No. Carolina SHARKHUNTERS Present Wreath to British Cemetery

On 30 March, 1996 North Carolina SHARKHUNTERS Cdr JAMES CHEATHAM (1231-1989), TOM WOOD (4317-1995), DR. SURREY ROBERTS (4318-1995), DONNIE COBB (4403-1995) and BOB SHEPPARD (4319-1995) presented a wreath at the British Cemetery on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina.

TOM WOOD and BOB SHEPPARD present the wreath to a US Coast Guard Official on 30 March, 1996

On the night of May 11, 1942 U-558, Captained by Günther Krech, was cruising between Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout. Its mission to date had been uneventful, and the captain was beginning to wonder if he would have as successful a cruise on the American coast as his counterparts. Suddenly, the noise of a ship’s screw were heard on the submarine’s listening device, and a lookout saw the HMS BEDFORDSHIRE.

Visibility was low. Because of the faster speed at which submarines can move on the surface, U-558 made its attack on the surface. After missing with its first torpedo, the submarine’s second torpedo hit BEDFORDSHIRE squarely amidships, catapulting the ship into the air and sinking it almost immediately. No one survived this sinking to explain how the ‘hunter was killed by the hunted’. We can only speculate that our British friends had become too complacent in their efforts to assist their allies.

The US Navy, to which the British ships were attached, was not very diligent in keeping track of these patrol craft, as evidenced by the fact that the navy was not aware of what had happened to HMS BEDFORDSHIRE for several days.

On May 14th, while patrolling the shore at Ocracoke Island, No. Carolina, a Coast Guardsman discovered the bodies of Sub-Lieutenant Thomas Cunningham and Telegraphist Stanley Craig. Later, two other bodies, unidentifiable, were recovered. These were removed to a small plot next to a local cemetery at Ocracoke Village and, with Coast Guard assistance and Protestant Graveyard Services, they were given proper burial. Ironically, the flag used for Cunningham’s funeral was one of the very ones given by him to the Coast Guard about ten days earlier to use for British burials.

In subsequent years, with the cooperation of the United States Government and the citizens of Ocracoke Island, this small plot was deeded to the British Government and is now an official English cemetery. It can be viewed today on Ocracoke Island. Permanent grave markers are present and a British flag flies continuously over the site to remind all who see it of the brave men who fought in World War II and died. It is also a reminder of the close ties we in this country, have to our mother country, England.

Rita Clare and Hans Spyker

Both RITA (1571-1990) and HANS (759-1989) were with the 2nd U-BootLehrDivision in the closing days of the war. HANS got out aboard the liner HAMBURG and he wondered how RITA escaped. I speak with RITA by telephone frequently, and I asked her. She told me that she took a train to freedom in the west.

RITA plans to be with our group in Germany this year, and probably in the Florida Keys for our big treffen in 1997. HANS, why not come along and meet her yourself.

Produce a Play?

FRANCIS GALLAGHER (4773-A-1996) has written a play about wartime Germany and is looking for a producer. Do we have any producers in Membership looking for a new play? Call us.

Sunken Syrian Sub Salvaged

According to a piece in SEA POWER, one of the three Russian-built ROMEO submarines in the Syrian fleet sank in port but was quickly re-floated. The other two ROMEO Class boats are restricted to surface running only. The Syrian Navy, like her other branches of the armed forces, are having a tough time getting spare parts. Their personnel lack the necessary training as well. However, they have recently concluded a major deal with China for fast-attack missile-armed patrol boats.

German/Italian Submarine

Again we read in SEA POWER, that the Italian Navy is near to completing an agreement with the German Defense Ministry and the German Submarine Consortium which would allow the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone to build variants of the German Type 212 submarine, which is one of the most sought-after submarines in the world. The article states that this would be the first non-Italian design submarine built for the Marina Militare since World War I, however there were some Type VII-C boats given to the Italian Navy during World War II. The successor to the NAZARIO SAURO Type submarine was known as the S-90 Project. The new boat will be approximately 69.7 meters long, will displace about 2,500 tons with a submerged endurance of 6,000 nautical miles. Diving depth will be 400 meters.

USS CABOT and the LEGION

Remember, we do not put the word ‘American’ with ‘Legion’ for Post 377 that is trying their hardest to sell an American carrier, the ‘IRON LADY’ of the Pacific (USS CABOT) to an Asian junkyard to be broken up for scrap.

I am sorry, but the address we put in KTB #119 was incorrect. They moved - and letters are coming back. However, the new address is: 3749 Florida Blvd.; Kenner; LA 70065 and the new telephone number is (504) 466-8825. Let them know what you think - in the strongest words you can put together!