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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Angus (Forfarshire) => Topic started by: jmg1893 on Wednesday 04 August 10 10:41 BST (UK)

Title: **COMPLETED** William McKenzie died 1940 on HMS Transylvania
Post by: jmg1893 on Wednesday 04 August 10 10:41 BST (UK)

I believe a great uncle of mine William McKenzie (who was believed to have been born in Dundee) died on 10th August 1940, when the HMS Transylvania was attacked by the German submarine U-56 off Malin Head.

HMS Transylvania was damaged by a torpedo and was taken in tow but foundered before she reached harbour  off Inistrahull, Northern Ireland. Some   Although 300 of her complement were taken off by trawlers, the task of launching the boats being extremely hazardous owing to the rough seas. Two officers and 20 ratings were killed (other figures give 48 fatal casualties).

I have been struggling to find his death certificate.  Where is it likely to be?  Will it be in some Naval archive or in Dundee.  Is there any source of information on Naval Death Certificates.

I can remember when I was younger hearing that William had married just before enlisting in the Navy, but that he never had children.

Any assistance on tracing him would be gratefully received.

Jim

Title: Re: William McKenzie died 1940 on HMS Transylvania
Post by: JenB on Wednesday 04 August 10 10:54 BST (UK)

His death is recorded in the GRO War Deaths, Naval Ratings Index:

MacKenzie (note spelling!), William, A.B. HMS Transylvania, 1940,  7, 2520.

Jennifer

Title: Re: William McKenzie died 1940 on HMS Transylvania
Post by: Piglet01 on Wednesday 04 August 10 11:30 BST (UK)

And thanks to Jennifers work,

His death is also recorded on the CWGC site giving parents and wifes name.

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2457565

Regards,   Steve  :)

Also a photo and official report of abandonment and report of enquiry is at:

http://www.unithistories.com/units_british/hms/Transylvania.htm

I can't see your uncles name on the list provided by the websites owner.  He should be contatced to rectify this.  (and does as to be contacted regarding ommissions).

http://www.uboat.net/allies/merchants/ship/457.html

Title: Re: William McKenzie died 1940 on HMS Transylvania
Post by: jmg1893 on Wednesday 04 August 10 16:49 BST (UK)

Thanks to both JenB and Piglet01 for your assistance.  It's appreciated.  The CWGC site even has a picture of his grave.

Jim

Title: Re: William McKenzie died 1940 on HMS Transylvania
Post by: jmg1893 on Wednesday 04 August 10 18:07 BST (UK)

Quote from: Piglet01 on Wednesday 04 August 10 11:30 BST (UK)

Also a photo and official report of abandonment and report of enquiry is at:

http://www.unithistories.com/units_british/hms/Transylvania.htm

I can't see your uncles name on the list provided by the websites owner.  He should be contatced to rectify this.  (and does as to be contacted regarding ommissions).

http://www.uboat.net/allies/merchants/ship/457.html

I did email the web master to add my great uncle's name to the list of casualties.  Unfortunately he replied "Thanks for informing me. As my website only deals with officers, I'm not able to add him".

Obviously it's a pity that the death of an "OR" is not deemed as important.