Morning Does anyone have an interest in the M.V. 'Dagomba', sunk by an Italian submarine on 3 November 1942 ?? I have a report written by the 3rd Officer, D.C. Wickstead, some 23 pages in total, covering the sinking and the subsequent internment of the surviving crew. Just wondering if anyone was interested, Regards, Graeme
hello Graeme yes we are interested mate BENNETT, PETER GRAHAM Rank: Senior Clerk Date of Death: 14/11/1942 Age: 35 Regiment/Service: Merchant Navy M.V. Dagomba (Liverpool) Panel Reference Panel 34. Memorial TOWER HILL MEMORIAL Additional Information: Son of Joseph Graham Bennett and Sarah Bennett. HODKINSON, WILFRED Rank: Electrician Date of Death: 03/11/1942 Age: 23 Regiment/Service: Merchant Navy M.V. Dagomba (Liverpool) Panel Reference Panel 34. Memorial TOWER HILL MEMORIAL MAIL, ROBERT MALCOLM Rank: Second Officer Date of Death: 03/11/1942 Age: 28 Regiment/Service: Merchant Navy M.V. Dagomba (Liverpool) Panel Reference Panel 34. Memorial TOWER HILL MEMORIAL Additional Information: Son of Sinclair and Janet Mail, of Exnaboe. Zetland. NHODIJE, J Rank: Boy Date of Death: 03/11/1942 Regiment/Service: Merchant Navy M.V. Dagomba (Liverpool) Panel Reference Panel 34. Memorial TOWER HILL MEMORIAL O'KORE, PETER Rank: Steward's Boy Date of Death: 03/11/1942 Regiment/Service: Merchant Navy S.S. Dagomba (Liverpool) Panel Reference Panel 34. Memorial TOWER HILL MEMORIAL TOBY, TOM Rank: Assistant Cook Date of Death: 03/11/1942 Regiment/Service: Merchant Navy M.V. Dagomba (Liverpool) Panel Reference Panel 34. Memorial TOWER HILL MEMORIAL WATERS, JOHN HENRY Rank: Able Seaman Date of Death: 13/10/1944 Age: 57 Regiment/Service: Merchant Navy M.V. Dagomba (Liverpool). Grave Reference Sec. P.O. Grave 129. Cemetery LIVERPOOL (FORD) ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY Additional Information: Husband of Mary Waters, of Bootle. Geoff's Search Engine regards Clive
Clive I think you've sent an incorrect address. It keeps returning the e-mails as no such address Graeme
The M.V. Dagomba was sunk by the Italian submarine Ammiraglio Cagni. On 5 or 6 October 1942, she sailed from La Maddalena to the South-Atlantic for her 1st Atlantic mission, against the convoy "TS 23". She crossed the Strait of Gibraltar on 12 October without any contact. But on 3 November, while submerged at daytime, she attacked and sank the 3,845 GRT British ship "Dagomba". On 29 November, while patrolling off Cape of Good Hope, Africa (in the immediate vicinity of Capetown) she sank the 1,995 GRT Greek ship, "Argo". On 3 January 1943, she attempted to re-arm by torpedo transfer on Tazzoli, but failed due to adverse weather conditions. But she was successfully fuelled on 13 January, with 45 tonnes of fuel by a German submarine. On 15 February, in the Bay of Biscay, she was attacked from the air, by bombs and machine-gun fire, that led to the death of Sergeant Gunner Michelangelo Cannistraro. This single mission (began on 6 October 1942 in Magdalene, and ended on 20 February 1943 in Bordeaux) lasted for 136 days. Convoy TS 23 was sailing from Takoradi (29 Oct 1942) to Freetown (3 Nov 1942) The convoy was made up with 7 British Ships, One Norwegian Ship and one American Ship and had two Escorts HMS Corinthian (until 31 Oct) and HMS Southern Pride
Hi Graeme, I know this is an old post so I'm not sure if you'll see this, but my family is looking into the history of my grandfather. He served on the Dagomba and he was one of the surviving crew members who ended up being interned in North Africa. We'd really like to know a bit more about this period of his life; would it be possible for us to see the report you discussed above please? My grandfathers name was Ivor Owen (might be written down as Ifor Owen). Thank you and Best Wishes Laura
So annoying when one goes to the time and trouble to send the pages which were hidden in an old external drive, to hear nothing at all, no thanks etc. This does NOT refer to Roy Martin BTW, who was most appreciative, Graeme
Graeme Most new members on here join to get info a lot of the time and are never seen again that is the way of the world Very kind of you to supply the info Regards Clive
During the lockdown, I'm finally rummaging through my father's Merchant Navy records. He ended up an Elder Dempster captain, but disembarked as 3rd Officer from the Dagomba on 4 Aug 1942. 3 months before she was torpedoed. By then, Dad was back in Liverpool taking his 1st mate ticket. I'd be interested in the report.
Hi Graeme, I have only just found this site, my Uncle Harry Powell was a gunner on the Dagomba and survived the sinking. He was only 18 years old and had just enlisted. I am interested in finding any information for myself and his immediate family. Regards John Caley
Morning John, Unfortunately mu OP was 10 years and 2 computers ago, I cannot now find the report. Perhaps the people above who I sent it to may still have a copy, Graeme
Thank you for replying Graeme, hopefully I will hear from some of your recipients. I have the story of how he survived in a lifeboat and was interned until the Americans released him when they landed in North Africa. He then carried on doing the same job on other Dems across the Atlantic. Regards John Caley