Hospital Ship

[matchless]

I found this on Ancestry whilst looking for family history, not military history but thought the navy enthusiasts would like to see it.

It is a letter giving details of the sinking of the Aragon and Attack.

Dear Sir,

Your letter to hand, and I very much regret to learn of the non-arrival of your daughter’s letter. On my arrival at Liverpool on Feby. 4th, I was compelled to submit all correspondence to the alien officer before being allowed to land. All letters had to be censored, and I was forced to put my signature to each one in my possession, before handing them to the authorities. Your daughter was very anxious that the letter she gave me should reach you intact, as she had written a full account of her experience in the terrible disaster, which befell the ship and her escort, and I am exceedingly sorry that circumstances necessitated my yielding the letter to censorship. As the letter has not yet arrived, and knowing the severity of present censorship in matters relating to the sinking of ships, I doubt if it will ever reach you now. However, I sincerely hope it will eventually come to hand; for I can fully realise how anxious you all will be to ascertain a correct idea of the whole catastrophe and Miss Hannay’s escape.

Undoubtedly you have received some word from Miss Hannay since the incident occurred, but I do not expect she has been able to send any details of what actually happened, therefore I will endeavour to convey it to you. In doing so I may be exceeding my official duty, but since the loss of the ship has been declared to the public generally and the affair no longer remains hidden from view (although reports given and impression thereby conveyed have been so meagre and confused): I will give my own experience.

For two weeks we laid at anchor in shelter of the harbour at Marseilles, awaiting sailing orders each day, until at last they came and the ship sailed, in company with another Transport, the “Nile”, and an escort of destroyers. On board were some 160 Nursing Sisters, 150 Military Officers, 2200 troops and the Ships own officers and crew, numbering in all a total of 2700 souls. Besides this, the ship was laiden with the whole of the Egyptian Xmas mail, comprising some 2500 bags. From Marseilles we proceeded to Malta, in safety, and with but little excitement. For a part of the voyage the sea was heavy and many were sick, Miss Hannay being sick for one day. Her friend, Miss Parkes, was not sick at all. We arrived at “Windy Bay” Malta, on the 23rd December, where we remained for four days, thus spending the Xmas in safety. On the fourth day we again put out to sea, in company with the “Nile” and a fresh escort of destroyers, three in number, two of which were Japanese, the other British. Everything went well until the moment of actual torpedoing. This was on Sunday morning, the 30th inst., and our port of destination was just becoming distinctly visible to the naked eye on the horizon. Everybody was eagerly gazing at the sight from every place of vantage, and looking forward to be soon landed safely. Indeed, many had packed all luggage and were already attired for disembarkation. One heard many congratulating themselves on the safe passage.

The ship, with the British destroyer “Attack” was just entering the Channel, which leads into the Port, and had actually passed inside of the first “buoy” which indicates the entrance to the Channel, when a wireless message was intercepted from Trawlers in the Channel, stating the presence of mines therein. The “Attack” immediately signalled to us to follow it, at the same time turning seawards. One of the Trawlers was also observed to be Flying the same signal, indicating that by an order of earlier period, it had been sent to direct the ship through the Channel. The destroyers signal was at once obeyed, that being the senior ship, and the “A” manoeuvred to follow it. In doing so she had to keep well away from the “buoy”. The submarine was lurking at the “buoy” and was unable to Fire its torpedo as the ship entered the Channel, because of the close range, but immediately she turned to follow the “Attack” she presented a perfect target for the enemy, who took full advantage of the situation. The officers on duty on the bridge saw the periscope of the submarine, and at the next instant the wake of the torpedo, which was coming straight for the ship. An endeavour was made to turn the ship, and avoid the torpedo, but it was of no avail, as the ship was going very slowly. The explosion was a dull crashing blast, and the ship shuddered like a reed. I was on duty at the moment, and all the glass in the office came crashing on my head. Next instant the ship was alive to the awful fact that what we had been dreading, had actually happened, and everybody was at “stations” in record time: orders being obeyed with wonderful precision. The first great duty to every man was the rescue of every sister, and they were all mustered in their respective boats and lowered to the water before any other order was given. This operation took but a few minutes and was carried out without a hitch, the boats being the best in the ship, and in a position to afford greatest possible facility for getting off. I happened to be the officer in charge of the boat to which Miss Hannay was allotted, but being on duty, was unable to reach the boat, it being my great duty to stand by my instruments, and here I might mention, the Wireless call for assistance had been transmitted and replies received within a few seconds. By the time the sisters’ boats had got clear, the ship had taken a heavy list to starboard and had sunk deep astern. For a few minutes she seemed to remain thus and during this time the destroyer had run up alongside. The troops were ordered to get “off” and they managed to do so by attaching ropes from the ship to the destroyer. On other parts of the ship troops were ordered to “take the water” and rafts were let loose. In a few minutes the sea was full of struggling men. On the boat deck where I was performing duty, the ship’s boat crews were working in vain to get off the remainder of the boats, which had become jammed by the list. One could feel her going fast, and the list was rendering it impossible to stand upon the deck. About fifteen minutes had elapsed from the time of the explosion, when the Commander gave the order – “Every man for himself”. Then there was a rush to get over the side, but nowhere was there any sign of panic. The discipline throughout was astounding, and troops clung on to each other, singing and cheering until they reached the water level, and then broke up into struggling masses. Just at this moment a groan and a cry of – “She’s going” went up from everybody, and she began to sink rapidly astern. I found it time to move, and managed to scramble on hands and knees to the side, where the destroyer was still at rescue work. One rope still remained attached to the destroyer, and to this I climbed and was sliding down – when alas! - it was cut, thus throwing me into the sea between the two ships, where I sank like a stone with all my uniform, boots and all on. When I got back to the surface I found myself in the midst of a mass of struggling humanity. It was a grim moment! Somehow I succeeded in getting to the destroyer, and got aboard, but some few seconds elapsed before I recovered my senses. Then I looked around – the destroyer was crammed with men: some wounded and bleeding, others stripped of clothing; many were laid out unconscious and dying. The “A” was disappearing rapidly amid a roar of rushing water, and the smashing of internal fittings. Scores of poor fellows still clung to the decks, and now at the last moment were attempting to throw themselves into the sea, rather than be “sucked under”, but from the great height to which the bow had raised, they were being killed outright as they touched the water. It was an awful moment! With one great surge, a roar of inrushing water, and the explosion of the ship’s boilers, she went beneath the surface. Once out of sight, a grim silence seemed to settle on all, and I shall never forget the expression written upon mens’ faces, as I saw it then. The spot over which she sank seemed enormous, and all around were struggling men and wreckage, upturned boats and rafts, to which they were clinging. One lot of Scotch lads I saw near by were standing shoulder to shoulder on a raft, knee deep in water, and singing “Loch Lomond”. It was pathetic! On the destroyer all hands were busy helping unfortunate ones, and preparing to clear a way for her to move ahead, when a shout rang out and next instant there was a terrific explosion. The middle of the destroyer had been smashed and men blown into the air. Oil, fumes, splinters of wood and steel flew in every direction, and she broke in halves and commenced to sink at once: the two ends, bow and stern – rising into the air and the middle sinking rapidly, where the torpedo had hit. There was no chance to do anything but “jump for it” which I did, as did also everybody else who could do so. It is impossible to describe the “mess” there was around those severed remains of that fine destroyer as they sank, and there was little hope to be entertained for those who could not swim, as the only means of rescue remaining were the two Trawlers, who were near at hand, and upon which the Sisters were: besides these, only the “A’s” boats were available for rescue work; everything else, excepting rafts and wreckage, had disappeared.

However, these boats did wonderful work, and took hundreds of rescued fellows back to the Trawlers, where the Sisters worked unceasingly and with great heroism. Other Trawlers soon became visible on the horizon, and were rushing at top speed to the scene, but as the port was at least eight miles from the ship, they took quite a while to arrive, and many went down in the interval.

For more than an hour my senior officer and I were struggling for existence, before a Trawler picked us up, and it was a long time before either of us could “stand up”, as the temperature of the water was very low indeed. On board the trawler we had an exciting time, as we feared both submarine and mines. The Trawlers did fine work indeed, and but for their presence, few would have survived. As they became filled, they went back to port. Those with the Sisters were the first to reach land, and it was about 2.30 p.m. when they landed, everyone being safe. The Trawler upon which I was, arrived alongside the wharf at 4.30 p.m. Every possible provision had been made for our reception, and all were treated to the best that it was possible to acquire. The Sisters were taken in motors to the Sisters Quarters, a fine Hotel, and given every comfort. The Wounded (a large number indeed) were taken to hospitals, and all other survivors were looked after in a manner which drew forth the appreciation of one and all.

To sum up the affair – The “A” was torpedoed approximately eight miles from Alexandria, at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 30th, 1917, and sank in twenty minutes. Her escort, the British destroyer “Attack” was torpedoed about 5 mins. later, in the act of rescuing survivors, and sank in from 5 to 7 mins. At the commencement I omitted to say that the other Transport – the “Nile” with the two Jap. destroyers, left us at daybreak, the same morning, and continued their course to Port Said. I understand that they also were subjected to Submarine attack, but reached their destination safely.

Up to the time of the calamity, the voyage had been one of the happiest in my experience, and I had thoroughly enjoyed the Xmas season. Indeed, I think everyone had! and as the company assembled were such a splendid lot, and had been on board so long, many lasting acquaintances were formed. For many days after the ships were sunk, friends were meeting friends, and a mutual rejoicing extended. Experiences were related and fortunes and misfortunes shared. I saw Miss Hannay on several occasions, and had the pleasure of dining with her and her friend Miss Parkes and others. She related her experience to me, and I gathered that she had rather an exciting adventure before leaving the ship, as at the moment of the explosion she was in her cabin, together with Miss Parkes, and they were packing luggage in preparation for disembarkation. In the excitement of the moment they rushed into the corridor, where they discovered that they were not prepared to rush on deck, being minus some portion of apparel, which Miss Hannay had left behind, so she returned to seek it. These few seconds seemed “Ages” as she put it, and upset both young ladies for the moment. They lost everything in their possession, except that in which they were attired. Miss H. was greatly troubled about the loss of her gold wristlet watch, which she explained had been a valued present from you. It had been removed to prevent its being broken in packing of luggage. She saved all her official papers and documents, including money, and was granted a compensation of £50 for losses, by the Military authorities. As far as her health was concerned, she was none the worse for the experience, and when I left Alexandria for England some eight days after the landing, she was on duty at one of the chief Hospitals in Alexandria, and was delighted at the prospect of a permanent duty there. Miss Parkes was also attached to the same Hospital. Beyond the loss of valued treasures, and personal equipment, and the inconveniences caused thereby, I think they are none the worse for their experience, which, sooner or later, will be given to you by their own lips, I trust sincerely. In the meantime, I have every reason to believe that they are sure to be well cared for, and have things conducive to their happiness, and well being, which fact should remove any anxiety from your mind. I am personally well acquainted with Egypt, and can say conditions are far better there than in the homeland just now. I trust that this plain note of what actually occurred will be sufficient to convey some little idea of the very sad and deplorable loss. Much more comment might be given, but from which I must refrain, for obvious reasons.

I hope Miss Hannay is in good health at present, and should you be communicating with her, please convey my kind regards, both to her and her friend.

Personally I am at this moment on leave on account of ill health through the experience, but hope to return to duty on the high seas soon. Should you wish to gather more detail of the disaster, I shall be pleased to help with what information I can offer.”

[Jimmy@62]

Late in to this thread, but am looking for further information on this incident.  37021 Pte Sid Catt on 3rd Bn Norfolk Regiment was on this ship.  He was 18 years old and left behind a childhood sweetheart, Annie Minnie Plummer, my wife's aunt, who never really got over the loss.  Were the Norfolks deployed to Egypt and these men were reinforcments, or were they being deployed in support of the 4th Bedfords or some other unit?

[Jimmy@62]

......and as another late entry, CWGC describes Aragon as HT Aragon.

[sotonmate]

Jimmy

 

37021 Sidney C CATT of the Norfolks would have been with 3 Battalion in the UK as it was a training unit. He was en route to Egypt/Palestine in a draft to serve with 1/5 Battalion of the Norfolks which was a part of 163 Infantry Brigade of 54 Division. His Medal Index Card shows only a British War Medal and if that is correct we have to assume that as he hadn't landed in a war zone he was not awarded a Victory Medal.

Edit: Original Medal Roll shows only the British War Medal issued.

Edited 25 October , 2017 by sotonmate
re-check of Medal Roll

[JCCambridge]

I have now in my possession a digital copy of the National Archives official report on the loss of Aragon and Attack on that fateful day. My interest stems from a later similar loss of HMT Leasowe Castle in which my Grandfather fortunately survived. So I am here to follow it through. The official Admiralty Inquiry at the time in January 1918 is detailed but of course cannot be the whole story. Anyone with an interest in this can continue this thread to compile additional information for which I will be really grateful. John

 

[JCCambridge]

On 28/05/2009 at 11:00, matchless said:

I found this on Ancestry whilst looking for family history, not military history but thought the navy enthusiasts would like to see it.

It is a letter giving details of the sinking of the Aragon and Attack.

Dear Sir,

Your letter to hand, and I very much regret to learn of the non-arrival of your daughter’s letter. On my arrival at Liverpool on Feby. 4th, I was compelled to submit all correspondence to the alien officer before being allowed to land. All letters had to be censored, and I was forced to put my signature to each one in my possession, before handing them to the authorities. Your daughter was very anxious that the letter she gave me should reach you intact, as she had written a full account of her experience in the terrible disaster, which befell the ship and her escort, and I am exceedingly sorry that circumstances necessitated my yielding the letter to censorship. As the letter has not yet arrived, and knowing the severity of present censorship in matters relating to the sinking of ships, I doubt if it will ever reach you now. However, I sincerely hope it will eventually come to hand; for I can fully realise how anxious you all will be to ascertain a correct idea of the whole catastrophe and Miss Hannay’s escape.

Undoubtedly you have received some word from Miss Hannay since the incident occurred, but I do not expect she has been able to send any details of what actually happened, therefore I will endeavour to convey it to you. In doing so I may be exceeding my official duty, but since the loss of the ship has been declared to the public generally and the affair no longer remains hidden from view (although reports given and impression thereby conveyed have been so meagre and confused): I will give my own experience.

For two weeks we laid at anchor in shelter of the harbour at Marseilles, awaiting sailing orders each day, until at last they came and the ship sailed, in company with another Transport, the “Nile”, and an escort of destroyers. On board were some 160 Nursing Sisters, 150 Military Officers, 2200 troops and the Ships own officers and crew, numbering in all a total of 2700 souls. Besides this, the ship was laiden with the whole of the Egyptian Xmas mail, comprising some 2500 bags. From Marseilles we proceeded to Malta, in safety, and with but little excitement. For a part of the voyage the sea was heavy and many were sick, Miss Hannay being sick for one day. Her friend, Miss Parkes, was not sick at all. We arrived at “Windy Bay” Malta, on the 23rd December, where we remained for four days, thus spending the Xmas in safety. On the fourth day we again put out to sea, in company with the “Nile” and a fresh escort of destroyers, three in number, two of which were Japanese, the other British. Everything went well until the moment of actual torpedoing. This was on Sunday morning, the 30th inst., and our port of destination was just becoming distinctly visible to the naked eye on the horizon. Everybody was eagerly gazing at the sight from every place of vantage, and looking forward to be soon landed safely. Indeed, many had packed all luggage and were already attired for disembarkation. One heard many congratulating themselves on the safe passage.

The ship, with the British destroyer “Attack” was just entering the Channel, which leads into the Port, and had actually passed inside of the first “buoy” which indicates the entrance to the Channel, when a wireless message was intercepted from Trawlers in the Channel, stating the presence of mines therein. The “Attack” immediately signalled to us to follow it, at the same time turning seawards. One of the Trawlers was also observed to be Flying the same signal, indicating that by an order of earlier period, it had been sent to direct the ship through the Channel. The destroyers signal was at once obeyed, that being the senior ship, and the “A” manoeuvred to follow it. In doing so she had to keep well away from the “buoy”. The submarine was lurking at the “buoy” and was unable to Fire its torpedo as the ship entered the Channel, because of the close range, but immediately she turned to follow the “Attack” she presented a perfect target for the enemy, who took full advantage of the situation. The officers on duty on the bridge saw the periscope of the submarine, and at the next instant the wake of the torpedo, which was coming straight for the ship. An endeavour was made to turn the ship, and avoid the torpedo, but it was of no avail, as the ship was going very slowly. The explosion was a dull crashing blast, and the ship shuddered like a reed. I was on duty at the moment, and all the glass in the office came crashing on my head. Next instant the ship was alive to the awful fact that what we had been dreading, had actually happened, and everybody was at “stations” in record time: orders being obeyed with wonderful precision. The first great duty to every man was the rescue of every sister, and they were all mustered in their respective boats and lowered to the water before any other order was given. This operation took but a few minutes and was carried out without a hitch, the boats being the best in the ship, and in a position to afford greatest possible facility for getting off. I happened to be the officer in charge of the boat to which Miss Hannay was allotted, but being on duty, was unable to reach the boat, it being my great duty to stand by my instruments, and here I might mention, the Wireless call for assistance had been transmitted and replies received within a few seconds. By the time the sisters’ boats had got clear, the ship had taken a heavy list to starboard and had sunk deep astern. For a few minutes she seemed to remain thus and during this time the destroyer had run up alongside. The troops were ordered to get “off” and they managed to do so by attaching ropes from the ship to the destroyer. On other parts of the ship troops were ordered to “take the water” and rafts were let loose. In a few minutes the sea was full of struggling men. On the boat deck where I was performing duty, the ship’s boat crews were working in vain to get off the remainder of the boats, which had become jammed by the list. One could feel her going fast, and the list was rendering it impossible to stand upon the deck. About fifteen minutes had elapsed from the time of the explosion, when the Commander gave the order – “Every man for himself”. Then there was a rush to get over the side, but nowhere was there any sign of panic. The discipline throughout was astounding, and troops clung on to each other, singing and cheering until they reached the water level, and then broke up into struggling masses. Just at this moment a groan and a cry of – “She’s going” went up from everybody, and she began to sink rapidly astern. I found it time to move, and managed to scramble on hands and knees to the side, where the destroyer was still at rescue work. One rope still remained attached to the destroyer, and to this I climbed and was sliding down – when alas! - it was cut, thus throwing me into the sea between the two ships, where I sank like a stone with all my uniform, boots and all on. When I got back to the surface I found myself in the midst of a mass of struggling humanity. It was a grim moment! Somehow I succeeded in getting to the destroyer, and got aboard, but some few seconds elapsed before I recovered my senses. Then I looked around – the destroyer was crammed with men: some wounded and bleeding, others stripped of clothing; many were laid out unconscious and dying. The “A” was disappearing rapidly amid a roar of rushing water, and the smashing of internal fittings. Scores of poor fellows still clung to the decks, and now at the last moment were attempting to throw themselves into the sea, rather than be “sucked under”, but from the great height to which the bow had raised, they were being killed outright as they touched the water. It was an awful moment! With one great surge, a roar of inrushing water, and the explosion of the ship’s boilers, she went beneath the surface. Once out of sight, a grim silence seemed to settle on all, and I shall never forget the expression written upon mens’ faces, as I saw it then. The spot over which she sank seemed enormous, and all around were struggling men and wreckage, upturned boats and rafts, to which they were clinging. One lot of Scotch lads I saw near by were standing shoulder to shoulder on a raft, knee deep in water, and singing “Loch Lomond”. It was pathetic! On the destroyer all hands were busy helping unfortunate ones, and preparing to clear a way for her to move ahead, when a shout rang out and next instant there was a terrific explosion. The middle of the destroyer had been smashed and men blown into the air. Oil, fumes, splinters of wood and steel flew in every direction, and she broke in halves and commenced to sink at once: the two ends, bow and stern – rising into the air and the middle sinking rapidly, where the torpedo had hit. There was no chance to do anything but “jump for it” which I did, as did also everybody else who could do so. It is impossible to describe the “mess” there was around those severed remains of that fine destroyer as they sank, and there was little hope to be entertained for those who could not swim, as the only means of rescue remaining were the two Trawlers, who were near at hand, and upon which the Sisters were: besides these, only the “A’s” boats were available for rescue work; everything else, excepting rafts and wreckage, had disappeared.

However, these boats did wonderful work, and took hundreds of rescued fellows back to the Trawlers, where the Sisters worked unceasingly and with great heroism. Other Trawlers soon became visible on the horizon, and were rushing at top speed to the scene, but as the port was at least eight miles from the ship, they took quite a while to arrive, and many went down in the interval.

For more than an hour my senior officer and I were struggling for existence, before a Trawler picked us up, and it was a long time before either of us could “stand up”, as the temperature of the water was very low indeed. On board the trawler we had an exciting time, as we feared both submarine and mines. The Trawlers did fine work indeed, and but for their presence, few would have survived. As they became filled, they went back to port. Those with the Sisters were the first to reach land, and it was about 2.30 p.m. when they landed, everyone being safe. The Trawler upon which I was, arrived alongside the wharf at 4.30 p.m. Every possible provision had been made for our reception, and all were treated to the best that it was possible to acquire. The Sisters were taken in motors to the Sisters Quarters, a fine Hotel, and given every comfort. The Wounded (a large number indeed) were taken to hospitals, and all other survivors were looked after in a manner which drew forth the appreciation of one and all.

To sum up the affair – The “A” was torpedoed approximately eight miles from Alexandria, at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 30th, 1917, and sank in twenty minutes. Her escort, the British destroyer “Attack” was torpedoed about 5 mins. later, in the act of rescuing survivors, and sank in from 5 to 7 mins. At the commencement I omitted to say that the other Transport – the “Nile” with the two Jap. destroyers, left us at daybreak, the same morning, and continued their course to Port Said. I understand that they also were subjected to Submarine attack, but reached their destination safely.

Up to the time of the calamity, the voyage had been one of the happiest in my experience, and I had thoroughly enjoyed the Xmas season. Indeed, I think everyone had! and as the company assembled were such a splendid lot, and had been on board so long, many lasting acquaintances were formed. For many days after the ships were sunk, friends were meeting friends, and a mutual rejoicing extended. Experiences were related and fortunes and misfortunes shared. I saw Miss Hannay on several occasions, and had the pleasure of dining with her and her friend Miss Parkes and others. She related her experience to me, and I gathered that she had rather an exciting adventure before leaving the ship, as at the moment of the explosion she was in her cabin, together with Miss Parkes, and they were packing luggage in preparation for disembarkation. In the excitement of the moment they rushed into the corridor, where they discovered that they were not prepared to rush on deck, being minus some portion of apparel, which Miss Hannay had left behind, so she returned to seek it. These few seconds seemed “Ages” as she put it, and upset both young ladies for the moment. They lost everything in their possession, except that in which they were attired. Miss H. was greatly troubled about the loss of her gold wristlet watch, which she explained had been a valued present from you. It had been removed to prevent its being broken in packing of luggage. She saved all her official papers and documents, including money, and was granted a compensation of £50 for losses, by the Military authorities. As far as her health was concerned, she was none the worse for the experience, and when I left Alexandria for England some eight days after the landing, she was on duty at one of the chief Hospitals in Alexandria, and was delighted at the prospect of a permanent duty there. Miss Parkes was also attached to the same Hospital. Beyond the loss of valued treasures, and personal equipment, and the inconveniences caused thereby, I think they are none the worse for their experience, which, sooner or later, will be given to you by their own lips, I trust sincerely. In the meantime, I have every reason to believe that they are sure to be well cared for, and have things conducive to their happiness, and well being, which fact should remove any anxiety from your mind. I am personally well acquainted with Egypt, and can say conditions are far better there than in the homeland just now. I trust that this plain note of what actually occurred will be sufficient to convey some little idea of the very sad and deplorable loss. Much more comment might be given, but from which I must refrain, for obvious reasons.

I hope Miss Hannay is in good health at present, and should you be communicating with her, please convey my kind regards, both to her and her friend.

Personally I am at this moment on leave on account of ill health through the experience, but hope to return to duty on the high seas soon. Should you wish to gather more detail of the disaster, I shall be pleased to help with what information I can offer.”

Please can you clarify the name and status of the creator of this remarkable letter. Maybe also how you managed to find it. Thanks to Matchless. I hope you respond. It could help me greatly. Thanks. John

[seaJane]

Just tagging @matchless again in the hope of sending an alert after these many years.

 

 

[matchless]

Hello hello,

I'm still about, Unfortunately all my research material  is in the Algarve where i shall be retiring to in Sept.  ì cannot remember where I found this info Originally but am actively searching to see if I can find it again I can only think I was looking for info on V.A.D's as no Navy interest in WW1

Andrew

[matchless]

Just had a thought I did look into a chap from Norfolk at about that time 

[charlie962]

What a fascinating account. There is a copy available if you Google 'sinking Aragon hannay' but its a PDF so I cannot link. Posted by a descendant of Hannay in 2002 but states sender is unknown! 

Site is bugbrookelink.co.uk...

[MaureenE]

The link mentioned by charlie962 is http://www.bugbrookelink.co.uk/ww1/index.htm and click on "Read the Spin Off Articles below"/Sinking of the MS Aragon with Fred Joyce or

http://www.bugbrookelink.co.uk/ww1/Articles/Account of Aragon Sinking.pdf

Maureen

[JCCambridge]

Quite right. All such personal contemporary accounts are extremely valuable and relevant. Having shelled out the NA copying fees I am now examining their 150 or so pages of the Enquiry held on Depot Ship HMS Hannibal early in January 1918 and the Court Martial held on 27th January 1918 also on Hannibal wherein official accounts reside. Fascinating reading which displays high regard for loss of HMS Attack as naval escort ship but less emphasis on lives lost on HMT Aragon. The Officer commander of HMS Attack was exonerated of blame but circumstances involved errors of judgement apparently considered as understandable. The outcome certainly contains dissatisfaction by Cdr Philip Stratfield on Depot Ship Hannibal of his trawler mine sweeping resources and ultimately arguably resulted in his personal decision to later add extra naval escort to at least the subsequent convoy on 26th May in which his decision resulted in saving of over 2500 lives from torpedoed HMT Leasowe Castle. Mines were considered the main threat up to end of 1917 but increasingly submarine activity overtook that from 1918 which he and others recognised. There is a huge amount to trawl through. It could be very valuable especially if others can provide personal accounts and other relevant details about that tragedy. 
Thanks to anyone who can help. John

[JCCambridge]

Here is a tremendous account of life in the convoys around the time as a diary of an officer on HMT Indarra on regular convoys between Alexandria and Marseilles in 1918. Daily records of submarine attacks and ship casualties over an extended period. It includes the sad but understandable suicide of the Captain of HMT Canberra later in October. By all accounts a remarkable and courageous man loved by colleagues and a huge loss at that time. One of many many heroic merchant mariners. The stress of continued threat of attack became intolerable for some and the reading of this lengthy diary from early 1918 from page 20 onwards includes comment on loss of Aragon. Apparently an officer from HMS Attack reports Captain Bateman from HMT Aragon shouting that he demanded a full enquiry as to why they were sent back out to sea to await red tape authorisation to reenter by the “correct” channel after having entered safe waters. But he jumped overboard to his death and was unable to attend either the Enquiry or the Court Martial events in January. Somewhere he deserves some fuller examination of this event as there seems to be much conflicting evidence. His actions appear to be somewhat criticised but maybe he has a good point made as his final utterance. Hmm…

Here is a link to the Morrison diary…very much worth a read if you have time  

https://acms.sl.nsw.gov.au/_transcript/2012/D15068/a3671.htm

John

 

[charlie962]

1 minute ago, JCCambridge said:

he demanded a full enquiry as to why they were sent back out to sea to await red tape authorisation to reenter by the “correct” channel after having entered safe waters.

That rather matches with the comments by the anonymous letter writer, also an officer on Aragon. 

 

"Much more comment might be given, but from which I must refrain, for obvious reasons."

[JCCambridge]

I totally agree but I am keen to hear any comments you may have especially if there are obvious reasons you refrain. I am not aware of any such as far as I can see. Thanks anyway. 

[charlie962]

5 minutes ago, JCCambridge said:

obvious reasons you refrain.

Sorry, it wasn't me but the original letter writer who said that!

[JCCambridge]

Aha. I see…of course. To follow these various accounts it is important to confirm the provenance as recollections of such events are by definition very limited to personal experiences at the time and as such just one aspect. It is helpful when separate accounts confirm each other but even then the cause may not become clear. The JEMorrison diary is the reason I have taken a particular interest in this tragedy. The archive suggests there is more behind this than meets the eye. Maybe I’m just suspicious but the outcome was disastrous for many lost souls that day. Thanks. John 

[KizmeRD]

Is J.E. Morrison’s diary a true diary (i.e. a contemporary account of events written down in chronological order, or is it perhaps the draft of a personal memoir transcribed from rough notes (supplemented from memory) sometime after the war? The only reason I ask is that some of the timelines for things that are vividly described don’t appear to me to necessarily fit all that comfortably together. For example on page 21 there’s reference to s.s Minnetonka sinking (30 January 1918) however I can’t see why he would have written about this under a diary entry for 27th January. Similarly what the Aragon’s Second Officer is reported to have said to Indarra’s Captain could only have happened after Indarra arrived in Alexandria (over a week later). And there’s also the mention (on page 22) of what the ‘Chief Engineer’ of the destroyer ATTACK had to say about the sinking - which again ought only to have appeared in the diary after the ship left Alex for Taranto (not before 24th February). 

Am I being unfair?

MB

[JCCambridge]

30 minutes ago, KizmeRD said:

Is J.E. Morrison’s diary a true diary (i.e. a contemporary account of events written down in chronological order, or is it perhaps the draft of a personal memoir transcribed from rough notes (supplemented from memory) sometime after the war? The only reason I ask is that some of the timelines for things that are vividly described don’t appear to me to necessarily fit all that comfortably together. For example on page 21 there’s reference to s.s Minnetonka sinking (30 January 1918) however I can’t see why he would have written about this under a diary entry for 27th January. Similarly what the Aragon’s Second Officer is reported to have said to Indarra’s Captain could only have happened after Indarra arrived in Alexandria (over a week later). And there’s also the mention (on page 22) of what the ‘Chief Engineer’ of the destroyer ATTACK had to say about the sinking - which again ought only to have appeared in the diary after the ship left Alex for Taranto (not before 24th February). 

Am I being unfair?

MB

Good question. I have no idea but it is a transcript from pages of script which are apparently in chronological order with certain days omitted. When read through it n it’s entirety it rings true and perhaps there are reasonable explanations for your very reasonable questions. I am not going inclined to doubt its veracity or provenance quite yet. This is certainly worth checking out but maybe I do not have the experience to handle this. The dates of events ring true and the description of my grandfather’s sinking of HMT Leasowe Castle certainly corresponds to my grandfather’s written account which I have as letter home immediately following the event. I am inclined to treat it as it appears as there is no attempt to create a daily report. This is typical of a real diary. Have you trad the introduction pages?  I value your opinion and indeed any comments on sny of my references. Thanks immensely. John 

[JCCambridge]

43 minutes ago, KizmeRD said:

Is J.E. Morrison’s diary a true diary (i.e. a contemporary account of events written down in chronological order, or is it perhaps the draft of a personal memoir transcribed from rough notes (supplemented from memory) sometime after the war? The only reason I ask is that some of the timelines for things that are vividly described don’t appear to me to necessarily fit all that comfortably together. For example on page 21 there’s reference to s.s Minnetonka sinking (30 January 1918) however I can’t see why he would have written about this under a diary entry for 27th January. Similarly what the Aragon’s Second Officer is reported to have said to Indarra’s Captain could only have happened after Indarra arrived in Alexandria (over a week later). And there’s also the mention (on page 22) of what the ‘Chief Engineer’ of the destroyer ATTACK had to say about the sinking - which again ought only to have appeared in the diary after the ship left Alex for Taranto (not before 24th February). 

Am I being unfair?

MB

Good question. I have no idea but it is a transcript from pages of script which are apparently in chronological order with certain days omitted. When read through it n it’s entirety it rings true and perhaps there are reasonable explanations for your very reasonable questions. I am not going inclined to doubt its veracity or provenance quite yet. This is certainly worth checking out but maybe I do not have the experience to handle this. The dates of events ring true and the description of my grandfather’s sinking of HMT Leasowe Castle certainly corresponds to my grandfather’s written account which I have as letter home immediately following the event. I am inclined to treat it as it appears as there is no attempt to create a daily report. This is typical of a real diary. Have you trad the introduction pages?  I value your opinion and indeed any comments on sny of my references. Thanks immensely. John 

https://transcripts.sl.nsw.gov.au/page/item-01-j-e-morrison-diary-13-october-1917-29-october-1918-page-92

here is link to original pages in written manuscript. 
cheers. John 

[KizmeRD]

To be fair, I don’t dismiss the veracity of the diary, however I do have to ask a couple of highly relevant questions in order to put what’s being written about here into proper context (1) was Morrison an actual witness to the events being written about? - the answer to that question is no (not at least with regard to the sinking of HMT Aragon) and (2) does he exhibit any strong opinions or prejudices that might cloud his account of events? This time we have to answer yes. Therefore I’m happy to regard the Morrison diary as helpful in furthering our understanding, but I’m reticent to consider it utterly reliable primary source material, and it might still be wise to seek out other (stronger) accounts.  
MB

[JCCambridge]

1 hour ago, KizmeRD said:

Is J.E. Morrison’s diary a true diary (i.e. a contemporary account of events written down in chronological order, or is it perhaps the draft of a personal memoir transcribed from rough notes (supplemented from memory) sometime after the war? The only reason I ask is that some of the timelines for things that are vividly described don’t appear to me to necessarily fit all that comfortably together. For example on page 21 there’s reference to s.s Minnetonka sinking (30 January 1918) however I can’t see why he would have written about this under a diary entry for 27th January. Similarly what the Aragon’s Second Officer is reported to have said to Indarra’s Captain could only have happened after Indarra arrived in Alexandria (over a week later). And there’s also the mention (on page 22) of what the ‘Chief Engineer’ of the destroyer ATTACK had to say about the sinking - which again ought only to have appeared in the diary after the ship left Alex for Taranto (not before 24th February). 

Am I being unfair?

MB

Good question. I have no idea but it is a transcript from pages of script which are apparently in chronological order with certain days omitted. When read through it n it’s entirety it rings true and perhaps there are reasonable explanations for your very reasonable questions. I am not going inclined to doubt its veracity or provenance quite yet. This is certainly worth checking out but maybe I do not have the experience to handle this. The dates of events ring true and the description of my grandfather’s sinking of HMT Leasowe Castle certainly corresponds to my grandfather’s written account which I have as letter home immediately following the event. I am inclined to treat it as it appears as there is no attempt to create a daily report. This is typical of a real diary. Have you trad the introduction pages?  I value your opinion and indeed any comments on sny of my references. Thanks immensely. John 

https://transcripts.sl.nsw.gov.au/page/item-01-j-e-morrison-diary-13-october-1917-29-october-1918-page-92

here is link to original pages in written manuscript. 
cheers. John 

The JEMorrison diary appears to be a lengthy and highly credible detaied account of daily activity on board HMAT Indarra. Australian Troop Transport ship. Voyages outside Mediterranean and Convoys across the med are covered in manuscript with transcripts to clarify details. This is clearly the account of an officer on board and accounts of associated events are covered as a third party observer eith occasional personal direct involvement as would be reasonable and appropriate. I see no reason to question the integrity of this source at the moment. I question my own ability to review any such apparent evidence due to my own inexperience in such research but an confident of applying a critical approach and due regard and respect of others comments. Your own points are well made. It is really very helpful that you are prepared to engage on this. Thanks. I really mean this. It is hugely helpful to have such questions raised. Best regards. John

[KizmeRD]

My only real problem with the diary narrative is that Morrison describes matters and events he could have had no direct knowledge of with the same stong-mindedness that he uses for the things he truly knows about and has experienced first hand. One therefore has to differentiate between the two and double-check some of his more robust statements against the actual known facts. That said, it’s nevertheless a cracking read!

MB