Daily Event for March 17, 2009

One U-boat, two ships sunk, 52 miles apart. On Mar. 17, 1917 SMS UC-66 had laid mines off Galley Head, Ireland and HMS Mignonette struck one sending her to the bottom, fourteen crewmen were lost in the ship. Fifty-two miles to the southwest UC-66 took more proactive action against an American cargo ship, the SS City of Memphis.

The boat surfaced and fried a warning shot bringing the ship to a halt, signals were exchanged and it was understood by the captain he was going to loose his ship. All fifty-seven men got off the ship and the UC-66 shelled her until she sank by the stern, fortunately nobody lost their life in this incident.

In the German paper Deutsche Tageszeitung some days later Count Ernest von Reventlow, Germany's leading naval expert said: "It is good that American ships have also been obliged to learn that the German prohibition is effective and that there is no question of distinctive treatment in favor of the United States. Against such shipping losses there is only one policy for the United States of America as for the small European maritime powers, namely to retain the ships in home ports as long as the war lasts."

The statement was made regarding not only the City of Memphis, but also the SS Vigilancia and SS Illinois, which were sunk on Mar. 16 and Mar. 18 respectively.
© 2009 Michael W. Pocock
MaritimeQuest.com



Roll of Honour
In memory of those who lost their lives in HMS Mignonette
"As long as we embrace them in our memory, their spirit will always be with us"

Name
Rate
Allan, Ernest
Engine Room Artificer 4th Class
Ashcroft, William H.
Telegraphist
Bruce, Richard W.
Engine Room Artificer (RNR)
Carriage, Henry
Stoker 1st Class
Evans, Walter
Signalman
Gosnell, Charles A.
Ordinary Seaman
Hodson, Fred
Stoker 1st Class
Hopper, George H.
Leading Stoker
Kemp, Herbert W.
Stoker 1st Class
Law, James H.
Ordinary Seaman
Lillys, Cecil B.
Leading Stoker
Millum, Charles T.
Stoker 2nd Class
Perham, George
Stoker 1st Class
Skewis, Edwin H.
Boy Telegraphist


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