SS Empire Light was sunk in 1941 in the Indian Ocean by the armed German raider Pinguin. Survivors of the encounter were picked up by the German vessel, which itself was then attacked by HMS Cornwall. The Pinguin was sunk, taking the survivors from the Empire Light to the bottom with her. Twenty-six of the Empire Light's crew perished on 8 May 1941, six of whom came from Lewis.
Their names are:
Norman MacIver, 37 Vatisker
Murdo MacDonald, 32 Gress
Donald Graham, Garrabost
Murdo Campbell, 5 Sheshader (also quoted at 42 Inaclete Road, Stornoway)
Norman Malcolm Montgomery, 17 Sheshader
George Campbell, 5 Portnaguran
A visit to the Eye cemetery reveals that was very much a family tragedy. Norman Malcolm Montgomery of 17 Sheshader was related to Murdo Campbell of 5 Sheshader. Norman's mother, Isabella Montgomery née Macleod, died 6 months after the sinking of the Empire Light. Her husband Norman was lost in the sinking of HMY Iolaire on 1 January 1919, one of the 205 drowned in that disaster.
While researching the Empire Light's Shipmaster Frederick Dolton, I discovered a National Archives record* stating that 64 souls - including the six listed here - were aboard when it was sunk 25 April 1941. They are all recorded as presumed drowned when the Pinguin itself was sunk.
ReplyDeleteI would be interested in which source stated that only 26 crew perished. Regrettably, it may be that this source may be counting the Master + 26 British crew, but not rest of the complement who appear to be of Indian origin: 4 Ratings from the Royal Indian Navy, and 33 others in engine room and service roles.
* British Armed Forces And Overseas Deaths And Burials, Deaths At Sea 1891 – 1972, Ref BT 334 / Box 0098 / p40-43 (20 per page, 4 on the last).