Resources documenting the sinking of HMS Champagne (1917) and the wreck of the 'Jeune St Charles' (1858)
Date(s): 1917
Creator(s): Various
Scope & Content: Colour copy of illustrated diary account of the sinking of HMS Champagne (1917) by survivor Arthur George, April 1918; an account of the wreck of the Jeune St Charles (1858) by Michael Kneale and a poster for a talk, co-presented by Kneale, regarding these two events to be held in February 2012. Arthur George notes that on arriving aboard HMS Champagne, moored in the Bay of Brest, the diet consisted of 'Bully and Biscuits'. The vessel sailed for England (arriving at Canada Dock, Liverpool on 2 August 1917) and proceeded on Northern Patrol eight days later. Following a return trip to Liverpool on 9 October the ship was hit by a torpedo amidship starboard side, shaking the ship from 'stem to stern'. Crew in the Stoke Hole were immediately killed by the explosion, except for a few who managed to get on deck. As two boats were lowered, another torpedo hit virtually in the same spot killing the men and leaving eight boats, some of which were safely lowered. The ship sank in 13 minutes after breaking in half. Severe weather conditions made it difficult for survivors who were spotted by a trawler after eight hours. 5 boat-loads of men were rescued before the trawler reached the nearest port of Port St Mary. 56 men (including five officers) lost their lives, but 150 survivors landed on the Island.
The 2012 talk at Ballafesson Hall was hosted by Rushen Parish Commissioners. For an eyewitness account of the landing of survivors from HMS Champagne in Peel, see MS 13657.
Administration / Biographical History: The Jeune St Charles, skippered by the Breton sailor Captain Jegou, was a 69 ton schooner built in 1852. She was carrying a cargo of flour when damaged by gales in the Irish Sea, Having dropped anchor, the vessel was driven onto Thousla in Calf Sound along with the longboat which overturned. Two boys were lost but the remaining four crewmen were recued through the bravery of local sailors. RMS Orepesa (built 1895) was a British Armed Merchant Cruiser requisitioned for war service in 1914. As part of the 10th Cruiser Squadron she sank a German submarine in March 1915 off the Skerryvore lighthouse. In 1917 she was lent to the French navy and renamed HMS Champagne but retained her British crew.
Language: English
Extent: 3 items
Collection: Manuscript Archive
Level: FONDS
ID number: MS 13003
Record class: Private
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