Hartlepool History Then & Now

SS Parracombe

What we know about this image :

Stanley Maude Livingstone Sutherland and his step brother James Omand McIntyre both from Leith, Edinburgh were part of the crew running the blockade into Malta when the SS Parracombe hit mines off Cape Bon on the 2nd May 1941.

On that date there was a terrific explosion, than a series of explosions that tore the bottom out of her and carried away the bridge, this killed all hands on deck. Thirty Officers went down with the ship, and eighteen survived the explosion.

Stanley and James were two of the survivors, Jimmy's right leg was broken in three places and two toes were blown off. They were picked up by a Vichy French Seaplane which landed at the naval base Bezerta.It is believed they were imprisoned at Fort of Kef, before they escaped.

Four decorations came to the ship. The Master David L Hook, Wales, and the second deck officer, John Wilson of London received the Distinguished Service Cross. Sailors Stanley Sutherland and James McIntyre were the first merchant seaman to be awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

The medal listing for Sutherland DSM, Stanley ML is held by the National Archives, Kew. DOB 01 March 1918 Ref number BT 395/1/94339 Discharge number R.204069.

On the February 9th 1942 they all met again in Buckingham Palace with other blockade runner and were presented to The King, to receive their decoration from his hand.

Donor : David Sutherland

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