The Sinking of the Lancastria
“Chief Officer Harry Grattidge described the pall as looking like rich black velvet. French troops formed two defensive lines outside the fortified city, but the burning of the fuel dumps showed how little confidence the defenders had in holding their positions.
Nine hundred tons of gold bullion from the Bank of France was being put on ships to be taken to safety in colonial possessions in Africa. The Strathaird, a former P&O liner converted into a troopship, was loading men; she would sail home... with 6500 the next day.
Luftwaffe dive bombers had just attacked a French cruiser, the Richelieu, moored in the harbour, without, however, scoring any hits. They also dropped magnetic mines in the roads leading to the harbour. Given the danger, Captain Sharp decided not to try to sail the Lancastria into Brest; instead, he set a southerly course down the coast towards the Bay of Quiberon. The Canadian helmsman, Michael Sheehan, heard him say they were heading for St-Nazaire.
The Franconia, the other big liner which had left Plymouth the previous day, accompanied the Lancastria.MoreLess
Nine hundred tons of gold bullion from the Bank of France was being put on ships to be taken to safety in colonial possessions in Africa. The Strathaird, a former P&O liner converted into a troopship, was loading men; she would sail home... with 6500 the next day.
Luftwaffe dive bombers had just attacked a French cruiser, the Richelieu, moored in the harbour, without, however, scoring any hits. They also dropped magnetic mines in the roads leading to the harbour. Given the danger, Captain Sharp decided not to try to sail the Lancastria into Brest; instead, he set a southerly course down the coast towards the Bay of Quiberon. The Canadian helmsman, Michael Sheehan, heard him say they were heading for St-Nazaire.
The Franconia, the other big liner which had left Plymouth the previous day, accompanied the Lancastria.MoreLess
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