Re: Kasongo & Diala
Posted by:
Bill Watt (IP Logged)
Date: December 13, 2001 02:22AM
Kasongo - Compagnie Maritime Belge(Belgium)ex Trevier 1926, ex War Hunter 1919, built 1918 by Stephen, Glasgow, 5112 grt. l 412'9", spd 11kts. 26/2/41 torpedoed (convoy OB290)by U-47 posn
55*40'N 14*20'W, 6 dead.
Diala - Anglo Saxon Petroleum Co.London. built 1938 in Vegasack,
Germany. 8106 grt, Lth 483'4", spd 12 kts. Torpedoed 16/1/42 bu U-553, posn 44*50'N 46*50'W.
Commanded by capt Peters, Diala was outward bound in ballast at her max. speed when she was struck. The bow of the vessel was completely blown off and there was a great deal of superstructure damage. 57 of her crew were killed; the remaining 8, led by Capt. Peters, abandoned ship though Diala continued to float and was seen two months later on 19th March. She apparently foundered soon afterwards.
Sources - The World's Merchant Fleets 1939, by R.W. Jordan.
The Red Duster At War, by John Slader
Bill