Ships hit by U-boats


Cherry Valley

American Turbine tanker


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NameCherry Valley
Type:Turbine tanker (T-2)
Tonnage10,172 tons
Completed1942 - Sun Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co, Chester PA 
OwnerKeystone Shipping Co, Philadelphia PA 
HomeportPhiladelphia 
Date of attack22 Jul 1943Nationality:      American
 
FateDamaged by U-66 (Friedrich Markworth)
Position25° 10'N, 68° 35'W - Grid DN 36
Complement79 (0 dead and 79 survivors).
Convoy
RouteNew York - Aruba 
Cargo6000 tons of water ballast and 165 tons of Army cargo 
History Completed in November 1942 for US Maritime Commission

Post-war:
Broken up at Kaohsiung in November 1971.

 
Notes on event

At 09.21 hours on 22 July 1943 the unescorted Cherry Valley (Master John H. Rose) was hit by two torpedoes from U-66, while steering a zigzagging course at 15.5 knots. The torpedoes struck the starboard side between the #6 and #7 tanks. The explosions ripped open the #5, #6, #7 and #8 starboard and center tanks. The engines and steering gear were not damaged and the tanker tried to escape at a reduced speed of 13 knots. U-66 followed the tanker and fired a spread of three torpedoes at 11.30 hours, one was seen passing ahead and one other astern. The U-boat then surfaced to stop the vessel with gunfire. The tanker was armed with one 5in, one 3in and eight 20mm and fired back, forcing the U-boat to break off the attack. The list to port was adjusted by emptying the #1 starboard tank and the Cherry Valley successfully escaped.

She arrived at San Juan, Puerto Rico, under her own power, escorted into harbour by HNMS Jan van Brakel (M 80) on 24 July. There were no casualties among the eleven officers, 40 crew men and 28 armed guards. Eventually she was repaired and returned to service.

 
On boardWe have details of 1 people who were on board


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