SS Castle Harbour

Discussion in 'The War at Sea' started by Applemany, May 26, 2009.

  1. Applemany

    Applemany 'Un Ancien', non-combatt.

    Hi folks,

    I am new to this site and am looking for information on a relative who was lost when his ship was torpedoed off Trinidad. (I'll add it here in case any one else is looking for this info!):

    Name: SS CASTLE HARBOUR
    Official Number: 186213
    Type: Steam merchant
    Tonnage 730 tons
    Completed 1929 - Blythswood Shipbuilding Co Ltd, Glasgow
    Owner Bermuda & West Indies SS Co, Hamilton, Bermuda Homeport Hamilton
    Date of attack 16 Oct, 1942 Nationality: British

    Fate Sunk by U-160 (Georg Lassen)
    Position 11.00N, 61.10W - Grid ED 9954
    Complement 23 (9 dead and 14 survivors).
    Convoy TRIN-19
    Route Trinidad (16 Oct) - Pernambuco, Brazil
    Cargo Ballast
    History Built as Mid Ocean, later renamed Castle Harbour

    I have been unable to find any sign of a crew list.

    My relative was HAYES, MICHAEL ANTHONY (tho his full name was actually Vyvian Michael Anthony Warren HAYES) His recorded details say:
    Initials: M A
    Nationality: United Kingdom
    Rank: Second Engineer Officer
    Regiment/Service: Merchant Navy
    Unit Text: S.S. Castle Harbour (Hamilton, Bermuda)
    Age: 31
    Date of Death: 16/10/1942
    Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
    Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 24.
    Memorial: TOWER HILL MEMORIAL

    Can anyone help me find anything more about this person?

    Thanks in anticpation of any help/leads/suggestions you can kindly offer.

    Colin
     
  2. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Name: SS CASTLE HARBOUR
    Official Number: 186213


    Hello Colin,

    You have quoted the wrong official number for CASTLE HARBOUR. The one quoted is for cargo ship VILLANGER official number 186213 later renamed in 1955 to CASTLE HARBOUR.

    The ship you are interested in is the 1929 built Furness Whithy ship CASTLE HARBOUR official number 156175.

    The crew agreement for this ship is held at the National Archives in piece BT 381/2003

    If you hit the link above then hit "Request this" then take the digital express option and follow instructions. Be sure to ask for "the last crew agreement for CASTLE HARBOUR official number 156175 lost in October 1942." The cost will be £8.50 for up to 10 document pages sent direct to your email address on a no find no fee basis.

    If you are in a position to go to TNA yourself then these documents are available free of charge.

    See also my reply on your other post.

    Hope that helps
    Regards
    Hugh
     

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