Date of attack

27 Dec 1942

Fate

Sunk by U-356 (Günther Ruppelt)

Position 47.25N, 25.20W - Grid BD 63

Complement

48 (23 dead and 25 survivors).

Convoy

ONS-154

Route

Hull - Loch Ewe (19 Dec) - New York

Cargo

Ballast

History  

Launched as War Terrier, completed in September 1919 as Gorala for British India Steam Navigation Co Ltd, London. 1924 renamed King Edward for Dodd, Thomson & Co Ltd, London.

Notes on loss  

About 02.40 hours on 27 Dec, 1942, the Empire Union and Melrose Abbey in convoy ONS-154 were torpedoed and sunk north-northeast of the Azores. About 03.10 hours, the Soekaboemi and King Edward were also hit. All ships must have been torpedoed by U-356, which was herself lost after the attacks.

19 crew members and four gunners from King Edward (Master James Herbert Ewens) were lost.

The master, 15 crew members and four gunners were picked up by the Toward (Master Gordon K. Hudson) and landed at Halifax on 9 January. Five crew members were rescued by HMCS Napanee (K 118) (Lt S. Henderson, RCNR) and landed at St. Johns.

Ex War Terrier

1924 Purchased renamed King Edward

1942 Toroedoed and sunk in Atlantic