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

[brianthetaff]

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. 

[scotmum]

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/

[brianthetaff]

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.

[scotmum]

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.

[brianthetaff]

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.

[Drew5233]

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.

[scotmum]

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/

[scotmum]

As the 75th anniversary approaches, another news article today:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-33092351

[brianthetaff]

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.