3rd November 2015

3rd November 2015 - The Cruel Sea

Bob Jeffrey

There was a good turnout of members to hear president Nigel McKenzie introduce the speaker, Bob Jeffrey. Bob is the former managing editor of the Herald Group of newspapers and the author of more than 20 best selling books.

His talk was based on one of his latest book "Scotland's Cruel Seas". The Princess Victoria was the first purpose built roll-on/roll-off ferry to operate in British waters. On January 31st 1953 she left Stranraer at 7:45am to make the routine crossing to Larne. On board were 128 passengers, 51 crew and 44 tons of cargo. Gale warnings were in force and when she entered the North Channel her stern was exposed to huge waves, damaging the stern doors and water flooded the car deck. An SOS was sent at 10:32am. Her location could not be found by ships who were in the vicinity and she sank around 2:00pm with the loss of 133 lives. The 44 survivors were picked up be the Donaghadee lifeboat.

Another maritime disaster which Bob described in detail occurred in 1919 when the Iolair left Kyle of Lochalsh on New Year's Day with young lads who had survived the horrors of the trenches. As they were about to sail for Stornoway a troop train arrived and it's occupants went on board. Within sight of Stornoway she hit rocks and 300 men died.

Bob finished his talk, again in great detail, with the sinking of HMS Hampshire by a U-boat in 1916 on her way to Russia. Lord Kitchener, who was on board, was among those drowned.

The club then showed their appreciation for an excellent speaker. the next meeting will be held on November 17th when the talk is entitled "Locks and Keys".

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