Attack on British Vessel Off Norfolk Coast 1940

[Steve Smith]

A bit of a long shot here. A large grey cargo vessel was seen on fire on January 9th 1940 off Happisburg Light, having been bombed/attacked.

Any ideas by whom, and what was the vessel?

TIA

Steve

[Nick Beale]

It might be worth a look at the Western Front daily sitreps on the German Docs in Russia site, also Andrew Arthy’s list of Luftwaffe shipping claims (it’s been discussed here fairly recently).

[Andy Mitchell]

According to Anlage 3 zum Lagebericht Nr 240 vom 3.5.40 KG 26 claimed a number of vessels "off Great Yarmouth" on this date.

Oakgrove - www.wrecksite.eu states that the attack and sinking occurred 12 miles SE by E of Cromer Knoll light vessel. Ship was carrying 2,900 t of iron ore from Santander to Grangemouth

Upminster - Attacking aircraft came under AA fire. Naval History.net has “ Steamer UPMINSTER (1013grt) was badly damaged by German bombing nine miles east of Hammond Knoll Light Vessel in 53‑03N, 01‑29E, and sank on the 10th with the loss of three of her crew . “

Hope that this helps

[Chris Goss]

Likely to be second one then

[Nick Beale]

The Seekriegsleitung diary attributes the attacks to aircraft of Fliegerkorps X, but doesn’t specify the unit.

[robert]

Hi,

between 10.45 and 14.40 hrs 7 attacks were carried out by He 111s of I./KG26
At 17.20 hrs a convoy of 8 ships was attacked SE of Aberdeen by 2 He 111s of stabsstaffel/KG26.

Best regards

Robert

[richdlc]

this website might help? There is a mention of a ship on fire off Happisburgh, but on Jan 30th 1940

https://happisburgh.org.uk/history/sea/losses-at-sea/

[Steve Smith]

Thanks one and all.

Steve

[Nick Beale]

Bundesarchiv RL 2-II/200 (free to download) has details on pages 243 and 244. Twelve aircraft of KG 26 operating against East Coast shipping targets. Times, targets and bombs used are given for attacks “off Great Yarmouth” which probably included Happisburgh.

[Brian Bines]

According to an Admiralty booklet published in 1947 listing 'British Merchant Vessels Lost Or Damaged By Enemy Action During Second World War ' the following are shown for January 9th due to enemy aicraft -

Lost - Steamship Oakgrove 12 to 15 miles S/E of Cromer Knoll 1985 T
Steamship Gowrie 4 miles east of Stonehaven 689 T
Steamship Upminster attacked on the 9th sank the 10th 53 03N 01 29E

Damaged -Steam Trawler Chysolite 8 miles N/W Smiths Knoll 250 T
Motor Vessel Reculver Trinity House Vessel off Great Yarmouth 683 T
Steamship Northwood off Whitby 1146 T