HMT Lancastria - World War 2 (17/6/1940)

[scotmum]

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.

[brianthetaff]

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 

[DeeBoneham]

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!!!!

[scotmum]

(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

[brianthetaff]

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".

[scotmum]

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.

[DeeBoneham]

May they RIP 

[bugle boy]

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"

[scotmum]

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/