S.V.Florence Muspratt (Chester)

[Anceas]

On the 5 September 1917 the sailing vessel Florence Muspratt was captured by a submarine 10 miles North from Sept Iles, sunk by gunfire and one of her crew was killed. He was August Leonard Johansson, age 29, a Swedish sailor.

Does anyone know where I can find more information about this?

[Michael Lowrey]

Anceas,

The submarine was the Flanders-based UC 50. There should be a statement/report about the sinking in ADM 137/4000 Enemy submarines: particulars of attacks on merchant vessels in home waters 1917 Sept.1-Sept.15. UC 50's KTB also still exists, but the description of these sorts of actions is usually pretty terse.

Best wishes,

Michael

[Anceas]

ADM 137/4000 Enemy submarines: particulars of attacks on merchant vessels in home waters 1917 Sept.1-Sept.15.

Thanks for your answer Michael...but I´m afraid this is Greek to me...can you explain?

[Michael Lowrey]

The master or senior surviving officer of merchant ships and fishing vessels sunk, damaged or even jus attacked by war cause had to file a statement about the action. These are held at The National Archives. ADM 137/4000 is the reference to the file covering the date Florence Muspratt was lost.

Best wishes,

Michael

[historydavid]

Hello Anceas, from the THM:

JOHANSSON, A L, AUGUST LENNARD, Mate, Mercantile Marine, Florence Muspratt (Chester) S.V., 05-Sep-17, 29, Drowned, as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine. Son of Karl Johan Johansson and Kristina Johansson (nee Nilsson). Born in Sweden.

Best wishes

David

[Anceas]

Thanks for clearing that up Michael...wish I could visit the National Archives, but since I´m in Sweden it makes things difficult.

David...I have found A.L Johansson in Swedish records. He was born in 1888 in Teda parish, Sweden as August Leonard Johansson; son of farm labourer Karl Johan Johansson and his wife Kristina Nilsson. August Leonard was the 4th of 6 children in this very poor family.