Lancastria Memorial Fund (sunk WW2, thousands died)

butterflymum

...hello fellow MSE'rs. As those of us around the UK remember the 70th anniversary of the evacuation of Dunkirk, I thought it would be good to spare a moment and some thought, for those who, a few short weeks later, didn't make it back.

On the 17th June, 1940, thousands of service personnel, and a number of civilians, were killed when the troopship Lancastria was sunk by bombs before it could safely return to Britain. To quote from the website of the Lancastria Association of Scotland:

"The sinking is the worst single disaster in British maritime history, and claimed more victims than the sinking of the Titanic and Lusitania combined. It is also the largest single loss of life for British forces in the whole of World War 2. It is a disaster which has remained largely forgotten by the history books and that in part has led to a silence which continues to this day, a silence this site aims to remedy."



I know that the Lancastria Association of Scotland have worked hard to honour the memory of those killed from across the UK (do, if you have time, read all about their work on their excellent website) and have made great inroads in doing so. One thing they are still attempting to achieve, I believe, is the erection of a memorial in Scotland, where the Lancastria was built. I also believe, however, that since the recession hit, they have had to review their initial target and hoped for completion in time for the 70th anniversary. It is too late for the 70th, but I do hope that some day they achieve what they have set out to do, and this is why I would ask that anyone who feels able to, consider supporting their appeal. Details are at

http://www.lancastria.org.uk/News/Lancastria_Memorial_Fund/lancastria_memorial_fund.html

and the charity registration details are:

Lancastria Association of Scotland. Registered Scottish Charity No: SCO39936


Sorry for the rather long post, but I felt it needed explained as best I could. Thanks, in advance, for taking the time to read this far.

butterflymum

Thanks to the 114 folks who have taken the time to read this post so far - much appreciated :T.

butterflymum

70th Anniversary of the tragedy today.

In rememberance of all those, civillian and forces, who lost their lives.

dollyrocks

my grandfather was on this ship. He survived, and didn't tell us about it until about 6 years ago! An astonishing, tragic story. Would be great to see a memorial in Scotland.

butterflymum

If he is one of those survivors who is still living, or indeed if you are in contact with his next of kin if he has passed away, then you may be interested in reading about the availability of a commemorative medal, if you were not already aware of it:

http://www.lancastria.org.uk/News/Lancastria_commemorative_medal/lancastria_commemorative_medal.html