the Volturno

[janet greaves]

any pics available or any other info, thanks, Jayne

[Hugh]

Hello and welcome Janet,

VOLTURNO official numberr, 135597, (Ellerman Lines) was attacked in August 1941 while part of convoy SL-81. She survived but was later lost in 1943 to a German aircraft attack. Attached is the survivor's report made by Captain Martin after the attack.

#2 Doc, that is not the same ship you have linked to.

Regards
Hugh

[Doc Vernon]

Deleted that post Hugh!
Cheers wasn't looking at dates! Grrrr!

[Hugh]

From the newspapers of the time.

MEASURED FOR COFFIN: SHOCK FOR SAILOR

William Fairbrace, an 18-year-old British seaman, one of the survivors of the convoy attacked off Madeira last February, has had the unusual experience of being measured for his coffin before his death.
He was suffering from black water fever when his ship, the freighter VOLTURNO, was attacked, but he staggered on deck and joined his mates at the gun.
Shell after shell was sent hurtling at the enemy until finally the gun jammed. Fairbrace then joined the rescue party in the boats which were lowered to pick up other survivors.
By the time he was landed in Madeira, he was very ill and was rushed to the municipal hospital. When next he opened his eyes he found a solemn individual evidently an undertaker running a tape measure over his torso. This was altogether too much for him, and he expressed his displeasure in no uncertain terms.
William is now recuperating and is surprised at the fuss being made of him. He has received presents of clothes, flowers, and fruit from members of the British colony.

Regards
Hugh

[Doc Vernon]

Ellerman Lines Ltd. SS Volturno [+1943] report an error





Details


general
nationality: british
purpose: transport
type: cargo ship
propulsion: steam
date built: 1914
status:
unknown

details
tonnage: 3424 grt
dimensions : 96.9 x 12.9 x -- m
engine: 1 x 3 Cyl. Triple expansion



speed: 10.5 knots
yard no.: 204
IMO/Off. no.: 135597
about the loss
cause lost: air raid
date lost: 23/06/1943 [dd/mm/yyyy]
casualties: † max.3rank: 689
about people
builder:
Harkess W. & Sons Ltd., Middlesbrough

engine by:
Richardsons, Westgarth & Co., Middlesbrough

last owner:
[1] Ellerman Lines Ltd., Liverpool
SS Volturno [+1943]
period 1928 ~ 1943

IMO/Off. no.: 135597


prev. owners:
[2] Cesano E. & Co., Genoa
SS Bosforo
period 1927 ~ 1928

IMO/Off. no.: 135597

[3] Ellerman Lines Ltd., Liverpool
SS Falernian
period 1914 ~ 1927

Following Link thanks to SN and Stuart.

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