as Mendip Palm
Official Number: 164286
Pennant No: B411
Laid down:
Builder: Deutsche Schiffbau-und-Maschinenbau Aktiegesellschaft Seebeck, Wesermunde (DESCHIMAG)
Launched: 1935
Into Service: WW2
Out of service: WW2
Fate: 7 July 1967 scrapped
Items of historic interest involving this ship: –
Background Data: One of an additional group of ships requisitioned by the Admiralty during WW2 to augment the ships of the RFA
Career Data:
1935 launched by Deutsche Schiffbau-und-Maschinenbau Aktiegesellschaft Seebeck, Wesermunde (DESCHIMAG) as Yard Nr: 898 named Leonian for United Africa Co. Ltd., Liverpool
April 1936 completed
WW2 requisitioned for Admiralty service as a Boom Carrier – name unchanged
4 September 1940 Lieutenant Arthur Seddon Tyrrer RNR discharged dead – he was creamated at Liverpool Crematorium
27 February 1941 ordered to attend HMS BARCLIFFE which was hove to in heavy seas 30 miles south of Portland and assist as necessary – Source: – Admiralty War Diary page 451 of this date
January 1942 at Hvalfjord. Acting Commander P Fletcher Royal Navy (retired) as Commanding Officer
7 February 1944 Blacksmith William H Freeman D/SMX268 discharged dead. He is buried in Prot. Sec. (Men’s) Plot F. Coll. grave 111 in Malta (Capuccini) Royal Naval Cemetery
23 October 1946 Ordinary Seaman John McStravick R/JX 533661 discharged dead
May 1949 transfered to the subsidiary company Palm Line Ltd and renamed Mendip Palm
1959 purchased by Financieri Mar. Rio Yape and renamed Rio Yape
1960 purchased by Dabinovic Eurafrica Mar, Panama and renamed Lobito
196? purchased by Oceanic International Steamship Co., Panama – name unchanged
7 July 1967 arrived Vado for demolition by Italian breakers
Notes:
- served with the British Pacific Fleet Train – hence the “B” pennant nr:
- one of eight merchant ships and one of two sister ships – the other one being named ETHIOPIAN – which were requisitioned for Admiralty Service as Boom Carriers during WW2. Royal Naval manned