Ships hit by U-boats


Phidias

British Steam merchant



Photo courtesy of State Library of New South Wales

NamePhidias
Type:Steam merchant
Tonnage5,623 tons
Completed1913 - A. McMillan & Son Ltd, Dumbarton 
OwnerLamport & Holt Ltd, Liverpool 
HomeportLiverpool 
Date of attack9 Jun 1941Nationality:      British
 
FateSunk by U-46 (Engelbert Endrass)
Position48° 25'N, 26° 12'W - Grid BD 6242
Complement51 (8 dead and 43 survivors).
ConvoyOB-330 (dispersed)
RouteGreenock - Capetown 
Cargo3500 tons of government stores, including ammunition and 14 aircraft 
History Completed in May 1913 
Notes on event

At 00.01 hours on 9 June 1941 the Phidias (Master Ernest Holden Parks), dispersed from convoy OB-330, was hit by one torpedo from U-46 north of the Azores, but it did not explode. The U-boat was now out of torpedoes, so they opened fire at 00.10 hours with the deck gun. The ship first fought back, but soon she caught fire and stopped shooting because the crew abandoned ship. At 00.45 hours, the U-boat ceased fire after firing 71 rounds and left the burning and sinking wreck. The master and seven crew members were killed. 40 crew members and three gunners were picked up by Embassage and landed at Sydney.

 
On boardWe have details of 8 people who were on board


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