Durham Castle was originally the Union-Castle passenger/cargo liner RMS Durham Castle, built by Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co., Govan, launched in December 1903 and completed in 1904. She was about 8,217–8,240 tons, 475 ft long, twin-screw, and capable of about 14 knots.

By 1939 she was an old ship and had been withdrawn after being replaced by Pretoria Castle. She was due for breaking up at Rosyth, but the Admiralty took her over in autumn 1939. Sources describe her intended naval use variously as a stores ship, accommodation ship, and/or blockship for Scapa Flow.

On 26 January 1940, while under tow from Rosyth to Scapa Flow by the tug HMS Watermeyer, she struck a mine off the Cromarty Firth. Uboat.net says the mine had been laid on 21 January 1940 by U-57, commanded by Claus Korth, and that she sank in a gale and severe icy conditions.

Date of attack

26 Jan 1940

Fate

Sunk by U-57 (Claus Korth)

Position Grid AN 1759

Route

to Scapa Flow

History

Completed in February 1904 as steam passenger ship Durham Castle for Union-Castle Mail SS Co Ltd, London. 1939 requisitioned by the Admiralty as stores and accommodation ship HMS Durham Castle.

Notes on loss

On 26 Jan, 1940, HMS Durham Castle struck a mine laid on 21 January by U-57 and sank 11 miles northeast of Cromarty, Scotland. The ship was in tow for Scapa Flow for use as an accommodation ship.