List of shipwrecks in December 1940
The list of shipwrecks in December 1940 includes ships sunk, foundered, grounded, or otherwise lost during December 1940.
December 1940 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
1 | ||||||
2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
30 | 31 | Unknown date | ||||
References |
1 December
[edit]For the sinking of Port Wellington on this day, see the entry for 30 November 1940
Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Appalachee | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HX 90: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (54°30′N 20°00′W / 54.500°N 20.000°W) by a U-101 (![]() ![]() |
British Officer | ![]() | World War II: The tanker struck a mine in mouth of the River Tyne and broke in two with the loss of five of her 47 crew. The stern section sank and the bow section was towed to port. It was subsequently scrapped.[1][3][4] |
Her Majesty | ![]() | World War II: The paddle steamer was bombed and sunk at Southampton, Hampshire by Luftwaffe aircraft.[1] |
Loch Ranza | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (54°37′N 18°54′W / 54.617°N 18.900°W) by U-101 (![]() |
Oslofjord | ![]() | World War II: The troopship struck a mine off Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, United Kingdom and was beached at Tynemouth with her back broken. There was one casualty.[6][7] She broke in two, capsized, and sank in bad weather at 55°0.17′N 1°23.72′W / 55.00283°N 1.39533°W on 21–22 January 1941.[8][9] |
Palmella | ![]() | World War II: Convoy OG 46: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (40°30′N 13°30′W / 40.500°N 13.500°W) by U-37 (![]() ![]() |
HMCS Saguenay | ![]() | World War II: The destroyer was torpedoed 300 miles (480 km) west of Ireland by the Italian submarine Argo (![]() |
Santos | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the North Sea off Ostend, West Flanders, Belgium by Royal Air Force aircraft. She was later raised, repaired and returned to service.[13] |
Tribesman | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of the Cape Verde Islands, Portugal (15°00′N 35°00′W / 15.000°N 35.000°W) by Admiral Scheer (![]() |
2 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Conch | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HX 90: The tanker straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and severely damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 370 nautical miles (690 km) west of Bloody Foreland, County Donegal, Ireland (55°40′N 19°00′W / 55.667°N 19.000°W) by U-47 (![]() ![]() ![]() |
HMS Forfar | ![]() | World War II: The armed merchant cruiser was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (54°35′N 18°18′W / 54.583°N 18.300°W) by U-99 (![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Goodleigh | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (55°02′N 18°45′W / 55.033°N 18.750°W) by U-52 (![]() ![]() |
Gwalia | ![]() | World War II: Convoy OG 46: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portugal (39°22′N 14°22′W / 39.367°N 14.367°W) by U-37 (![]() |
Jeanne M. | ![]() | World War II: Convoy OG 46: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (39°19′N 13°54′W / 39.317°N 13.900°W) by U-37 (![]() ![]() |
Jolly Girls | ![]() | World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland. Her crew were rescued.[1][24] |
Kavak | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (55°00′N 19°30′W / 55.000°N 19.500°W) by U-101 (![]() ![]() |
Kilgarran Castle | ![]() | World War II: The fishing trawler was bombed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (51°21′N 8°35′W / 51.350°N 8.583°W) by Heinkel He 115 aircraft of Küstenfliegergruppe 406, Luftwaffe.[1][26] |
Lady Glanely | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (55°00′N 20°00′W / 55.000°N 20.000°W) by U-101 (![]() |
Pacific President | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (56°04′N 18°45′W / 56.067°N 18.750°W) by U-43 (![]() |
Samnanger | ![]() | World War II: Convoy OB 251: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (approximately 54°N 18°W / 54°N 18°W) by U-99 (![]() |
Stirlingshire | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 280 nautical miles (520 km) west of Bloody Foreland (55°36′N 16°22′W / 55.600°N 16.367°W) by U-94 (![]() ![]() |
Tasso | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (55°03′N 18°04′W / 55.050°N 18.067°W) by U-52 (![]() ![]() |
Victor Ross | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HX 90: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of the Outer Hebrides (56°04′N 18°30′W / 56.067°N 18.500°W) by U-43 (![]() |
Ville d'Arlon | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HX 90: The passenger ship straggled behind the convoy due to defects with her steering. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean, (55°00′N 19°30′W / 55.000°N 19.500°W) by U-47 (![]() |
Wilhelmina | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (55°43′N 15°06′W / 55.717°N 15.100°W) by U-94 (![]() ![]() |
3 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Victoria City | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean by U-140 (![]() |
W. Hendrik | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (56°26′N 12°20′W / 56.433°N 12.333°W) by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of five of her 35 crew.[1][38][40][41] |
4 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Daphne | ![]() | World War II: Convoy OG 46: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south west of Cabo Espichel, Portugal (38°12′N 9°26′W / 38.200°N 9.433°W) by U-37 (![]() |
Edwin Duke | ![]() | The tug sank during a storm in 55 feet (17 m) of water in the North Atlantic Ocean off Jones Beach Island south of Long Island, New York. USCGC Pontchartrain (![]() |
Empire Seaman | ![]() | The cargo ship was scuttled as a blockship at a British Channel port,[45] or in East Weddell Sound (58°52′17″N 2°54′33″W / 58.87139°N 2.90917°W).[46] |
Helene | ![]() | World War II: The fishing trawler struck a mine and sank off Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom (51°41′N 5°09′W / 51.683°N 5.150°W).[1][47] |
Skogheim | ![]() | The cargo ship ran aground near the Songvår Lighthouse, Søgne and was wrecked. Her 26 crew survived.[48] |
5 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Amlwch Rose | ![]() | The collier foundered in the Irish Sea north of Great Orme Head, Caernarvonshire with the loss of ten of her crew.[49][50] |
Calipso | ![]() | World War II: The Spica-class torpedo boat struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea east of Tobruk, Libya. Ninety of her 129 crew were killed.[51][52] |
HMS Cameron | ![]() | World War II: The Town-class destroyer was bombed while in drydock at Portsmouth, Hampshire by Luftwaffe aircraft. Fourteen crew were killed. HMS Cameron capsized as the drydock filled with water. She was raised in February 1941 and had been repaired by April 1941. She was subsequently used as a hull stress test ship.[1] |
Iderwald | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was intercepted south of Cuba by HMS Diomede (![]() |
Klaus Schoke | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship sank three days after being intercepted in the Atlantic Ocean off the Azores, Portugal (38°28′N 22°15′W / 38.467°N 22.250°W) by HMS California (![]() |
Nimbin | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Pacific Ocean off Norah Head, New South Wales (33°15′S 151°47′E / 33.250°S 151.783°E) with the loss of seven of her 20 crew.[51][55] |
Oscar Midling | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in Ålesund, Norway (62°03′N 5°06′E / 62.050°N 5.100°E) by HMS Sunfish (![]() |
Privet | ![]() | The coaster foundered in Liverpool Bay off Birkenhead, Cheshire with the loss of all nine crew.[59] |
Silverpine | ![]() | World War II: Convoy OB 252: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (54°14′N 18°08′W / 54.233°N 18.133°W) by Argo (![]() |
6 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Accomac | ![]() | The cargo ship suffered a boiler explosion, ran aground and was wrecked at Pickie, Bangor, County Down. Her crew were rescued.[62][63] |
Jupiter | ![]() | World War II: The fishing trawler was sunk by enemy action.[1] |
Mousse le Moyec | ![]() | The collier ran aground at Hartland Point, Devon, United Kingdom and was wrecked.[64] |
Nyland | ![]() | World War II: Convoy EN 35: The cargo ship ran aground off Iona, Inner Hebrides, United Kingdom and sank with the loss of all twenty crew.[65][66] |
HMS Regulus | ![]() | World War II: The Rainbow-class submarine struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Taranto, Italy with the loss of all 55 crew. |
Skrim | ![]() | World War II: Convoy OB 252: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean by U-43 (![]() |
South Coaster | ![]() | The coaster was abandoned in the Bristol Channel. Her ten crew were rescued by Rachel and Mary Evans (![]() |
Supremity | ![]() | World War II: The coastal tanker struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north of Whitstable, Kent with the loss of a crew member. She was on a voyage from Blyth, Northumberland to London.[1][69][70] |
Triona | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Nauru (5°12′S 165°39′E / 5.200°S 165.650°E) by Komet and Orion (both ![]() |
7 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
HMT Capricornus | ![]() | World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north east of Sheerness, Kent.[73] |
HMT Cortina | ![]() | The naval trawler collided with HMS Lormont (![]() |
Farmsum | ![]() | World War II: Convoy OB 252: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south west of Ireland (52°11′N 22°56′W / 52.183°N 22.933°W) by U-99 (![]() ![]() |
HMS Lormont | ![]() | The guard ship collided with HMT Cortina (![]() |
O 10 | ![]() | The cargo ship collided with Mendoza (![]() |
Phæax | ![]() | The cargo ship was driven ashore and wrecked near Nojimazaki, Japan.[79] |
Stolwijk | ![]() | World War II: Convoy SC 13: The cargo ship ran aground between Inishdovey and Inishborin, County Donegal, Ireland and was wrecked with the loss of ten of her 28 crew.[80] |
Vinni | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) south of Nauru by Komet (![]() |
Watkins F. Nisbet | ![]() | The sailing ship was wrecked or foundered.[81] |
8 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Actuality | ![]() | World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank north west of the Isle of Sheppey, Kent and 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) off the Mouse Lightship (![]() |
Adalia | ![]() | The cargo ship collided with Mendoza (![]() |
Anthea | ![]() | The cargo ship collided with Maasdam (![]() |
Ashcrest | ![]() | World War II: Convoy SC 13: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy due to a broken rudder. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Ireland (55°12′N 10°20′W / 55.200°N 10.333°W) by U-140 (![]() |
Beothic | ![]() | The cargo ship ran aground off Cape Bauld, Dominion of Newfoundland and was wrecked.[87] |
Calabria | ![]() | World War II: Convoy SLS 56: The cargo liner straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 295 nautical miles (546 km) off the Slyne Head Lighthouse, County Galway Ireland (52°43′N 18°07′W / 52.717°N 18.117°W) by U-103 (![]() |
Empire Jaguar | ![]() | World War II: The Design 1105 ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 296 nautical miles (548 km) west south west of the Slyne Head Lighthouse (51°34′N 17°35′W / 51.567°N 17.583°W) by U-103 (![]() |
Gorsethorn | ![]() | The cargo ship foundered in Liverpool Bay.[92] |
Idarwald | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was intercepted in the Caribbean Sea south of Cuba (21°34′N 84°25′W / 21.567°N 84.417°W) by HMS Diomede (![]() |
Komata | ![]() | World War II: German attacks on Nauru: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 20 nautical miles (37 km) east of Nauru by Komet (![]() |
Penang | ![]() | World War II: The barque was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Bloody Foreland, County Donegal, Ireland (55°25′N 10°15′W / 55.417°N 10.250°W) by U-140 (![]() |
Triadic | ![]() | World War II: German attacks on Nauru: The cargo ship was captured and scuttled in the Pacific Ocean off Nauru (0°43′S 167°20′E / 0.717°S 167.333°E) by Orion (![]() |
Triaster | ![]() | World War II: German attacks on Nauru: The cargo liner was shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Nauru by Orion (![]() |
9 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
HMS Royal Scot | ![]() | World War II: The anti-aircraft vessel struck a mine and sank in the Bristol Channel. A crew member was killed.[100][101] |
Usaramo | ![]() | World War II: The accommodation ship was bombed and damaged at Bordeaux, Gironde, France and was consequently beached.[26] |
10 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Aghia Eirini | ![]() | The cargo ship's steering gear had failed on 5 December. She ran aground at Clew Bay, County Mayo, Ireland and was wrecked.[102][79] |
Marangona | ![]() | World War II: The tanker struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea 27 nautical miles (50 km) south of Pantelleria (36°13′N 11°59′E / 36.217°N 11.983°E) with the loss of two lives.[103][104][105] |
Thor | ![]() | World War II: The tug was shelled and sunk in the English Channel off Cherbourg, Seine-Inférieure, France.[1][106] |
Tor I | ![]() | World war II: The fishing trawler struck a mine and sank in the Atlantic Ocean (65°20′N 12°40′W / 65.333°N 12.667°W).[1] |
11 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Empire Statesman | ![]() | World War II: Convoy SLS 56: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy due to problems with her engine. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (53°40′N 17°00′W / 53.667°N 17.000°W) by U-94 (![]() |
Rhein | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was intercepted in the Straits of Florida (24°55′N 83°15′W / 24.917°N 83.250°W) by HNLMS Van Kinsbergen (![]() ![]() |
Robinia | ![]() | World War II: The fishing trawler struck a mine and sank in the Atlantic Ocean (65°20′N 12°40′W / 65.333°N 12.667°W). Her crew were rescued.[1] |
Rotorua | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HX 92: The troopship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off St. Kilda (58°56′N 11°20′W / 58.933°N 11.333°W) by U-96 with the loss of 22 of the 132 people on board. Survivors were rescued by HMT Alsey, HMT Ebor Wyke and HMT Varanga (all ![]() |
Towa | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HX 92: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west north west of the Outer Hebrides, United Kingdom (58°50′N 10°10′W / 58.833°N 10.167°W by U-96 (![]() ![]() |
12 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Dionyssios Stathatos | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HX 91: The cargo ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean with the loss of all hands.[113][114] |
Macedonier | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HX 92: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 10 nautical miles (19 km) south of St Kilda, United Kingdom (57°52′N 8°42′W / 57.867°N 8.700°W) by U-96 (![]() ![]() |
Margrethe | ![]() | World War II: The fishing vessel struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Sylt, Germany. Three of her crew were killed.[116][117] |
Stureholm | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HX 92: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of the Hebrides, Scotland (at 57°50′N 8°40′W / 57.833°N 8.667°W), by U-96 (![]() |
13 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Schwalbe | ![]() | The cargo ship ran aground off Utö, Finland and was wrecked.[120] |
Sebastiano Bianchi | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea east north east of Cape Spartivento (37°50′N 16°15′E / 37.833°N 16.250°E) by HMS Truant (![]() |
14 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
HMS Branlebas | ![]() | The La Melpomène-class torpedo boat sank in the Atlantic Ocean off the Eddystone Rocks during a storm with the loss of 101 of her 104 crew. Survivors were rescued by Mistral (![]() |
Cardross | ![]() | The coaster collided with Fiona (![]() |
Euphorbia | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west south west of Rockall, Inverness-shire by U-100 (![]() |
Kyleglen | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of the Outer Hebrides (58°00′N 25°00′W / 58.000°N 25.000°W) by U-100 (![]() |
Naiade | ![]() | World War II: The Sirena-class submarine was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Bardia, Libya (32°03′N 25°26′E / 32.050°N 25.433°E) by HMS Hereward and HMS Hyperion (both ![]() |
Western Prince | ![]() | World War II: The cargo liner was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 400 nautical miles (740 km) west of the Orkney Islands (59°32′N 17°47′W / 59.533°N 17.783°W) by U-96 (![]() ![]() ![]() |
15 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Capitano Tarantini | ![]() | World War II: The Liuzzi-class submarine was torpedoed and sunk in the Gironde Estuary (45°25′N 1°22′W / 45.417°N 1.367°W) by HMS Thunderbolt (![]() |
N. C. Monberg | ![]() | World War II: Convoy FS 360: The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea off Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, United Kingdom (52°40′N 2°10′E / 52.667°N 2.167°E) by S 25 and S 58 (both ![]() |
16 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Arrigoni | ![]() | The coaster sank at Francavilla.[130] |
Bonzo | ![]() | World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Ionian Sea off Punta Stilo (38°28′N 16°44′E / 38.467°N 16.733°E) by HMS Truant (![]() |
Heltraud | ![]() | World War II: The fishing trawler was sunk by enemy action.[130] |
San Carlos | ![]() | World War II: The coaster was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Juby by U-37 (![]() |
17 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
HMS Acheron | ![]() | World War II: The A-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the English Channel off the Isle of Wight while on trials with the loss of 45 dockyard workers and 151 crewmen. There were nineteen survivors.[135] |
Aquiety | ![]() | World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary south of Southend, Essex with the loss of six of her crew.[130][136] |
Belvedere | ![]() | World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north of the Isle of Sheppey, Kent with the loss four of her six crew.[130][137] |
Beneficient | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north of the Isle of Sheppey with the loss of six of her crew.[138] |
HMT Carry On | ![]() | World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank east of the Nore Sand Lightship (![]() |
Galata | ![]() | World War II: The coaster was shelled and sunk at Bardia, Libya by HMS Ladybird, HMS Terror (both ![]() ![]() |
Giuseppina D | ![]() | World War II: The coaster was shelled and sunk at Bardia by HMS Ladybird, HMS Terror (both ![]() ![]() |
Inga | ![]() | The cargo ship collided with Silkeborg (![]() |
Inver | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north of Sheerness with the loss of seventeen of her crew.[141] |
KP-7 | ![]() | The ship ran aground on the Rodscher Bank, in the Baltic Sea and sank.[142] |
Malrix | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north of Whitstable, Kent with the loss of eight of her crew.[130][143] |
Paranaguá | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank off Den Helder, North Holland, Netherlands (52°55′N 4°41′E / 52.917°N 4.683°E).[144] |
Salvador | ![]() | The passenger ship departed from Istanbul, Turkey carrying 327 passengers - Bulgarian Jewish refugees. She had a capacity for only 40 passengers. She foundered in the Sea of Marmara with the loss of 204 passengers.[145] |
Srebeno | ![]() | The cargo ship was driven ashore near Split. She broke in two and sank.[146] |
HMT Thomas Connolly | ![]() | World War II: The boom defence vessel struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north of Sheerness with the loss of seventeen of her crew.[130][147] |
Vincenzino | ![]() | World War II: The coaster was shelled and sunk at Bardia by HMS Ladybird, HMS Terror (both ![]() ![]() |
18 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Anastassia | ![]() | World War II: Convoy SC 15: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (54°24′N 19°04′W / 54.400°N 19.067°W) by Veniero (![]() |
Birkenfels | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was anchored off Vlissingen, Zeeland Netherlands, when she was sunk by depth charges dropped alongside her by HMS MTB 31 (![]() |
Napier Star | ![]() | World War II: The refrigerated cargo liner was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of the Outer Hebrides (58°58′N 23°13′W / 58.967°N 23.217°W) by U-100 (![]() ![]() |
Chassiron | ![]() | World War II: The tug (172 GRT) was torpedoed and sunk in the Gironde Estuary by HMS Tuna (![]() |
RFA Osage | ![]() | World War II: The tanker was bombed and sunk in the Irish Sea off Wicklow Head, County Wicklow, Ireland by Focke-Wulf Fw 200 aircraft of I Staffeln, Kampfgeschwader 40, Luftwaffe. Her crew were rescued.[26][153] |
HMT Refundo | ![]() | World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and was damaged in the Orwell Estuary off Harwich, Essex (51°56′06″N 1°21′02″E / 51.93500°N 1.35056°E) with the loss of two of her crew. She was taken in tow but sank.[130][154] |
19 December
[edit]For the scuttling of the Greek cargo ship Eugenia Cambasis on this day, see the entry for 28 November 1940.
Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Amicus | ![]() | World War II: Convoy SC 15: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (54°10′N 15°50′W / 54.167°N 15.833°W) by Alpino Bagnolini (![]() |
Arinia | ![]() | World War II: The tanker struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary off the Nore Lightship (![]() |
Erling Skjalgson | ![]() | The cargo ship foundered in the North Sea off Jæren. All six crew were rescued by a fishing vessel.[158][159] |
Freienfels | ![]() | World War II: The transport ship struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea south of Livorno, Italy.[130][160] |
Geierfels | ![]() | World War II: The transport ship struck a mine and sank south of Livorno.[130][160] |
Isolda | ![]() | World War II: The lightship tender was bombed and sunk in St. George's Channel off Carnsore Point, County Wexford, Ireland by Focke-Wulf Fw 200 aircraft of I Staffeln, Kampfgeschwader 40, Luftwaffe with the loss of six of her crew.[26][130] |
Jacob Maersk | ![]() | The cargo ship sank off Copenhagen.[161] |
HMT Proficient | ![]() | The naval trawler ran aground at Whitby, Yorkshire and was wrecked.[162] |
Rhône | ![]() | World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Juby, Morocco (28°03′N 12°54′W / 28.050°N 12.900°W) in error by U-37 (![]() |
Sfax | ![]() | World War II: The Redoutable-class submarine was torpedoed and sunk by mistake in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Juby (28°03′N 12°54′W / 28.050°N 12.900°W) by U-37 (![]() |
20 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Carlton | ![]() | World War II: Convoy OB 260: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (54°30′N 18°30′W / 54.500°N 18.500°W) by Pietro Calvi (![]() ![]() |
Consul Poppe | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk by Royal Air Force aircraft off Boulogne, Pas-de-Calais, France.[26][168] |
HMS LCP(L) 30 | ![]() | World War II: The Landing Craft Personnel (Large) was bombed and sunk at Liverpool, Lancashire by Luftwaffe aircraft.[26] |
Overdale | ![]() | World War II: The hopper barge was bombed and sunk at Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of three of her crew.[130][26] |
21 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Anvers | ![]() | The cargo ship was towing a barge in a convoy from Granville, Manche, France to Jersey Channel Islands when she got into difficulty and sank in the Chausey Islands, Manche.[169] |
Charles Pratt | ![]() | World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Sierra Leone (8°26′N 16°50′W / 8.433°N 16.833°W) by U-68 (![]() ![]() |
Innisfallen | ![]() | ![]() World War II: The ferry struck a mine off the Wirral, Cheshire, United Kingdom and sank with the loss of four of the 220 people on board. |
Mangen | ![]() | World War II: Convoy OG 47: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 300 nautical miles (560 km) west of Oporto, Portugal (40°45′N 16°50′W / 40.750°N 16.833°W) by Mocenigo (![]() ![]() |
Norge | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea east of the Kerkennah Islands, Tunisia (34°39′N 10°48′E / 34.650°N 10.800°E) by Fairey Swordfish aircraft of 815 and 819 Squadrons, Fleet Air Arm, based on HMS Illustrious (![]() |
Peuceta | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea east of the Kerkennah Islands (34°39′N 10°48′E / 34.650°N 10.800°E) by Fairey Swordfish aircraft of 815 and 819 Squadrons, Fleet Air Arm based on HMS Illustrious (![]() |
HMS Prome | ![]() | The depot ship was bombed and damaged at Liverpool, Lancashire.[174] |
River Thames | ![]() | The tug sank in the Thames Estuary north of Sheerness, Kent (51°28′N 0°46′E / 51.467°N 0.767°E) with the loss of three of her crew.[130][175] |
Silvio | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of a crew member.[130] |
HMS Sun IX | ![]() | The naval tug sank in the Thames Estuary north of Sheerness with the loss of three of her crew.[130][176] |
TIC 12 | ![]() | World War II: The barge struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary (51°28′N 0°46′E / 51.467°N 0.767°E). Her crew were rescued.[130] |
22 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Anthippi N. Michalos | ![]() | World War II: Convoy SC 15: The cargo ship collided with Beaverdale (![]() |
Antonietta | ![]() | World War II: The sailing boat was rammed and sunk in the Adriatic Sea off Brindisi by Papanikolis (![]() |
HMS H31 | ![]() | The H-class submarine foundered at Campbeltown, Argyllshire. She was raised on 25 December. Subsequently repaired and returned to service.[130] |
HMS Hyperion | ![]() | World War II: The H-class destroyer struck a mine in the Mediterranean Sea off Pantelleria and was damaged. She was taken in tow by HMS Ilex (![]() ![]() |
MAC 7 | ![]() | The mooring attendant craft sank at Portsmouth, Hampshire. She was refloated, but was declared a total loss in January 1941 following a fire.[130] |
Poolgarth | ![]() | World War II: The tug struck a mine and sank in the River Mersey at Liverpool, Lancashire with the loss of all seven crew.[130][179] |
San Giorgio | ![]() | World War II: The auxiliary schooner was sunk in the Adriatic Sea by Papanikolis (![]() |
23 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Breda | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in Loch Etive (56°29′12″N 5°25′00″W / 56.48667°N 5.41667°W) by Focke-Wulf Fw 200 aircraft of I Staffeln, Kampfgeschwader 40, Luftwaffe. Her crew were rescued.[130][26] The wreck was dispersed by explosives in 1961.[180] |
Fratelli Cairoli | ![]() | World War II: The Rosolino Pilo-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Misrata, Libya with the loss of 71 of her 114 crew.[51][181] |
Stad Maastricht | ![]() | World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and damaged in the North Sea south east of Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, United Kingdom (52°35′N 2°03′E / 52.583°N 2.050°E) by S 59 (![]() ![]() |
HMS Warwick | ![]() | World War II: The W-class destroyer struck a mine in Liverpool Bay off the Bar Lightship (![]() |
Ystroom | ![]() | World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in Liverpool Bay off Southport, Lancashire (53°37′N 3°25′W / 53.617°N 3.417°W). Her crew were rescued.[130][184] |
24 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
British Premier | ![]() | World War II: Convoy SLS 60: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 200 nautical miles (370 km) south west of Freetown, Sierra Leone (6°20′N 13°20′W / 6.333°N 13.333°W) by U-65 (![]() ![]() ![]() |
Firenze | ![]() | World War II: The troopship was torpedoed and sunk in the Adriatic Sea off Sazan Island, Albania (40°34′N 19°02′E / 40.567°N 19.033°E) by Papanikolis (![]() |
HMS Mercury | ![]() | World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper struck a mine and was damaged in the Atlantic Ocean south of Ireland. She sank the next day whilst under tow by HMS Goatfell (![]() |
HMS Pelton | ![]() | World War II: The minesweeping trawler was torpedoed and sunk off Great Yarmouth, Norfolk by S-28 (![]() |
25 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Empire Trooper | ![]() | World War II: The troopship was shelled and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean by Admiral Hipper (![]() |
Jumna | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Cape Finisterre, Spain (44°51′N 27°45′W / 44.850°N 27.750°W) by Admiral Hipper (![]() |
26 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Baden | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was intercepted in the Atlantic Ocean (44°00′N 25°07′W / 44.000°N 25.117°W) by HMS Bonaventure (![]() |
MAC 5 | ![]() | World War II: The minesweeper attendant craft, a former BPB 60-foot-class motor torpedo boat, struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off the coast of Essex with the loss of four of her crew.[130] |
Tireremo Diritto | ![]() | World War II: The schooner was captured in the Mediterranean Sea off Bardia, Libya by HMAS Waterhen (![]() |
HMT True Accord | ![]() | The naval trawler sank in the North Sea off Happisburgh, Norfolk as a result of a collision with HMT Saronta (![]() |
Waiotira | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 150 nautical miles (280 km) west of Rockall, Inverness-shire (58°05′N 16°56′W / 58.083°N 16.933°W) by U-95 (![]() ![]() ![]() |
27 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Araby | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary south west of Southend, Essex and 9⁄10 nautical mile (1.7 km) off the Nore Lightship (![]() |
Ardabhan | ![]() | World War II: Convoy OB 263: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean by U-38 (![]() ![]() |
Arnfinn Jarl | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk off Egersund, Rogaland by Royal Air Force aircraft. She was later raised, repaired and returned to service.[203] |
Kinnaird Head | ![]() | World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north of Sheerness, Kent with the loss of six of her crew.[204] |
Risanger | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (12°30′N 21°30′W / 12.500°N 21.500°W) by U-65 (![]() ![]() |
Ronald | ![]() | The motorboat was destroyed by fire 0.25 nautical miles (0.46 km; 0.29 mi) off Point Highfield, Alaska Territory (56°29′15″N 132°23′15″W / 56.48750°N 132.38750°W).[206] |
29 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Adriana | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Freiburg.[207] |
Monarch | ![]() | World War II: The tug was bombed and sunk by Luftwaffe aircraft.[130] |
PLM-23 | ![]() | The cargo ship ran aground in the Wadden Sea off Scharhörn and was wrecked.[208] |
Proteus | ![]() | World War II: The submarine was rammed by Antares (![]() |
Sardegna | ![]() | World War II: The troopship was torpedoed and sunk in the Adriatic Sea, east of Brindisi (40°31′N 19°02′E / 40.517°N 19.033°E) by Proteus (![]() |
30 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Agate | ![]() | The cargo ship ran aground on Islay. She broke her back and was declared a total loss. Her crew were rescued.[213][214][215] |
HMT Bandolero | ![]() | The naval trawler collided with HMS Waterhen (![]() |
Baron Ardrossan | ![]() | The cargo ship ran aground on Sandray Island, Outer Hebrides and was wrecked. Her 54 crew were saved.[218][219][220] |
Bodnant | ![]() | World War II: Convoy OB 264: The cargo ship was sunk in a collision with City of Bedford (![]() |
Calcium | ![]() | World War II: The coaster struck a mine and then collided with Sodium (![]() |
City of Bedford | ![]() | World War II: Convoy SL 58: The cargo ship was sunk in a collision with Bodnant (![]() |
31 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
British Zeal | ![]() | World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (15°40′N 20°43′W / 15.667°N 20.717°W) by U-65 (![]() ![]() |
Buenos Aires | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was severely damaged by fire in a German air raid on Liverpool, Lancashire, United Kingdom. She was declared a constructive total loss and her engines were removed. Became the British stores ship Demeter in 1942.[226] |
Porjus | ![]() | The cargo ship collided with another vessel and sank off Brunsbüttel.[130] |
Quinto | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Adriatic Sea, off Antivari, Yugoslavia by Katsonis (![]() |
St. Fergus | ![]() | The cargo ship collided with another vessel and sank in the North Sea east of Rattray Head, Aberdeenshire. The master was lost while all other crewmen were rescued.[228][229] |
Valparaiso | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HX 97: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north west of the Outer Hebrides, United Kingdom (60°01′N 23°00′W / 60.017°N 23.000°W) by U-38 (![]() |
Unknown date
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Narval | ![]() | World War II: The Requin-class submarine struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Sfax, Tunisia with the loss of all 50 crew. The date of loss was probably between 13 and 16 December.[231] |
Rita | ![]() | The ketch ran aground on Cape Barren Island, Tasmania, and was wrecked.[232] |
HMS Triton | ![]() | World War II: The T-class submarine was probably sunk in the Strait of Otranto by mines, possibly around 18 December, but could have been as early as 6 December. |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax "Naval Events, December 1940, Part 1 of 2, Sunday 1st – Saturday 14th". Naval History. Retrieved 29 November 2011.
- ^ "Appalachee". Uboat. Retrieved 21 February 2012.
- ^ "SS British Officer (aft part) (+1940)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 3 November 2011.
- ^ a b Jordan, Roger (1999). The World's Merchant Fleets, 1939. London: Chatham Publishing. p. 489. ISBN 1-86176-023-X.
- ^ "Loch Ranza". Uboat. Retrieved 21 February 2012.
- ^ "Reported Sinking Of Norwegian Liner". The Times. No. 48799. London. 14 December 1940. col F, p. 4.
- ^ "MV Oslofjord (+1940)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
- ^ Lawson, Siri Holm. "M/S Oslofjord". Warsailors.com. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
- ^ Miller, William H. Jr. (1995). Pictorial Encyclopedia of Ocean Liners, 1860-1994. New York: Dover Publications. pp. 92. ISBN 0-486-28137-X.
- ^ "SS Palmella (+1940)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
- ^ "Palmella". Uboat. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
- ^ "Regia Marina Italiana". Cristiano D'Adamo. Retrieved 2012-08-10.
- ^ "Santos (+1940)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
- ^ "SS Tribesman (+1940)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
- ^ "SS Conch (+1940)". www.wrecksite.eu. Retrieved 7 November 2011.
- ^ "Conch". uboat.net. Retrieved 5 December 2019.
- ^ "SS Goodleigh (+1940)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 8 November 2011.
- ^ "Goodleigh". Uboat. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
- ^ "News in Brief". The Times. No. 48804. London. 20 December 1940. p. 3.
- ^ "SS Gwalior (+1940)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
- ^ "Gwalior". Uboat. Retrieved 12 February 2012.