Ships hit by U-boats


Kayeson

British Steam merchant


We don't have a picture of this vessel at this time.


NameKayeson
Type:Steam merchant
Tonnage4,606 tons
Completed1929 - R. & W. Hawthorn, Leslie & Co Ltd, Hebburn-on-Tyne 
OwnerKaye, Son & Co Ltd, London 
HomeportLondon 
Date of attack2 Oct 1940Nationality:      British
 
FateSunk by U-32 (Hans Jenisch)
Position51° 12'N, 24° 22'W - Grid AL 7884
Complement38 (38 dead - no survivors)
Convoy
RouteLiverpool - Montevideo 
Cargo2802 tons of general cargo and 3901 tons of coal 
History Completed in November 1929 
Notes on event

At 18.25 hours on 2 Oct 1940 the unescorted Kayeson (Master William Ayres) was hit in the fore ship by the last torpedo from U-32 west of Ireland. The submerged U-boat came too close to the target and slightly collided with its rudder, bending the bow to port. They surfaced and tried to finish her off with the last two rounds from the deck gun, but missed due to high swells. Shortly thereafter the ship sank steeply by the bow. The Germans had observed how the crew abandoned ship in the lifeboats, but the master and 37 crew members were lost.

 
On boardWe have details of 38 people who were on board


If you can help us with any additional information on this vessel then please contact us.

Return to Allied Ships hit by U-boats