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By *South Carolina's largest volunteer beach cleanup happens from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at just about any beach or tidal creek that needs some attention *South Carolina residents can begin eating freshly harvested oysters and clams with the opening Thursday, September 23 of the state's shellfish season
British Tramp Anglo Saxon sunk by German Raider Widder. The story of an amazing open boat journey of 70 days. During the height of the Battle of the Atlantic, the British Tramp Steamer Anglo Saxon, of 5,595 tons with a full cargo of Welsh coal was on her way to Argentina. She sailed under the ownership of The Nitrate Steamship Company with a crew of 41. On the 21st. of August 1940 she was off the west coast of Africa and was sighted by the German Armed Merchant Raider Widder. Her Captain Ruchteschell, decided to wait till darkness fell before he attacked, and at 2008 ( 8.08 PM ) which was only a few minutes before the moon was due to rise, he took his ship on a course directly opposite to that of the unsuspecting British vessel. When he was at a range of only 2,500 yards he opened fire, immediately hitting the Tramp's deck gun, and setting fire to its ready use ammunition. Ruchteschell decided to quickly finish her off, and fired a torpedo, which struck home and the Anglo Saxon promptly sank. There was a report of two boats getting away from the stricken ship, and the Raider noted morse signals being exchanged, and the German Captain decided not to pick up any survivors. He recorded in his war diary, the boats are: " Only 800 miles from the Canaries, and the wind was favourable." The Ship's Jolly boat. The Jolly boat made one of the longest journeys in maritime history covering some 2,700 miles. After some weeks only two men still lived, Robert and Roy, they noted on the 24th. of September: " All water and biscuits gone, but still hoping to make land." For the remaining 37 days they survived on rainwater, seaweed, and a few small sea creatures. They contemplated suicide, they fought, but managed to live through a three day hurricane, to finally land in the Bahamas on the far side of the Atlantic Ocean on the 30th. of October 1940. They had been battling the elements to survive an amazing sea voyage in a small open boat over 70 days. The Jolly Boat on show at Mystic Seaport. In 1977 the Jolly Boat was shipped back to UK where it now forms the centre piece in a Battle of the Atlantic display in London's Imperial War Museum. Post War trial of Captain Ruchteschell. He was however sentenced to ten years gaol, and died in custody.
Hello Mac I have recently sighted your letters to Leigh Bishop regarding his dive on the Boat U-767, I was interested with this as I was serving as a Seaman Petty Officer on H.M.S. Fame during this engagement. My action station was Gun Layer on 'B' gun so I had what you can call a front seat to this action. as far as I can remember this was the first successful firing of the Hedgehog Bomb Thrower carried out by the Fame, after definite explosions from the bombs, I cant remember if we carried out a depth charge run but I know other ships did However we came around and we looked for debris but saw nothing until an oil slick appeared on the surface, We were a bit cagey as U-boat Captains had been known to discharge Oil and other things from their Boats when under attack, when the survivor appeared we thought it was a body but it soon became clear that he was alive , after pulling him aboard I think he was taken to the Sick Bay and examined and word got around that he had no serious injurious but complained of a headache. I have always understood that he was blown clear of the Boat by the depth charges, but now reading your letters I can only say what a smart and lucky fellow he was, I can only wish him all the best with his life in Canada and hope he remains fit and well for years to come. Best Regards
Wonderful to hear from you, and thanks for taking the time and trouble to share your involvement with HMS Fame and her sinking of U-767. It is amazing how the internet will link people from around the world who have been in some action, or get Thank you again. Best regards,
I know you will be interested to have a copy of this message which only arrived today. Here we have a front stalls account of the action from ex Petty Officer Arthur Beck, who was in HMS Fame when U-767 was sunk. Perhaps you might like to put this message from Arthur up on your site, as it all adds to the picture. Quite amazing how someone else gets linked into the chain associated with U-767. I do trust all goes well with you and your exploits, would be pleased to hear from you as convenient. Best regards,
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