大象传媒

This account was written by my late father who was the Chief Engneer of the S.S. Blairdevon ( owners Geo. Nisbet & Co Glasgow.) whilst in a convoy between Gibraltar and Adrossan. The convoy most probably had crossed the North Atlantic earlier , to re-group before sailing to Great Britain. Unfortunately the yearis not recorded.

Left Gibraltar 1530 22nd October, approx 2200 / 2230 escort vessels firing flares and star shells locating submarines on the surface. Depth charging. 23rd October 0200 Torpedo crossed Blairdevon's bow by feet missing Commodore vessel's stern.

23rd October 2200 Escort vessel ( H.M.S. Cassock ) torpedoed. 2230 H.M.S. Cassock blazing furiously magazine blowing up lasting about 1 1/2 hours.
24th Oct. 0445 Commodore vessel Ariosto torpedoed alongside us sunk in 8 minutes
Daylight Ariosto, Carsbreck and Alhama missing, also five escort vessels.
24th & 25th Oct Enemy aircraft flying at a safe distance.
26th Oct 0145. Auxiliary aircraft carrier Argauni torpedoed.
1000 Escort vessel reports sub sunk
27th 1400 / 1500 Enemy aircraft sighted, another sub reported sunk.
28th Oct. 0245 Ulea torpedoed.
28th 1400 / 1600. Enemy aircraft sighted.
2330 / 2359 Escort vessel firing flares and depth charging.
29th Oct. 1400 / 1700 Sub reported sunk, enemy plane sighted & fired on by escorting vessel.
29th Oct. noon. Lifeboat and raft picked up by escort vessel, several survivors from unknown vessel rescured.
30th Oct 0800 British plane flying overhead most of the day, Submarine reported in vicinity.
Received orders for Ardrossan.
30th 2230 Escort vessels firing flares locating submarine in vicinity, depth charging
31st 0500 Escort vessels firing flares & star shells.
British plane flying overhead most of the day.
1st November Plane escort all day.

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