The Fourth Attack – The torpedoing of the troopship Cameronia

At 0200, a reconnaisance aircraft took off from Elmas in Sardinia to shadow the convoy. At 0435 six Ju 88 level bombers from I/KG 60 also took off from Elmas and headed towards KMF-5/TE-10. To the frustration of one Ju 88 A-4 torpedo bomber crew from III/KG 26, there were problems with their aircraft and their take off from Sardinia was delayed until 0458.

When the torpedo bomber finally took off, it travelled at maximum speed to catch the six Ju 88s whose orders were to attack the convoy and then carry out an attack against ships in east Djidjeli harbour. However, four of the six Ju 88 level bombers got lost en-route (but did attack the hourbour). This left three German aircraft to attack KMF-5/TE-10.

A Junkers 88 A-4 torpedo bomber taking off using its wing mounted rocket boosters (which are later jettisoned)

A Junkers 88 A-4 torpedo bomber taking off using its wing mounted rocket boosters (which are later jettisoned)

In the meantime, He 111s (again possibly from II/KG 26 based in Tuscany) were also on their way and they too were attempting to locate the convoy. Within minutes of each other, both the Heinkel 111s and the Ju 88 level bombers had found their target, the Heinkels, arriving first and approaching from the south. Jim Buchan on messdeck D8 of the Cameronia and blissfully ignorant of the name “Suicide Alley” remembers:

“Beginning to feel quite smug and complacent and invincible when as was to be expected, fate stepped in and gave us a right kick up the backside”

‘Leigh Light’ fitted Hudson ‘V for Victor’ AE642 from 608 Squadron was charged with the job of providing airborne Escort and at 0508 she took off from Blida, located the convoy and in the darkness, began an A/S sweep of the area around the convoy.

Captain G.B. Kelly – Cameronia:

“At 0600 a further attack developed and ‘Action Stations’ were again sounded”

A Heinkel 111 H-6 as seen from another Heinkel 111 H-6

A Heinkel 111 H-6 as seen from another Heinkel 111 H-6

Jim Buchan – Royal Artillery Cameronia:

“We were awakened by the alarm bells and we could hear the Anti-Aircraft guns on our deck pounding away at whatever was attacking us. We waited anxiously around our messdeck attired in our life jackets, tunics and trousers, boots but no gaiters, no webbing, no rifles or bayonets, smoking nervously and wondering what was going on” 

In the RADAR Room onboard the Escort HMS Scylla, Gunnery Officer Sub-Lieutenant (S.Lt) Robert Hughes was wondering how a rating could be on page 54 of a letter to his Fiancée when he, as an Officer, could only manage two when the RADAR Operator suddenly picked up “Multiple echoes”. ‘Action Stations’ were again sounded and the now exhausted crew once again responded.

S.Lt R. Hughes – HMS Scylla:

Without warning ‘A’ and ‘B’ Turrets opened fire and four wicked tongues of flame leaped into the darkness. All the guns were firing now” 

Captain D.W. Bone – Circassia:

“We did not see the Heinkels (Possibly from Catania) coming in against the convoy from a southerly direction. It was still murky there, for the dawn was breaking high and the bombers flew at very low altitudes – almost on the sea surface – and with the dark of distant mountain ranges behind them. The laboured sound of their engines we knew and could recognise but the true direction of that stuttering drone is not easy of establishment by the ear at sea” 

The DEMS Gunners on the Merchantmen and the Gunners on the Escorts continued to light up the sky with their Oerlikons, 12 Pounders, Pig Troughs and Pillar Boxes (another ‘Brocks Benefit’) which possibly acted as a beacon for the approaching Ju 88 level bombers who arrived at 0610 and also began attacking KMF-5/TE-10.

A Pig Trough being armed

A Pig Trough being armed

Navigator’s Log book – HMS Aurora:

“0610  Attacked by torpedo bombers and level bombers. (Only level bombers at this time) Opened fire as necessary”

Major P. Pettit – 17th Field Regiment Cameronia:

“At 0615 the bells rang again and we went to the messdecks. As reveille was at 0600 anyway, the troops got on with their clearing up of the decks. Guns were heard firing, those on the deck over our heads particularly” 

Alan Marr – Royal Armoured Corps Cameronia:

“Sitting below the waterline whilst this was taking place was not to be enjoyed but everyone sat tight and hoped for the best”

In fact, German accounts of this attack again record an exaggerated claim. Their version of events state that at 0610, two Ju 88 s attacked an enemy convoy lying north-east of Bougie and the attack damaged a 6,000 ton steamer to the extent that a smoke column was seen. The steamer referred to was probably the Transvaal or the Fintra as the other Merchantmen in the convoy were far larger in size. However, once again, if there was any damage it would have been slight and only caused by machine gun fire as no torpedoes or bombs were reported as hitting any of the ships of KMF-5/TE-10 at this time. Certainly no fire damage was caused or reported. It is possible that the ships tried to generate smoke to hide their whereabouts and the Ju88s confused this with a hit.

Navigator’s Log book – HMS Scylla:

“0620 Bombers on the port quarter”

After carrying out several “Steep gliding attack” runs and with dawn about to break, the two Ju 88 level bomber pilots re-appraised the situation and decided to start attacking the lead (and largest) Merchantman. As the Circassia having by this time dropped astern {see later}, the lead Merchantman was the Rear Commodore, Cameronia. The aircraft altered course and began to approach the ship from either side of the bow.

Jim Lafferty – Steward Cameronia

“It was the twilight just before dawn and another two German planes swept in to attack us, one on each bow”

The Ju 88 A-4 torpedo bomber from III/KG 26 now arrived and either acting in unison with the Ju 88 level bombers that were returning to strafe the Cameronia (having dropped their ordnance) or simply acting fortuitously, she started to drop to attack height and began approaching the starboard beam of the Cameronia.

The die was cast.

George Chadwick – Steward Cameronia:

“The planes seem very determined to get us, as all their attacks are concentrated solely on us” 

Joe Barr was a Steward onboard the Cameronia but as well as being a Steward, he was also a Gunner and had manned one of the Anti-Aircraft guns throughout each attack. Concentrating on the closest of the two level bombers approaching the ship, he began to fire the weapon again but soon ran out of ammunition.

Joe Barr – Steward Cameronia:

“As the German plane returned to strafe the ship, another crewman and I ended up throwing potatoes at it in the (admittedly pretty ridiculously vain) hope of catching a propeller blade”

Undeterred by the incoming ‘Potato fire’ the level bomber’s Gunner strafed the ship.

Captain G.B. Kelly – Cameronia:

“The Bridge was machine gunned, and afterwards it was found that the funnels and upper structure were perforated”

The torpedo bomber from III/KG 26 approaching from the starboard beam began her attack run and detached her left hand torpedo and seconds later, her right.

A Junkers 88 A-4 dropping a torpedo (what Captain Kelly would have witnessed)

A Junkers 88 A-4 dropping a torpedo (what Captain Kelly would have witnessed)

 “Our Gunners fired absolutely everything they had, including the two Pillar Boxes which definitely made the planes (The level bombers) bank steeply to avoid them, all rockets worked successfully”

The torpedo bomber was probably first spotted by S.Lt Hughes onboard HMS Scylla:

“Suddenly in a shell flash I saw a vague shape headed towards one of the transports. Close range weapons and pom-poms opened up and the night rocked with flash and flame. We ranged the target impotently” 

The Ju 88 A-4 torpedo bomber from III/KG 26 had completed her attack run.

S.Lt R. Hughes – HMS Scylla:

There was a deep rumble of explosion from one of the transports and bobbing lights appeared on her deck”

HMS Scylla heeled over in a rapid change of course towards the stricken ship.

Captain D.W. Bone – Circassia:

“It was during the uneasy half-light, the moon low and obscured, and in a brisk squall of wind and rain, that the Cameronia was torpedoed from the air”

Lt P. Royle – Royal Artillery Cameronia:

“We listened to the guns yet again when all of a sudden there was a dull explosion and the whole ship shuddered. Almost immediately the alarm bells pealed and we leapt from our bunks, grabbed our life belts and hurried to our Boat Stations. This was it we had been hit”

WO2 Jones – Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Cameronia:

“Jerry slipped a quick one in, in the dawn and our ship stopped the torpedo this time in the aft Hold where most of our lads were” 

Eric Halford – Royal Army Service Corps Cameronia:

“I was very close to the explosion and I don’t understand how this is possible but I saw the flash of the torpedo explosion through a solid steel bulkhead

Log book – Cameronia:

“6.34a.m. Vessel torpedoed. Alarm gongs sounded. Crew mustered at Emergency Boat and Fire Stations”

Navigator’s Log book – HMS Scylla:

“0635 Cameronia torpedoed” 

Navigator’s Log book – HMS Aurora:

“0634 SS ‘Cameronia’ hit by aircraft torpedo position 37° 05’ N 05° 24’ E. Ordered Scylla and Wheatland to ‘Stand by’, proceeded with Quality and Lamerton astern of Circassia at 17 knots to Bône” 

Major P. Pettit – 17th Field Regiment Cameronia:

“At about 0635 there was a different explosion and the ship shuddered. I thought it was a near miss with a bomb; someone said ‘They’ve fired the gun at the stern’. A few seconds later the Boat Stations alarm rang”

A depiction of the troopship Cameronia being struck by the torpedo - Tony Patrick Collection (gifted to the author). According to Lance Corporal Sam Field of the Royal Signal Corps, the explosion depicted is slightly too far aft

A depiction of the troopship Cameronia being struck by the torpedo - Tony Patrick Collection (gifted to the author). According to Lance Corporal Sam Field of the Royal Signal Corps, the explosion depicted is slightly too far aft

Jim Lafferty – Steward Cameronia:

There came a terrific explosion as the torpedo struck and tore its way into No. 7 Hold on the starboard quarter, accompanied by the noise of buckling steel, splintering timbers and crashing of crockery. The force of the explosion blew four gunners out of their Bofors gun pit. Two of them went overboard and were picked up suffering only from shock, the other two landed on the deck and were killed instantly. (Records indicate that only one Gunner was actually killed – see later) The lifeboats were partially lowered and the order given for Boat Stations

Jim Buchan – Royal Artillery Cameronia:

“One of our HQ troop, Gunner Wilton, who drove one of our 15cwt trucks and was also our Battery Barber, overcome by diarrhoea couldn’t wait any longer and had to dash to the Heads. Suddenly there was the most almighty crash and bang, the whole ship shuddered, all the lights went out to be replaced by the dim glow of the emergency lighting and we realised that we were stopped and wallowing in the sea. Wilton came staggering back into the messdeck, still clutching his undone trousers and looking very scared. He had been perched on the long bench seat in the Heads relieving himself when a large part of the ship beneath him suddenly exploded and disappeared leaving him perched precariously over the water”

According to the duty Corporal in the ‘Guard cabin’ from the 10th Battalion the Rifle Brigade, he saw the torpedo that hit the ship leave the aircraft and literally Bounce when it initially hit the water. The plane then flew straight over the ship so low that:

“It nearly took my spectacles off”

Richard Day – The Rifle Brigade Cameronia:

“When the torpedo hit the ship I clearly remember the sound and everyone knew that we had been hit by something. The bells rang immediately for Boat Stations (we had had several drills on the way out and knew what we had to do)”

6970282 Rifleman Richard William Day’s 23rd birthday present from the Third Reich had finally arrived – “A torpedo from Hitler”

‘Cipher Sam’ Field – Royal Signal Corps Cameronia:

“When ship were ’it, it went into darkness, everything was dark”

Bombardier John William Adams’s first recollection of the event was:

“A terrific smell of cordite”

‘Cipher Sam’ Field – Royal Signal Corps Cameronia:

“They ’it us right down below waterline and they sealed the watertight doors and everyone on t’other side were screaming ‘Get us out of ’ere’. I could ’ear ’em screaming but they all drowned, all of ’em”

Captain D.W. Bone – Circassia:

“She was torpedoed on the starboard quarter on the side away from us”

On Tuesday the 22nd December between 0634 and 0639 at position 37° 03’ N 05° 24’ E, a torpedo struck the Cameronia on her starboard quarter in No.7 Hold (around messdeck D9) near the ship’s hospital. This was the eight and final torpedo to be fired at her in eight hours. The hole created was about 18 feet by 16 feet in size according to some, however, Official records {see later} put the dimensions as 50 feet in length by 15 feet in depth. 10 people were killed instantly and 33 others were wounded. Of these, seven later died of wounds in hospital in Bougie. Five others were listed as ‘Missing’ presumed killed. German records erroneously state a Ju 88 torpedo bomber from III/KG 26 had claimed two torpedo hits on a 12,000 ton passenger ship at 0635 and that the ship was subsequently seen to catch fire. This (at least in part) was yet further example of exaggeration by KG 26.

Oberbefehlshaber Süd (OBS) Report No. 390 – Axis Report (Italian) attacks of the 22nd:

“0500 – 0830: One Ju 88 attacked convoy at 36° 57 N 05° 03 E. Two torpedoes fired at one passenger ship 12,000–15,000 tonnes. (Interestingly, this Report makes no mention of how many torpedoes actually hit the Cameronia, it only talks of two being fired, however, the German Reports mentioned above, may have assumed two hits based on this Report) Explosion, heavy smoke and probably fire. Anti-Aircraft fire heavy and light accurate”

Like the torpedoing of the Strathallan, the moment that the Cameronia was torpedoed, the Escort Commander HMS Aurora signalled Escorts HMS Wheatland and HMS Scylla to ‘stand by’ and assist the stricken vessel. She then signalled the continuation of the rest of the convoy under Escort from HMS Quality, Lamerton and herself.

Captain D.W. Bone – Circassia:

“As I watched the stricken vessel slow and stop and fall out of line, listing to starboard and with her casualty lights glaring, I could sense the excitement and concern amongst our own crew when the news went round. Like me, many of our men had served on her and many had relatives onboard. For a brief space of time as the convoy swept on to the eastward our good routine was disorganised. From below and against orders the men of the crew crowded the foredeck and there was clamour and shouting. But I had not the heart to rebuke them for I too had my moment of excitement and anxiety and depression when we passed on and left that cherished old ship in her distress”

Captain G.B. Kelly – Cameronia:

“We were first attacked, unsuccessfully, by several Heinkels 111, then at 0634 Junkers 88 attacked, approaching from all directions. One came in from either bow, another from the starboard beam, and at 0639, when in position 35 miles east from Bougie, steaming at 16 knots, on a course 078°, a fourth Junkers 88 (which I did not see at the time) came out of the darkness on our starboard quarter, and dropped a torpedo. The weather was fine and clear, with a full moon. Visibility was excellent, with smooth sea, accompanied by light airs. I was on the Bridge at the time, my attention being fixed on the plane approaching from the starboard beam, which I saw release a torpedo. I successfully evaded this one by use of the helm, but in doing so made the vessel a good target for the fourth plane. The Gunner in charge of the Bofors immediately opened fire to divert it, but the torpedo struck the ship on the starboard quarter. It was a very violent explosion, but fortunately missed us. When the torpedoes were released the planes were about 200 feet above sea level, and 400 yards distant”

Typically, the optimum  release range for an aircraft delivered torpedo was 1,000 yards from the target ship at a height of 150 feet at a speed of 170mph. At these settings, the torpedo covered about 250 yards during its flight of about three seconds, entered the water within an acceptable degree range (ideally 12°) and running at 33 knots, it would take about 14 seconds to cover the remaining distance to target. The weapons, minimum effective range allowing it time to complete its air flight, arm itself and settle into its run was about 650 yards. Normally (and as mentioned previously), both torpedoes (port side first) would be released in quick succession. Given the approximate distances involved, it seems that the torpedo that struck the Cameronia was dropped at near enough the minimum limit of its effective range. This meant that Captain Kelly would have had little time to react and more importantly get the ship to do the same thing {see later}. Like the Strathallan, within seconds of the torpedo hitting the ship, the following events occurred, onboard the Cameronia; Damage Control Parties began to carry out their jobs, a pair of white distress rockets were fired and as the reader will have already read, the klaxons for ‘Boat Stations’ were sounded. The ship’s position would also have been reported to Headquarters in Algiers.

Hudson ‘V Victor’ AE642 – 608 Squadron:

“22 Dec 0508-1143 Convoy met and escorted for four hours – Convoy seen to be firing light flak and red tracer though target not determined. Single troopship which had been torpedoed also sighted”

Onboard and below decks in the darkness people were trying to make their way to the upper decks.

Eric Halford – Royal Army Service Corps Cameronia:

“I still dream of the attack and it is always the same dream (In 2008 Eric was 99 years old), the body of someone I knew floating in the water below decks and a rush of water coming in parting his hair”

‘Cipher Sam’ Field – Royal Signal Corps Cameronia:

“The companionways were all blocked with panic stricken people, they just couldn’t move it were such a tight squeeze, we didn’t know if she were sinking it was a terrible play. But I thought, I’m not going to push through that lot ! An Officer came into our area and said ‘I’ll shoot the first man that panics’ and I said ‘The only man that’s panicking is you !’”

This is another example of an Officer being sent into the men’s quarters during an attack. Sam also refers to “Panic stricken people” in one breath but in that same breath refers to the Officer as the only person who is “Panicking”. From every report that the author has obtained, the soldiers may well have been stricken with panic but they all kept it under control as evidenced by Sergeant Eric Halford.

Eric Halford – Royal Army Service Corps Cameronia:

“I cannot emphasise how proud I was of the professional way that the soldiers acted during the evacuation of the ship, there was no outward sign of panic”

Jim Lafferty - Steward Cameronia:

The troops remained calm but concerned, their attitude was exemplary as they made their way to their Boat Stations”

‘Cipher Sam’ now, going another way, put his escape plan into operation. Moving through Officer’s quarters at the rear of the ship, he witnessed bodies floating in the water below him.

‘Cipher Sam’ Field – Royal Signal Corps Cameronia:

“I opened the first door but couldn’t go that way but I worked my way through the corridors through Officer’s quarters (they were all empty) and up to the open deck”

Major P. Pettit – 17th Field Regiment Cameronia:

“As rehearsed on many previous occasions everyone grabbed his weapon (Clearly other Officers collecting their side arms as all other weapons were in the hold of the ship) and those on the deck below came up and on upwards to their Boat Stations. Everyone was quiet but swift – quicker than they had been on the daily practices. After what seemed ages and could not have been more than a few minutes the lower deck was clear and the deck I was on began to fill up. I went below to make sure the decks were clear they were”

This is interesting confirmation that onboard the Cameronia, the lower decks were apparently cleared  first as this did not appear to be the case with the Strathallan.

Captain G.B. Kelly – Cameronia:

“The torpedo struck on the starboard side somewhere about the 20 feet draught mark which is about six feet below ‘D’ deck where many of the troops were accommodated, 17 men being killed and 33 injured. The hole in the side was 50 feet [Sic] in length by 15 feet deep. The ship took a heavy lurch to starboard going down 32 feet by the stern, but soon righted herself again”

Some were wondering what had hit the ship.

Cipher Sam’ Field – Royal Signal Corps Cameronia:

“They thought it were a submarine and a Destroyer went around the boat dropping depth charges”

In fact, seeing as Lance Corporal Field was below decks at the time, the author suspects that the subsidiary explosions that Sam might have heard were the explosions of the bombs being dropped by the level bomber aircraft of KG 60 and not depth charges as the Escort vessels would have been acutely aware of what had hit the Cameronia. Typically armour piercing bombs would probably not explode on contact with the surface of the water or the sea bottom nor would they be likely to detonate from water pressure. A contact fuse would explode on contact with the surface of the water but it is unlikely that such fuses would have been used. The situation is unclear but there are no reports of depth charges being dropped.

Captain G.B. Kelly – Cameronia:

“At 0640 the ‘Abandon ship’ signal was sounded and the engines stopped. The boats were lowered

to the embarkation deck; the troops, who had been at emergency stations from the commencement of the attacks, with their life belts on, went to their Boat Stations without any sign of panic, everything was so orderly that they might have been on parade” 

George Chadwick – Steward Cameronia:

“We proceed to our boats. I myself was amazed at the calmness displayed by the troops and it was a masterpiece of organisation considering there was over 4,000 souls onboard”

WO2 Jones – Royal Electrical and Mechanical Enginners Cameronia:

“Signals went for Boat Stations which meant you left everything behind except life jacket and went on deck and what a mess there too, at least on our side, but very orderly orders were issued. No one must move from Boat Stations so it was impossible to know how the lads had faired, everything was deathly still engine stopped just the lapping of the water on the sides and one could tell by the slope of the deck she was well down in the stern”

Lt. P. Royle – Royal Artillery Cameronia:

“My heart was thumping as we assembled at our Boat Stations and I took stock of the situation. The night was pleasantly mild and there was a three quarter moon (There is clearly some imperfect recollection here as the moon was full) and the sea looked reasonably calm, although it is always deceptive when you are 40 feet above it, and we had a 15° list to port. People had snatched up odd things when the alarm had gone – Dennis Higgins had pocketed – very sensibly – a number of bars of chocolate, Peter Benham was clutching a picture of his wife, somebody else had picked up all his pipes”

Map from the diary of Warrant Officer Second Class Frank Jones showing the position of the troopship Cameronia when she was torpedoed

Map from the diary of Warrant Officer Second Class Frank Jones showing the position of the troopship Cameronia when she was torpedoed

Still below and reassuring those still filing upwards Major Pettit suddenly had a crisis of confidence.

Major P. Pettit – 17th Field Regiment Cameronia:

“I had a momentary vision of the ship sinking and a hopeless struggle to get up a crowded gangway against the overpowering rush of water. There was nothing to be done about it so I dropped that line of thought – it did not appeal to me”

Captain G.B. Kelly – Cameronia:

“Three lifeboats were destroyed by the explosions”

From Richard Day’s account, the “Mess”referred to by WO2 Jones was the wreckage of the three disintegrated lifeboats, and that the “Slope of the deck” was also a concern to Richard Day.

Richard Day – The Rifle Brigade Cameronia:

“When Boat Stations sounded we had to leave everything behind except for our life jacket and our emergency ration tin (this was a tin about the size of an old tobacco tin with a sardine tin style of opening that contained chocolate) that we had previously been issued with. The lower decks were cleared first and we had to wait for our turn, obviously everyone was quite anxious to get out and there were calls of ‘Get a move on’ down the stairs. As we got on deck I remember seeing bits of wood and debris lying around from a smashed lifeboat and remarking how high the bow seemed”

Also onboard were several floatation devices similar to those onboard the Strathallan together with a number of ‘Carley Rafts’ or ‘Carley Floats’. The ‘Carley Float’ was formed from a length of copper or steel tubing 12-20 inches in diameter bent into an oval ring which was surrounded by a buoyant mass of kapok or cork and then covered with a layer of canvas rendered waterproof via painting.

A pair of concentric ‘Carley Floats’ onboard HMS Rodney

A pair of concentric ‘Carley Floats’ onboard HMS Rodney

Eric Halford – Royal Army Service Corps Cameronia:

“Sergeant ‘Mush’ Green (who had a bad stutter) arrived at his Boat Station that he was in charge of to find that his allocated ‘Carley Raft’ was missing (It had also been blown to bits by the torpedo explosion) and to everyone’s amusement came out with the comment ‘W-w-where’s my f-f-f@%$ing raft then?’” 

‘Cipher Sam’ Field – Royal Signal Corps Cameronia:

“I got to my Boat Station but it had been blown away…. So I joined somebody else’s !”

Austen Parker – Royal Signal Corps Cameronia:

“Everyone went up on deck as fast as possible but in an amazingly cool and orderly manner. Calmly over the loud speakers came the news we had been hit towards the back of the boat near the hospital and the area had been sealed off”

Captain G.B. Kelly – Cameronia:

“The 1st Officer, Angus Colquhoun, attended to the boats and to the mustering of the troops at their Boat Stations, having everything thoroughly prepared should abandoning have been necessary”

‘Cipher Sam’ Field – Royal Signal Corps Cameronia:

“We just all waited in a big group waiting for someone to tell us what to do”

John Adams – Royal Artillery Cameronia:

“We were ordered to put our greatcoats on and told not to take our boots off. On top of that we put our Mae West on. I said to one of my pals ‘This won’t keep us afloat, we’ll sink like stones if we go overboard’” 

Log book – Cameronia:

“All lifesaving appliances examined and found to be in good order and ready for immediate use. Boats lowered clear to water”

In fact, this log entry only appears to be partially correct as Richard Day from his vantage point recalls that all undamaged lifeboats were at the stowed position. One was attempted to be lowered and it came down stern first (not level) and he remembers thinking “What a bad sign it was”. The situation was far worse than Richard recalls as the cable winch on the lifeboat had actually jammed on one side whilst it was still being lowered causing the lifeboat to tip up with tragic results.

‘Cipher Sam’ Field – Royal Signal Corps Cameronia:

“They all fell out, quite a few were killed”

It seems that other boats were also lowered and like the Strathallan, ‘Cipher Sam’ Field recalled that someone had forgotten (or was unable due to overcrowding) to put the bung back into the floor of the lifeboat (implying that like the Strathallan the ‘Wash’ of the torpedo blast had collected in some of the lifeboats) and it too began to sink but it, like the others were soon raised again. Meanwhile, detailed as fire picket, Jim Buchan was required to remain below decks and look for fire and other damage.

Jim Buchan – Royal Artillery Cameronia:

“A Naval Officer appeared, saw me, asked if I was alright then told me to get in to D9 and see what I could do to help. On the way there I met up with another fire picket and together we made our way to the stricken area. When we got there it was a scene of utter confusion, there was a gaping hole in the side of the ship through which in the early morning light we could see waves sloshing about. The messdeck itself was a complete shambles, kit, equipment, tables, hammocks were all piled up in a ghastly mess and lying on top or buried underneath all this rubble were the bodies of many of our comrades, some groaning and crying out, others suspiciously still. There were already parties of other troops clawing at the debris trying to get them out and the other soldier and I joined in dragging away tables and bits of metal to get at those trapped. We managed to get one lad free. He didn’t look too good, he was very grey and ashen and his legs looked broken but he was still conscious. In such a state as he was, it would have been madness to pick him up and carry him, so we did the next best thing and lifted him gently into a hammock, which we could then use like a stretcher with the great advantage that we could manoeuvre it around corners and over obstacles. From the damaged area we had to make our way to the sick bay which was now a casualty clearing station and we tried talking to the victim but got no response. When we reached the sick bay, there were already a large number of casualties there some walking wounded others on the few beds and several on the floor waiting attention. The orderly in charge showed us where to put our man which we did and waited until someone came to attend to him. We then returned to our own messdecks to await further instructions” 

Captain G.B. Kelly – Cameronia:

(The) leadership of Chief Officer, Mr Joe Lawson Gibson, was outstanding. After the torpedo struck he immediately inspected the damage, and took charge of the wounded men, supervising their removal to the hospitals. Bernard McLaughlin, (Yeoman), gave valuable assistance throughout to the Chief Officer. He showed initiative, and his untiring efforts, set a fine example to all”

Lt P. Royle – Royal Artillery Cameronia:

“There was no land in sight and we all wondered what would happen if we were spotted by an enemy reconnaissance plane”

By now, WO2 Frank Jones had arrived at and was waiting by his Boat Station, he remembered that:

“The ship speakers then sent out a message that we had naturally dropped out of convoy (Jerry seen to that) and that we should have Destroyer and air cover – everyone still looking very worried”  

As the Light Cruiser HMS Scylla came along the starboard side of the Cameronia, S.Lt Hughes recalled that:

“The moonlight gleamed wetly on the steel plates of the liner as we came up astern. Above us the promenade decks were lined with anxious faces of the troops. There was a great deal of shouting and movement”

The Light Cruiser HMS Scylla

The Light Cruiser HMS Scylla

Navigator’s Log book – HMS Scylla:

“0640 Standing by Cameronia” 

WO2 Jones – Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Cameronia: (Although mistaken about the type of ship that had approached)

“A Destroyer came alongside and a sailor in a real cockney twang shouted ‘Who pulled bloody plug out’ which made everyone look and feel much more cheerful”

S.Lt R. Hughes – HMS Scylla:

“As we passed up the hull, the great hole in the plating was evident by an increase in blackness. ‘Cameronia?’ asked the voice, ‘Are you able to make way through the water ?’ ‘Yes’ answered a voice ‘We’re all under control’ ‘Do you think that you can make Bougie 12 miles to the south ?’ ‘If so, I’ll give you an Escort there’ ‘We’ll make it’ said Cameronia”

Richard Day – The Rifle Brigade Cameronia: (Also mistaken like WO2 Jones)

“A Destroyer came alongside, not touching, but just laid off. It hailed the Cameronia by loud hailer and asked what the damage was. I heard the Cameronia reply ‘Hit between the Engine room and stern, can make Bougie at five knots’. The Destroyer replied ‘Very well, will arrange air cover’”

At this, a collective ironic cheer from the troops went up. To the ‘Squaddie’ the situation was simple they had been subjected to almost constant air attack for the best part of 10 hours prior to finally being torpedoed by an aircraft and it was only now that someone was going to arrange air cover ?!

Meanwhile, Jim Buchan was now back on his messdeck and awaiting new orders:

“I wondered what would be the next move, would we have to abandon ship, would we stay afloat, would we be attacked again, it was all very frightening”

Lt P. Royle – Royal Artillery Cameronia:

(Nevertheless, one of the Escorts) Was a comforting sight as on our own we were somewhat of a sitting duck despite all of the ship’s guns being manned”

Austen Parker – Royal Signal Corps Cameronia:

“The tension relaxed especially when we found Destroyers (HMS Scylla and HMS Wheatland albeit only one was a Destroyer) all around us”

George Chadwick – Steward Cameronia:

“With relief we are told that the ship is in no immediate danger”

Lt P. Royle – Royal Artillery Cameronia:

“News began to filter through after 10 or15 minutes that the torpedo had struck a messdeck”

It seems that additional damage had been sustained to the Cameronia.

London Gazette – 10th September 1943:

“The ship was hit and sustained considerable damage, one of the Holds was flooded some of the ship’s guns were put out of action and casualties were caused”

S. Lt Hughes resumed his station as the RADAR Operatior announced an “Echo” on his screen – the attack on KMF-5/TE-10 was still continuing. Although suspicious of the innovation, S. Lt. Hughes felt that now would be as good a time as any to field test his new ‘Toy’, an automatic barrage unit – guns that would be operatively linked to the RADAR tracking system that fired and moved automatically when in range of a tracked target. He contacted the Bridge and got approval. The orders were given when at the moment, the RADAR Operator realised to his horror the events that were unfolding on his screen::

“There are two echoes !”

The terse conversation between S.Lt Hughes and the RADAR Operator continued:

“Range to nearest ?”  “Eight thousand yards !” “All set Radar ?”  “Yes sir ! – Seven thousand !”

The range had been set for 6,000 yards and seconds later the auto barrage guns on HMS Scylla erupted once then twice and then the order was given to switch back to ordinary firing. Close range weapons now opened up from all parts of the ship as the target passed across the bows. According to S.Lt Hughes “Hailstones” now began to hit the ship. He began to realise what was happening:

“Bridge ! That plane fired on us !”

The response from the Bridge was succinct:

“You’re not the only blokes that can fire you know !”

The RADAR Operator excitedly announced:

“Director – there’s only one echo on the screen now !”

S.Lt Hughes reported this observation to the Bridge and received the following measured response:

“Interesting, perhaps we can count it as a probable” (In fact, the aircraft made it back to base).

Captain G.B. Kelly – Cameronia:

“The attack finally abated at 0700, when an examination was made of the damage. No. 7 Hold was flooded, and soundings showed that No. 6 bulkhead held, so I telephoned to the 2nd Engineer, (William McColm) who was on watch, and asked him if he could manage to steam at 30 revolutions, which was about seven knots. He replied that he could and at 0715 I altered course and proceeded towards Bougie. Meanwhile, HMS Scylla asked if we were alright, and I replied that we could probably make Bougie”

The Damage Control Parties having secured the situation, the ship was finally able to start (only) one of its engines but with no propeller or rudder damage, (the torpedo having missed all of the machinery spaces) the ship was able to manoeuvre. Some of the troops had even  returned below. Dawn broke at 0742. The promised air support was running late. Air cover was to be provided by HMS Wheatland and HMS Scylla.

Navigator’s Log book – HMS Scylla:

“0715 Cameronia under way speed six knots course 220°. Proceeding to Bougie” 

HMS Scylla began zig-zagging astern at 10 knots.

WO2 Jones – Royal Mechanical and Electrical Engineers Cameronia:

“The Destroyer was our sole cover of the air. After drifting for an hour or so the engine started again and the speakers announced she was attempting to reach Bougie under her own power” 

In fact, Huson ‘V Victor’ AE642 wag around (it only returned to base at 1143) but whereas an aircraft can see smoke from a ship’s funnel at a distance of 50 miles, someone onboard that same ship would not have been able to  have seen the same aircraft at that distance. However, a morale boosting fly past with hindsight might have been useful giben WO2 Frank Jones (!)

From the comments of WO2 Jones above, he appears to have been unaware of the presence of one of the Escorts. However, this is understandable if we assume not unreasonably, that each Escort is acting as a screen on either side of the Cameronia. As WO2 Jones (like everyone else) would have remained at his Boat Station and if his Boat Station had been located amidships, then all that he would have been able to see would have been the view from one side of the ship (one Escort). Given the events that had occurred, he could also be forgiven for being confused about the times. If the Cameronia had been torpedoed between 0634 and 0639 and the ship’s engines got under way at 0715, the time delay would only have been 30-35 minutes, not “An hour or so”. Interestingly, from Jim Buchan’s comments below and using the same arguments, it would seem that his Boat Station must have been located either towards the bow or the stern of the ship as these would have been the only locations where you might have been able to see both of the Escorts that were being used.

Major P. Pettit – 17th Field Regiment Cameronia:

“Eventually everyone (Below decks) was gone, I sent the fire party up as well and followed myself after making sure no one was left. I was very glad indeed to breathe fresh air and get out on the open deck” 

Jim Buchan – Royal Artillery Cameronia:

“I then realised that the engines were going again and we seemed to be under way once more. It looked as though we might not be sinking and I was very relieved to be called to go up on deck and join my mates. The sight that greeted me on deck was quite amazing we were making way towards the coast but weaving a zig-zag course between us and the north where attacks could come from. Apart from a couple of menacing looking Naval ships, there were no other ships in sight”

Hudson ‘T Tommy’ AK341 from 608 Squadron had been earmarked as the aerial A/S Escort for the Cameronia (and relief for Hudson ‘V Victor’). Unfortunately for the Cameronia, luck was not to be on her side as reported in the Operational Record Books of 608 Squadron which show that ‘T Tommy’ AK341 was experiencing a problem.

Hudson ‘T Tommy’ AE642 & Hudson ‘G George’ AM734 - 608 Squadron:

“22nd December 0955-1355 took off in ‘T’ (Tommy) but returned to base as intercom n/s (not satisfactory). Airborne again in ‘G’ (George). Failed to find torpedoed ship in bad weather after careful search”

Thus, this explains why the Cameronia (unlike the Strathallan) failed to receive much of an aerial A/S Screen after it was torpedoed and on its way in towards the port of Bougie. Aware of the situation, RAF Fighter Command, however, was able to provide a Spitfire which flew very low (200-300 feet) over the Cameronia at some point and which, according to Richard Day, caused:

“Further sarcastic cheers from the troops on deck” (But one hopes a morale boost nevertheless)

Then, as now, there is no love lost between the British Army and the RAF (the former regarding the latter as ‘The Glory Boys’). Now that the fighting was over and the damage had been done, the average soldier was not surprised that it was only now that the RAF turned up.

The unmistakable silhouette of a Spitfire

The unmistakable silhouette of a Spitfire

Captain G.B. Kelly – Cameronia:

“We had been steaming for about half-an-hour when the Chief Engineer reported that the Engine room was dry, but the after tunnels were flooded. This water eventually penetrated into No. 6 hold and was forced up into the Bulk Stores room, damaging a quantity of stores. Owing to the water being forced up through the scuppers from the after tunnel into the Tween decks, the ship listed about 12° causing some uneasiness amongst the troops, who feared the ship would capsize. The Carpenter, Daniel Arnold, went down into the steering flat and Tween deck and plugged the scuppers, after which the pumps were able to keep the water under control, and the vessel eventually straightened up. He worked untiringly until all scuppers were securely plugged in the damaged compartments, frequently having to do this work in flooded and dangerous conditions. He continued to work until all damaged bulkheads were securely shored without the slightest regard for his own safety”

Navigator’s Log book – HMS Scylla:

“0843  (Increased to) 14 knots”

Jim Lafferty – Steward Cameronia:

We had been about three or four miles, maybe a little more from the shore when we were hit and soon numerous Naval and other small boats came to help pick up survivors if required

Trawlers Incholm, Mull and Rysa from the 5th Trawler Group Motor Minesweeper Flotillas 92, 171 and 110 respectively and a tug arrived at 0915 from Bougie to assist the Cameronia. By 1109, HMS Scylla thought the situation was safe enough and set off for Bône to aid in the Escort of the remainder of KMF-5/TE-10. HMS Wheatland followed HMS Scylla shortly thereafter. It was fortunate for the Cameronia that the U-593 patrolling submerged off the Gulf of Bougie at 12000 position CH 9621 (37° 27’ N 05° 46’ E) was out of range and failed to detect any of these ships.

Jim Buchan – Royal Artillery Cameronia:

“By now it was full daylight. The chance of further air attacks receded and as we stood at our boat stations smoking, talking and speculating on what would happen next, the coast of North Africa got ever closer until very slowly we arrived in the harbour of a town called Bougie”

Captain G.B. Kelly - Cameronia:

“We proceeded until 1300, 22nd December, 1942, when we arrived off Bougie, Outer Harbour, Draft 20 feet six inches forward – 32 feet six inches aft” 

Jim Lafferty – Steward Cameronia:

On our way into the port of Bougie, we passed the sunken wrecks of four ships, three of them troopships, lying in the Outer Harbour, all of them victims of air attacks

Major P. Pettit – 17th Field Regiment Cameronia:

“As we sailed slowly into Bougie amid the masts of sunken shipping we were treated to the magnificent sight of about 30 Gannets fishing off the starboard side – just like dive bombers”

Lt P. Royle – Royal Artillery Cameronia:

“We had a meal, a makeshift lunch I think”

Major P. Pettit – 17th Field Regiment Cameronia:

“We all remained at Boat Stations until we got there at about 1230 by which time the ship’s crew had managed to produce a cold meal for all. A really grand performance. They had already produced a bit of breakfast eaten on deck by all during the slow trip”

George Chadwick - Steward Cameronia:

“With a powerful Escort we limp back to a place called Bougie”

Austen Parker – Royal Signal Corps Cameronia:

“Huge red cliffs and a bright sunny day greeted our arrival. We clambered down off the boat into tenders for the shore. Our kit bags were dumped ready to be loaded on trucks. Still we had plenty to carry with signal equipment”

Captain G.B. Kelly – Cameronia:

(2nd Engineer William McColm) Remained steadfastly at his post in the Engine room, and in spite of the damage to the starboard propeller shaft, he maintained the necessary speed until the ship’s safe arrival”  

The Cameronia had made it.

This meant that the troops onboard as well as their kit and materiel had all been saved allowing them to immediately continue on as an effective force, unlike those that had been onboard the Strathallan as all of their equipment had been lost when the ship has sunk.

George Chadwick – Steward Cameronia:

“The catering dept. has to commence to salvage stores while the pumps keep the water at bay. We are successful on the above. The ship rapidly assumes normality even though there is a gaping hole in her side about 18’ by 16’”

Jim Lafferty – Steward Cameronia:

“The No. 7 Hold which had been hit, held our perishable foodstuffs, alas these were no more, and although the bulkhead was holding our main storerooms were flooded up to about waist height. It was a necessity to salvage what we could of the tinned foods, the dry foods like flour, sugar and tea had all gone. Consequently, we worked as fast as we could in the water and despite the uncomfortable situation, we rescued most of the tinned foodstuffs; at least we would be able to eat. There was a lighter side to all this, as there always is and that was the fact that all the tins had lost their labels ! So it was a bit of a lottery as to guessing the contents of some of the tins, so you wouldn’t always get what you wanted or thought. Some tins had codes and having opened one we then knew what food the code related to, so we were able to sort some into categories, peas, fruits etc and unknowns, which were pot luck”

On account of all of the other ships that were in port at the time, the Cameronia was forced to anchor in the bay and await a ferry service of a number of small boats to off-load her passengers. Although relatively safe, it was still essential to disembark and disperse as many of the passengers onboard as possible as the port of Bougie (as the author’s Mother bore witness to on many occasions to testify) was well within Axis aircraft bombing range and was subjected to such raids on an alarmingly regular basis. The Cameronia’s anchor cable was paid out and as it rattled through the hawsepipe, the Chief Officer of the Cameronia was already arranging for the first men to be disembarked.

These were the 40 wounded service personnel – of whom as mentioned earlier, seven later died in hospital.

Jim Lafferty – Steward Cameronia:

“The troops had been disembarked immediately on docking and the dead were taken for burial”

The weather unfortunately began to deteriorate to the annoyance of all of those disembarking.

Lt P. Royle – Royal Artillery Cameronia:

“Arrived at Bougie early afternoon and disembarked. It was a small Arab port with very few amenities and as we marched off the quayside so it started to rain and it kept this up for the next 48 hours. This was my first experience of Africa and I was expecting a hot dry climate not this drenching rain which literally hissed down from heavy grey clouds. The main road was running with muddy water and once you turned off it you slithered and squelched in inches of mud. We were shown a field and told where we could obtain tents but the field was two inches deep in water. I couldn’t believe that the men were expected to sleep in such conditions but there was nowhere else”   

WO2 Jones – Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Cameronia:

“Then came the job of unloading and sorting out kit much of it wet through, it was when going away from the ship one could see the hole or half of it as the other half was under the water. The size was approximately 18’ by 14’”

Major P. Pettit – 17th Field Regiment Cameronia:

“At 1400 we disembarked and went off to a very wet transit camp”

Captain G.B. Kelly – Cameronia:

“At 1430 the troops began to disembark, and by 1830, 2,200 were disembarked. I was then requested to allow the remainder of the troops to stay onboard for the time being owing to the lack of accommodation on shore” 

Clearly, being “Requested” to leave troops onboard when the port was the subject of regular Axis bombing raids was not an ideal situation but needs must when the Devil drives. Amongst the troops still onboard, there appeared to be some confusion as to who had actually attacked the Cameronia, the Italians or the Germans. As Jim Buchan was picking up his kit before disembarking, he considered the options and concluded that it would have been an “Indignity” if it had been the Italians. Nevertheless, he philosophically concluded that:

“It didn’t matter who was shooting at you, his bullets or bombs were just as deadly as anyone else’s” Furthermore and just as soberingly, “If the pilot of that plane had released his torpedo a second or two earlier, messdeck D8 would have been hit and we would have been counting our casualties”

The town of Bougie

The town of Bougie

Eric Halford – Royal Army Service Corps Cameronia:

“We left the Cameronia (Recalling) probably from the deck below the big stern gun. We went ashore in an open motorboat. I believe that it was manned by an RAF rating who dropped us at the shore in quite deep water as he was keen to get back to pick up others from the ship”

WO2 Jones – Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Cameronia:

“After sorting ourselves out we marched about three miles to a brick kiln, just a large open shed, didn’t mind what it was – anything for a lay down”

Eric Halford – Royal Army Service Corps (now onboard a motorboat en-route to Bougie docks):

“We had our personal kit with us in the boat but once ashore several of our stacked kit bags were washed away by a very quick flash flood !”

Captain G.B. Kelly – Cameronia:

“Final disembarkation of troops was completed at 1630 on the 26th December”

Richard Day was one of the last to leave on the first day not needing to ‘Over-night’ on the Cameronia. It was only as the boat was taking him to shore that he saw the size of the hole in the ship and it was something that he was never to forget.

Richard Day – The Rifle Brigade (now onboard a landing craft en-route to Bougie docks):

“It was big enough to drive a bus through it” (A “Double-decker” according to ‘Cipher Sam’ !)

‘Cipher Sam’ Field – Royal Signal Corps Cameronia:

“We climbed down rope netting flung over the side of the ship and into landing craft. That’s how we were taken off the Cameronia”

Allied troops arriving in North Africa

Allied troops arriving in North Africa

Alan Marr - Royal Armoured Corps Cameronia:

“Next day we disembarked at Phillipville (Alan is clearly mistaken here as it was Bougie) in Algeria great to be on dry land” 

Jim Buchan - Royal Artillery Cameronia:

“We disembarked and were marched through the town to a strange looking factory type area. It had lots of long low open sheds which were roofed with straw or reeds and covered long rows of what looked like shallow ditches. We had no idea what went on in this place but were very thankful to be on dry land again”

Unlike Captain Biggs of the Strathallan, Captain Kelly was also able to make the following statement in his Report:

“All confidential and wireless books are still onboard”

Jim Buchan - Royal Artillery Ashore, at the port of Bougie:

“All our vehicles and guns were on another ship which we hoped had made it through the night and which we would catch up with later. We had no cooking equipment and the only blankets we had for sleeping were those we managed to carry with us from the ship. The Army must have planned well for this sort of thing for before long cooking equipment, rations and bedding arrived and we were able to settle in our strange accommodation.Our first impressions of the place (Bougie, not the Accommodation) were first of all the brightness of the light, after the grey skies of Scotland and the mid-Atlantic, it was almost blinding particularly as it reflected off the white washed houses and buildings that we passed as we marched from the docks. The next impression was the lushness of the vegetation, tall palm like trees, succulent bushes and the occasional cactus bush of the prickly pear variety, then there was the dust which was kicked up as we marched along until we and our clothing was covered in a pinkish-white bloom.

In the meantime, life onboard the Cameronia continued on as normal under the circumstances and the ship had to be repaired and prepared for the next stage of its journey, essentially a trip to a repair yard and then the return leg back to the UK.

Jim Lafferty - Steward Cameronia:

“Army pumps were brought onboard and work on shoring up the bulkheads was commenced. These successful operations saw the ship raised somewhere near her normal draught. We were here (North Africa not Bougie) over Christmas and New Year and with the cooperation of the Army authorities, we were able to send greetings home via cable to our families and loved ones, although we were forbidden to reveal our location understandably. There was much work and temporary repairs to be carried out, some of it due to the Atlantic gale earlier in our voyage so our time was fully occupied. Most nights, enemy aircraft bombed the port but lady luck was with us and we suffered no further damage. British fighters were active during daylight patrolling, and kept enemy aircraft well away. Our next problem was to be when we went back out to sea, as our limited speed and poor manoeuvrability would make us an easy target for aircraft, not a happy thought for any of us”