nazaire in 1940 and was supposed to be on the Lancastria but narrowly missed embarkation. He saw the ship being attacked and sunk.

His next posting was to guard the internment camps in the Isle of Man, which is where he met and married my nan.

Years after the war had finished he was talking to my great grandfather (my nan's father) who had served in the Royal Navy in the First War and was a sailor with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company from the 1930s to the 60s.

He worked on a Steam Packet ferry that was sent to evacuate troops from Dunkirk and other French ports.

It transpired they both had seen the Lancastria go down from the sea and from the land and of course only spoke of this many years later.

Incidentally, does anyone have anyone have information on the Royal Engineers of the BEF who were evacuated from St Nazaire?
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: DeeBoneham on Tuesday 14 September 10 16:26 BST (UK): MJW
Have you google the Royal Engineers as I seem to remember they have their own website. They might have some stuff you can look at. I am sure there is someone on here who will have put stuff on before about St Nazaire. Scrimnet might remember as he seems to have a very good memory...
Dee
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: MJW01 on Thursday 16 September 10 11:03 BST (UK): DeeBoneham - Many thanks for this - I'll take a look at their website.

MJW
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: ScouseBoy on Sunday 10 October 10 21:51 BST (UK): Quote from: Salty on Sunday 18 June 06 09:26 BST (UK)
"Under the Official Secrets Act, the report on the Lancastria cannot be published until the year 2040. If it is proved that Captain Sharpe ignored the Ministry of Defence instructions not to exceed the maximum loading capacity of 3000 persons, grounds for compensation claims could be enormous"

Have I missed something here? Was there a war on at the time? Surely there was.

The ship was evacuating people to get them away from the Germans in a war.
If any compensation was going to be claimed, surely it should be from them and not the Captain of the ship or whoever.

Even if such an order was made.

Yes it was a very sad episode, but to claim compensation???

Salty
I have read many of the books and references to this incident, because my father was there, that day.
I remember reading that a Royal Navy officer had advised the captain of HMT Lancastria to keep on embarking passengers even though he was exceeding the peace time passenger capacity.
But the other question is: Should the captain of Lancastria made the decision to lift anchor and set sail for England as soon as the other ship nearby was hit by a bomb.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: brianthetaff on Monday 01 November 10 20:07 GMT (UK): Hindsight is a wonderful opportunity to question decisions made long ago.

None of us can imagine the sheer joy for those seeing ships off-shore St Nazaire waiting to take them home, and once aboard actually felt that they were on their way.

The captain made a decision based on the information he had, and no other ship was going to leave with Lancastria - the saying "damned if he does and damned if he didn't" comes to mind.

The tragedy is THE SILENCE after the disaster which still in some cases exists today - the only people who know about it are those that have a personal interest.

WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: ScouseBoy on Monday 01 November 10 22:09 GMT (UK): Do you have a personal interest brian? I do. My father said that he witnessed it from the quayside, but I have a suspicion that he had been on the ship, but did not want his mother or my mother to know what had happened, and they had been instructed not to talk about it anyway.
After the war, I was born in 1949, We lived next door to the Chief Engineer, Jim Dunbar, one of the senior officers who was awarded an OBE for his part in rescuing survivors that day.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: brianthetaff on Tuesday 02 November 10 10:04 GMT (UK): Yes, if you scroll down on page 2, you will find my post which explains my conection.

Since I wrote that, I've now got in touch with some-one from my home in the Rhondda who is getting a full copy of my file, complete with photos of my late uncle etc etc.

I am in touch with The Lancastria association and hope to meet those people again next year - depending on when my own regimental association function is.

Brian
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: ScouseBoy on Tuesday 02 November 10 10:35 GMT (UK): Brian, I went to Edinburgh last year for the service in June.

Which Corps was your relative in?

My dad got married on 23rd June 1940. Apparently, when he got back to Falmouth he phoned home to say he wanted to get married.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: brianthetaff on Tuesday 02 November 10 18:01 GMT (UK): My uncle was:-
Pte David Emlyn Evans; 2nd Field Bakery RASC - although they have mis-spelt his name to Emelyn.

The Lancastria Association down south is disbanding due to diminishing numbers etc - is the Scottish one still active, as per the information on the website? There is talk of trying to get the IWM to take over their archives - I shall be kept informed.

Best Wishes
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: ScouseBoy on Wednesday 03 November 10 09:28 GMT (UK): My father was in RASC / EFI Expeditionary Forces Institutes in other words NAAFI.

They seem to have the support of the Scottish assembly/ Parliament in scotland. I did attend the service in Scotland Edinburgh in June 2009, so yes, I do think they are still active.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: brianthetaff on Wednesday 03 November 10 10:01 GMT (UK): For all those that read this thread:-

I have been informed that on channel 4 on sunday 14th November at 7.55 pm, the programme 4thought has Mr Henry Harding, survivor of the Sinking speaking about how the disaster affected his faith.

Personally, I am very pleased that some-one in the media has done some research and approached the Lancastria Association.

Best wishes to you all.

Brian
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: DeeBoneham on Wednesday 03 November 10 18:02 GMT (UK): Thats very good to hear... :)
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: ScouseBoy on Tuesday 09 November 10 19:31 GMT (UK): The One Show has just had a feature on the Lancastria. The Actor Larry Lamb presented it, and there was video clips from the 70th anniversary events at st Nazaire this last June.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: ScouseBoy on Saturday 13 November 10 18:03 GMT (UK): Quote from: brianthetaff on Wednesday 03 November 10 10:01 GMT (UK)
For all those that read this thread:-

I have been informed that on channel 4 on sunday 14th November at 7.55 pm, the programme 4thought has Mr Henry Harding, survivor of the Sinking speaking about how the disaster affected his faith.

Personally, I am very pleased that some-one in the media has done some research and approached the Lancastria Association.

Best wishes to you all.

Brian

Bumping this to top of page, to remind people about programme tomorrow evening. Or would it be better to have a new thread with time and channel of this programme?
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: brianthetaff on Friday 11 February 11 19:45 GMT (UK): Whilst the story of this tragedy has been the subject of two books and ample articles on various websites, I have been trying to do a small article on the event to go with my file concerning my late uncle.
In doing so, I have started my own type of statistical analysis based on the roll of honour which is on the website for the Lancastria Association in Scotland, i.e:- total numbers and alphabetical listing by Corp/Regiments.
Whilst this is a time-consuming exercise, I am enjoying the task as the whole list provides a different outlook rather than the bland total of "those that lost their lives" that day.
When I've finished this, I shall put a note on here - but it won't be this side of Easter.
I just thought some people would be interested in what I've decided to do.

Best Wishes
Brian
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: ScouseBoy on Friday 11 February 11 19:57 GMT (UK): Quote from: liverpool annie on Saturday 17 June 06 14:46 BST (UK)

Probably a big reason for all the secrecy :'(

Quote
Under the Official Secrets Act, the report on the Lancastria cannot be published until the year 2040. If it is proved that Captain Sharpe ignored the Ministry of Defence instructions not to exceed the maximum loading capacity of 3000 persons, grounds for compensation claims could be enormous

Annie
Wasnt it quite the reverse of that? Didnt the Captain say to the RN officer "We are exceeding the Board of Trade capacity regulations, I wish to stop loading any more passengers" HMT Lancastria was "On his Majestys Service"
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: brianthetaff on Thursday 17 February 11 17:01 GMT (UK): There is no way compensation could ever be claimed based on Captain Sharpe's actions in the number of people being on board.

Thousands of troops and civilians were struggling to flee France and return to UK and even money says that all the ships etc that were involved with "Dunkirk" were also overloaded.

Prior to the final withdrawal from Aden in 1967, I can assure you that every spare seat on ANY plane was snapped up, I think I was on standby for about 10 days with case packed, just waiting for the confirmation that I had got a seat, and our cases had to be deposited the day before we flew.

Hindsight is wonderful.
Title: Lancastria Memorial Unveiled - Oct 2011
Post by: scotmum on Saturday 01 October 11 17:02 BST (UK): Thought folks on the thread would like to know that the Lancastria Memorial Statue was unveiled today in Glasgow:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-15136817

http://www.glasgowsouthandeastwoodextra.co.uk/news/scottish-headlines/memorial_honours_lancastria_victims_1_1884527

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/09/30111505

and a picture of the statue:

http://news.stv.tv/scotland/272805-wartime-memorial-to-britains-worst-maritime-disaster-to-be-unveiled/

Also, folks might like to know too that, according to the Lancastria Association of Scotland website, an annual memorial service will take place on the 17th of June each year at the new Lancastria memorial in Clydebank on the site where the Lancastria was built.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: brianthetaff on Saturday 01 October 11 19:36 BST (UK): Many thanks for the links, it is much appreciated.

My folder with all the original War Office Paperwork that my grandparents received in relation to the loss of life of my uncle, 98705 Pte David Emlyn Evans, 2nd Field Bakery RASC, has now been deposited at the Imperial War Museum in London.

I am seriously considering in going to St Nazaire for the 75th Anniversary in 2015, with a trip to Pornic where my uncle is buried. I hope there may be an organised trip.
Brian
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: DeeBoneham on Friday 07 October 11 10:14 BST (UK): Look forward to hearing more Brian if you do make the trip. It will be well worth it if what other rellies who have been to that sort of thing tell me. I well up at memorial services myself and I am not related to any of the guys just feel for them!!!!
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scotmum on Monday 18 June 12 10:04 BST (UK): (Did not manage to get the opportunity to post yesterday, but had not forgotten)

Another year has passed, now 72......

once again, posting in memory of those who lost their lives and in empathy with the loss felt by their surviving descendants and extended family groups. Thoughts, too, are also with remaining survivors and their families. It is perhaps especially poignant this year, given the anniversary fell on Father's day, as undoubtedly many of those who perished were fathers and many more never had the opportunity to become such.

A memorial service was held at the new Lancastria Memorial site in Glasgow on Saturday, and received coverage in a number of newspapers and at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-18461556
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: brianthetaff on Monday 18 June 12 15:44 BST (UK): Many thanks, sadly I did not have the opportunity yesterday to do a post, but my thoughts were with my uncle, and the untold number that also did not 'come home'. "They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we shall remember them".
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scotmum on Sunday 16 June 13 10:31 BST (UK): Tomorrow is the 73rd anniversary of the sinking of the Lancastria, but posting a day early, given that today is Father's day and, as said before, so many of those on board the Lancastria were themselves fathers whilst many more never had the opportunity to be such.

May the memories of those lost to the tragedy continue, as ever, to live on in the hearts and minds of their descendants and extended family groups.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: DeeBoneham on Sunday 16 June 13 11:22 BST (UK): May they RIP :-[
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: bugle boy on Sunday 16 June 13 14:38 BST (UK): thank god we got people like scotmum to remind people like me and many others of the events that happened during the war years,Thank You scotmum,
"Lest We Forget"
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scotmum on Monday 17 June 13 14:23 BST (UK): As the anniversary is today, thought I would choose a survivor account from the Lancastria Association of Scotland website and post it by way of an insight for folks who have not previously heard of the tragedy:

http://www.lancastria.org.uk/thomas-beattie/
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: brianthetaff on Thursday 04 July 13 19:41 BST (UK): Having just moved and without internet at home, did not have the opportunity to go through loads of mail etc. However, I did put a thread on my own regimental website on 17 June. In addition to that, an article listing those former members of Royal Welch Fusiliers and South Wales Borderers who were attacched to the AMPC is being published in our Regimental Journal this year, so hopefully many more will understand what 17 June 1940 means to us all.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scotmum on Tuesday 17 June 14 12:38 BST (UK): Another year has passed and once again, may the memories of those lost to the tragedy continue, as ever, to live on in the hearts and minds of their descendants and extended family groups.

The Lancastria Association of Scotland website has recently been updated (and some parts are still in process of being updated). The link remains:

http://www.lancastria.org.uk/

and this page, in particular, is well worth a read for those unfamiliar with the tragedy:

http://www.lancastria.org.uk/lancastria-at-war/
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: brianthetaff on Wednesday 18 June 14 10:11 BST (UK): Yes, another year passes, and it still is one of the best kept secrets of WWII. Next year the 75th Anniversary and plans for this commemoration should be well under way, so if any one has any information on what is happening, and more importantly when and where, I would be grateful for it.
RIP - I shall never forget this tragic event.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scotmum on Friday 29 May 15 08:11 BST (UK): News story today:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32925786

calling for UK Government to commemorate the disaster, especially with approach of 75th anniversary.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: brianthetaff on Friday 29 May 15 11:25 BST (UK): Many thanks, at a recent meeting of RBL members, the success of 'Dunkirk' was mentioned and I quickly said, "Closely followed by the worst maritime disaster of HMT Lancastria, which is still the best kept secret of WWII". There was no additional comment, more's the pity.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: Drew5233 on Friday 29 May 15 20:14 BST (UK): I've been in Dunkirk for the last two weeks - It wasn't that much of a show. Nothing like Normandy (Not that I've ever been-Just seen the media frenzy on the TV for the 70th) or the 70th anniversary of Dunkirk which I was also at.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scotmum on Saturday 30 May 15 22:23 BST (UK): Quote
75th commemoration events in memory of the victims of the Lancastria

SAINT NAZAIRE – service commences 11:30am, 17th June 2015 at the Lancastria memorial

GLASGOW – Buffet lunch 1pm, 13th June 2015 at Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank

Service commences 2:30 (gathering at 2:15) 13th June 2015 at the Lancastria memorial within the grounds of the hospital (nearest to the River Clyde)

as per http://www.lancastria.org.uk/
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scotmum on Saturday 13 June 15 22:16 BST (UK): As the 75th anniversary approaches, another news article today:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-33092351
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: brianthetaff on Monday 15 June 15 20:34 BST (UK): Again, many thanks for the connection, much appreciated.

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn;
At the going down of the son, and in the morning;
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

RIP 98705 Pte David Emlyn Evans - uncle.
Grateful thanks to those that recovered his body and allowed him to be buried, your actions have always been appreciated.

When you go home, tell them of us and say;
For your tomorrow, we gave our today.

The original War Office documents my grandparents received are part of a folder in the archives at The Imperial War Museum.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scotmum on Wednesday 17 June 15 08:20 BST (UK): It has been 75 years since the tragedy, so may we especially turn our thoughts today, to those who lost their lives as well as those who survived.

The men, women and children who boarded the Lancastria that day, no doubt did so with much hope in their hearts. Sadly, for a great many, this hope was to be snatched away. May the memories of those lost to the tragedy continue, as ever, to live on in the hearts and minds of their descendants and extended family groups and likewise, may thanks be given for the lives of those who survived.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: brianthetaff on Tuesday 10 November 15 20:30 GMT (UK): "The Lancastria" was mentioned twice by David Dimbleby during the march past of veterans at the Cenotaph, one with the Pioneer Corps and the other with the Merchant Navy. Glad to hear that.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: ScouseBoy on Tuesday 10 November 15 22:17 GMT (UK): I knew the chief Engineer of the Lancastria in the 1950s, and also I think my dad was a survivor from the Lancastria, but I think they were told "Don't tell anyone that the Lancastria has been sunk" and secondly, I don't think my dad wanted to worry his mum and my mum by telling them that he had been in the water.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: brianthetaff on Friday 01 April 16 11:58 BST (UK): Does anyone know if there is a service in Glasgow this year, if so what time and where? For the first time since 2010, when I went to the one in London, I may be able to attend this year. My late uncle is buried in Pornic.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: ScouseBoy on Friday 01 April 16 16:20 BST (UK): Or it may be in Edinburgh.

Try looking at the Lancastria association web site
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: brianthetaff on Friday 01 April 16 16:31 BST (UK): Tried that and sent an email to contact@lancastria.org.uk - no response. Just thought some on here would have heard by now. Thanks for the reply.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: brianthetaff on Friday 17 June 16 07:40 BST (UK): Another year passes and still this remains a well-kept secret. RIP Pte David Emlyn Evans and all those that perished with you.

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old, age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn, at the going down of the sun and in the morning,
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: Drew5233 on Monday 20 June 16 07:01 BST (UK): Not that secret. I dedicated the 17th June to the Lancastria with a fair few pictures, some I'd not seen before, on my Facebook page and had over 100 shares and circa 20,000 people see it ;)

https://www.facebook.com/FranceandFlanders1940/
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: IMBER on Monday 20 June 16 07:33 BST (UK): Well done Drew. Great page.

Imber
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: Drew5233 on Monday 20 June 16 07:43 BST (UK): Thanks a lot ! It's only been running since March and I already have nearly a 1,000 followers. Next month I'll be offering free 1940 research on individual soldiers that fought in France as long as the inquirer will allow me to post the story on my page.

Cheers
Andy
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: brianthetaff on Monday 20 June 16 10:07 BST (UK): As I'm not on Facebook, thank you for the information. I compiled an article with the basic information on the sinking combined with the very little I knew of my late uncle Pte David Emlyn Evans, and enclosed all the original War Office paperwork my grandparents received and sent it to the Imperial War Museum. In conversations within the ex-service community, there are still very many that were not aware of the sinking, and even those that did, did not know of the size of the disaster.
Title: Re: HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)
Post by: scotmum on Monday 17 June 19 20:10 BST (UK): In remembrance:

http://www.lancastria.org.uk/victim-list/

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