In the meeting reported the First Sea Lord (1) that the Laurentic(2) lost off Lough Swilly [Irish northern coast] probably strike a mine. Destined towards the USA sunk she in 20 fathoms of water. The gold which she carried with a value of 5 million pound sterling could probably be salvaged but not for some months. On board had been between 300-400 persons and around 90 were saved although the nine boats with the survivors were still not landed.
Notes
1. John Rushworth Jellicoe, 1st Earl Jellicoe (5 December Southampton, England 1859-Kensington London, England 20 November 1935), served in the Royal Navy between 1872-1919 ending his career in the rank of Admiral of the Fleet, First Sea Lord between 30 November 1916 and 10 January 1918 and commanded the Grand Fleet at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916. Governor-General of New Zealand 27 September 1920-12 December 1924.
2. Launched by Harland and Wollf, Belfast, Ireland with yard number 394for Ismay, Imne&Co. For the White Star Line on 10 September 1908, completed on 15 April 1909, commissioned in the British Royal Navy as an armed merchant cruiser on 25 November 1914 after first serving as a troop transport and sunk on 25 January by German mines. The main part of the 43 tons of gold was not earlier salvaged as in 1924. In naval service her crew numbered 470 men, all men abandoned safely the ship although 385 died of hypothermia on board of the lifeboats.
Source
The National Archives, Kew Gardens, England, CAB 23-1-46
No comments:
Post a Comment