SS Beechwood - January 1941

[James Farrimond]

Sirs

Once again I am in need of your assistance:

SS Beechwood (4900grt) departed Southend on 21 January 1941 and was due to arrive Methil on 23 January 1941 as part of Convoy FN 389. During this voyage (possibly 24th Jan) it was attacked by an a/c and had to put in for repairs at Newcastle.

Can anyone provide any further details of this incident, a claim etc? I have already checked Naval History.net and the usual sources without success.

Regards

James

[Larry]

Were KGr 606 with Ju88A-5 aircraft operating over the North Sea at this time?

[Chris Goss]

No they were converting from the Do 17 but then returned to operate further west. They did not start operating over the North Sea until later in 1941

[Rainer]

Only slight damage was reported to BEECHWOOD (4897 grt) by a near miss and machine gun bullets in an air attack on or about 24 January 1941. The ship arrived at the Tyne on 24 January, was repaired and left again on 6 March 1941.

Unfortunately I was not able to find more details about this attack probably because no serious damage was caused and there were no casualties.

[James Farrimond]

Thanks guys. Helpful as always. Rainer what was the source of your info please?

James

[Rainer]

Hi James

The ship movement card for BEECHWOOD (Reference BT 389/4/26) held by the National Archives and the Shipping Casualties List of the Trade Division.

[James Farrimond]

Thanks Rainer