Attack on SS Barn Hill, English Channel, March 1940

[Andy Saunders]

During the night of 20/21 March 1940 the merchant vessel SS Barn Hill was attacked and destroyed by an enemy aircraft in the English Channel off Beachy Head.

I have half an idea that this has been discussed here before - but I cannot find it!

Does anyone have idea as to the identity of the aircraft/unit/crew?

A He 111 of KG 26 has been suggested, but it would be interesting to know if anyone can shed further light.

[Chris Goss]

Being March 1940, it would have had to have been a very brave and long-range German ac? He 115?

[Peter Cornwell]

Andy,

The late Heinrich Weiss identified the aircraft in question as an He111H of the Korpsfuhrungskette Fl.Korps X with attack timed at 22.50 hours (CET)

[Chris Goss]

Notables in the Führungskette des X Fliegerkorps at this time were Maj Martin Harlinghausen and Oblt Robert Kowalewski.... which would match the audacity of such an attack

[Taff at Dark History]

No idea about the air attack but I have a little bit on the ship itself and one of the crew.
My grandfather, Harold Allsopp served onboard in the late 30's. The tale he often recounted was along the lines of:
Sometime in 1938 they sailed to Gdynia to pick up a load of coal bound for Buenos Aires
Someway off the South Americam coast she caught fire and burned well.The fire was eventually brought undercontrol. In a bad way, they have to change course and up Montevideo. Whether they got there under power or got a tow,I don't know.
The ship is so badly damaged it is obvious that they will be in dock for a long time putting her straight. Some of the crew (my grandfather included) are billeted in the YMCA hostel. When war breaks out, they are able to see the Graf Spee up close, badly damaged from the Battle of river Platte. Langsdorf casts off the next day, having been given 24 hoursto make seaworthy. Having made the decison to scuttle, the majority of her crew are left in town and some end up being billeted in the YMCA alongside British merchant sailors for a short time.
After a time under repair, the company that own SS Barn Hill decide that it would make more sense just to write her off. Now this is the bit that does not tie in with her being attacked by the Luftwaffe. Harold always maintained that she was sold to the Chinese and ended her days on the Yangtzee. I guess the old boy got it wrong, or that with the need for cargo ships for the Atlantic run, that plan was scrapped.

[Chris Goss]

Another experienced pilot flying with this Kette was Oblt Franz Wieting, also a RK-holder

[Andy Saunders]

Chris and Taff

Thank you for your helpful input, although, Taff I suspect your grandfathers recall about the SS Barn Hill might be slightly incorrect. Possibly he served on her, but she didn't suffer an earlier fire (from what I can discover!) and certainly didnt end up on the Yangtze. In fact, what is left of her can still be seen at low tide off Langney Point, Eastbourne! Most certainly she was sunk in March 1940.

I had puzzled over the identity, at this stage of the war, of such a long range attack. The timing by Heinrich Weiss would certainly fit. So, are we talking He 111 here?? And flying from where?

This was the first air attack on British merchant shipping in the Channel.

Got your e mails Chris. Been bit pre-occupied but will sort out what you want within the week. Nag me! It always works.....although my wife might not agree. And before you join the bandwagon, Mr Cornwell, your long outstanding Flugbuch request is also in hand.....! Promise. Scouts honour.

[Taff at Dark History]

[quote=Andy Saunders;99348]Chris and Taff

Thank you for your helpful input, although, Taff I suspect your grandfathers recall about the SS Barn Hill might be slightly incorrect. quote]

Well the stories always came out after he had had a dram. Used to tell me the reason he was bald was the Germans tried machine gun him. He ducked just in time and the bullets just shot his hair off :-)

Regards,

Taff

[Doug Stankey]

According to the Miramar Ship Index:

http://www.miramarshipindex.org.nz/


The vessel in question was built by Davie SB and launched on 7 July 1921 at Levis as the "Canadian Challenger", and completed in November 1921 with a capacity of 5439 tons. Originally owned by the Canadian government until 1939 when it was subsequently owned by Rethymnis Kulukundis under the name of "Barn Hill". Sunk 20 March 1940 by aircraft bombs 3 nautical miles SSW of Beachy Head.

I hope that this sheds some light on the issue.

DGS

[Andy Saunders]

Thank you Doug!

I also have her as first belonging to the Montreal, Australia & New Zealand Line before re-naming as Barn Hill and transfer to Ernel's Shipping Co. Ltd. I did not have the owners name you have offered, either.

Many thanks.