SS Dorset 2
From Our Contribution
 | |
 | |
| History | |
|---|---|
| Name | SS Dorset |
| Owner | Federal Steam navigation Co. Ltd. |
| Builder | Workman, Clark & (1928). Ltd |
| Yard number | 534 |
| Completed | 1934 |
| In service | 1934 |
| Out of service | 1942 |
| Fate | sunk during air raid 14 Aug 1942 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | cargo / passenger |
| Tonnage | 10,624 tons |
| Length | 508 feet, 4 inches (156.4 m) |
| Beam | 67 feet, 11 inches (20.9 m) |
| Depth | 32 feet, 1 inch (9.9m) |
| Speed | 16.5 knots(30.56 km/h) |
Remarks
SS Dorset was part of a convoy named Pedestal, which on 13 Aug 1942 was heavily attacked in the western Mediterranean Sea. Under attack her skipper had her executing emergency turns, evading air attacks and avoiding damaged ships in his path. The evening turned into night and each turn of the propeller took them closer to E-boat alley.
At 1:15 am, the Italian E-Boat Ms 26 crossed Dorset’s bow from port to starboard. Captain Tuckett attempted to ram it but the boat slipped away into the night; moments later a ship was heard exploding.
Dawn found SS Dorset alone in dangerous waters, still more than 100 miles from its destination. Seeing flak bursts in the distance, the captain pointed the bow toward what remained of the convoy. Dorset approached the labouring Ohio for mutual defence. At 11:20 am, 12 x Sm79 bombers attacked, their escorts mixing with the defensive Spitfires. In a brave manoeuvre, HMS Pathfinder turned into the path of the attackers and with all guns blazing, succeeded in saving the ships from slaughter.
Both Ohio and Dorset were now caught in a devastating series of dive-bombing attacks. Bombs straddled and near-missed repeatedly and both ships were badly battered. At 9:45am, a bomb from a determined Junkers Ju 87 penetrated No. 4 hold, flooding the engine room and starting a large fire that could not be put out. Afloat but ablaze, she was abandoned; her crew being picked up by the escort ships.