Ships hit by U-boats


Loch Ranza

British Steam merchant



Photo from City of Vancouver Archives, CVA 447-2417

NameLoch Ranza
Type:Steam merchant
Tonnage4,958 tons
Completed1934 - A. Stephen & Sons Ltd, Linthouse, Glasgow 
OwnerMaclay & McIntyre Ltd, Glasgow 
HomeportGlasgow 
Date of attack1 Dec 1940Nationality:      British
 
FateDamaged by U-101 (Ernst Mengersen)
Position54° 37'N, 18° 54'W - Grid AL 5883
Complement40 (0 dead and 40 survivors).
ConvoyHX-90
RouteTacoma - Bermuda - Milford Haven - Swansea 
CargoLumber, grain and plywood 
History Completed in October 1934

On 3 Feb 1942, the Loch Ranza was bombed and set on fire by Japanese aircraft in the Rhio Strait in 00°37N/104°14E, later beached at Pulau Abang in 00°36N/104°12E and declared a total loss after an explosion on board. The ship had been on voyage from Singapore to Batavia with military cargo. Seven of the 50 men on board were killed and two were later taken prisoner. The survivors were rescued by HMAS Toowoomba (J 157) (LtCdr P.H. Hirst, RAN). 
Notes on event

At 22.12 hours on 1 Dec 1940, U-101 attacked convoy HX-90 about 340 miles west of Bloody Foreland and claimed one ship of 8000 grt sunk (Loch Ranza was only damaged), one ship of 6000 grt damaged (not confirmed) and one tanker of 12,000 grt sunk (Appalachee).

The Loch Ranza was damaged by a torpedo, but managed to continue under own power at 6 knots, later beached by a tug in Rothesay Bay on 9 December. The ship was refloated and repaired at Glasgow, returning to service in May 1941.

 
On boardWe have details of 2 people who were on board


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