Sinking of the SS Tynwald as seen from HMS Roberts Monitor
Date(s): 12 November 1942
Creator(s): Bloor, John James
Scope & Content: The SS Tynwald was requisitioned from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company at the end of 1941 and was used as a personnel vessel and served during the evacuation of Dunkirk. She was hit by a torpedo fired by the Italian submarine Argo and went down off the coast of the North Africa after taking part in the so called Battle of Bejaia.
The sinking was reported in The Isle of Man Examiner 6 December 1942 and is quoted below:
"TYNWALD" LOST ISLAND'S SERIOUS POST-WAR OUTLOOK
In official quarters it had been known for about ten days that the Island had suffered a severe blow by the loss of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co.'s fine turbine steamer "Tynwald," which was sunk by enemy action during the bold enterprise of the American and British forces in North Africa. The fact that this fine vessel had been lost was told to Parliament by the First Lord of the Admiralty yesterday in 'the course of what he described as a balance sheet of the result of the North African operations. The "Tynwald," which was a vessel of 2,376 tons and a speed of 21 knots, was launched, along with the "Fenella," at Barrow in 1936, and came on service in June, 1937. Both were, in very truth, miniature luxury liners. The "Fenella" was lost at Dunkirk, along with the "Mona's Queen" and "King Orry," so that three of the Steam Packet Co.'s latest and best vessels have now gone. Not a very encouraging postwar outlook!
The "Tynwald" was acquired by the Government in October 1941, and was manned by the Royal Navy. She had been fitted up as an anti-aircraft ship. Among her personnel was Sub.-Lieut. John Henry (Harry) Crawley, of "Woodside," Port St. Mary, whose parents received a wire from him last week saying "Returned safe and sound with only the clothes I stand up in. Everything else gone."
It is understood that Sub-Lieut. Crawley was the only Manxman in the ship, although the chief engineer, Mr. T. H. Vicars, who comes from Grange-over-Sands, had served with the Steam Packet Co. for over 15 years. For many years he was second engineer in the "Viking," and went to the "Tynwald" when there was a vacancy after Dunkirk. He was over 60 years of age. A letter has been received from him saying that he is safe and home on leave, though he lost all his effects. He served in the Navy in the last war.
No details are known as to her sinking, but it is understood that she was torpedoed in the early morning.
Many Douglas residents will remember the model of H.M.S. "Tynwald," which was displayed on the Douglas Promenade on Trafalgar Day this year, showing the ship as she appeared after she had been converted for her new duties. Among other ships reported sunk during the operations was the "Hecla," in which" two Manx seamen had been serving - one from Douglas and the other from Ramsey, but we learn that both men are now with other ships."
Language: eng
Extent: 5.5 x 8 cm
Physical description: Sepia print
Item name: sepia print
Collection: Photographic Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: PG/16194/4
Record class: Private
Subject tags : #ALLATSEA