Ships hit by U-boats


Cerion

British Motor tanker



Photo Courtesy of Library of Contemporary History, Stuttgart

NameCerion
Type:Motor tanker
Tonnage2,588 tons
Completed1938 - Smith´s Dock Co Ltd, South Bank, Middlesbrough 
OwnerAnglo-Saxon Petroleum Co Ltd, London 
HomeportLondon 
Date of attack9 Nov 1942Nationality:      British
 
FateDamaged by U-177 (Robert Gysae)
Position35° 58'S, 26° 37'E - Grid KZ 4742
Complement46 (2 dead and 44 survivors).
Convoy
RouteSuez - Galveston 
CargoBallast 
History  
Notes on event

At 21.13 hours on 9 Nov 1942 the unescorted Cerion was attacked by gunfire from U-177 south of Port Elizabeth. Due to a malfunction of the deck gun, the U-boat could only fire with the 37mm and 20mm AA guns and unsuccessfully tried to stop the ship until 23.52 hours. The ship had been missed with a spread of two torpedoes at 09.12 hours and three single torpedoes at 10.42, 20.04 and 21.00 hours, because the torpedo tracks were clearly visible and the tanker began zigzagging at full speed.

Two crewmen from Cerion were killed in the attack and the ship had to be repaired at Capetown. On 3 March, she had been bombed and damaged in the harbour of Tobruk (one crewman killed), received temporary repairs at Alexandria and was on her way to Galveston for permanent repairs when attacked by the U-boat.

 


If you can help us with any additional information on this vessel then please contact us.

Return to Allied Ships hit by U-boats