SS Scillian

[PaulaToo]

I would love to know if there is anybody out there who might have had a relation on board
SS Scillian, or any stories about it.

My father was a prisoner of war along with around
about 800 soldiers aboard the SS Scillian, but
it was sunk by our Navy, Submarine HMS SAHIB on
the 14th November 1942.

[Grandpa Canuck]

My uncle was on board the SS Scillian. 
George R Gitsham
Service Number 3055228
Unit: 8th Kings Royal Irish hussars, part of the 4th Armoured Brigade - The Black Rats.

Another uncle Pte. Gordon Booth, Durham Light Infantry, was on one of the other two ships and told me the story of the sinking many years ago.  George and Gordon met up before the crossing and George tried to talk my uncle Gordon into coming with his group.  My uncle stayed with his friends and the rest is history.

I see from official records the government only made the sinking by HMS Sahib public information in 1996 after repeated requests for information from the families of the drown men.

[PaulaToo]

It's been a long time, but

Hi Grandpa Canuck.

I see in the opening message that I have put that it was my father who was on the SS Scillian ... ooops, it was my father in law.
How lovely of you to post your message. I shall contact the family at once.

Paula

[Lanfrank1]

My uncle Gnr John Francis (Frank) Davies was on the SS Scillian and did not survive he was in the 68 Medium Regiment Royal Artillery and his loss was reported by L/cpl W. Mackie  1st Batalion The Kings Own who survived the sinking. My Mother wrote to the daily mirror after the war seeking information but did not hear until reading a letter and article in the Daily Mail she subsequently wrote to the paper and received information from a Brian W. Lin's  ( spelling of Lins) uncertain due to signature on letter, his Father was lost on the ship and he spent years trying to discover the truth of the incident.

[KGarrad]

Welcome to RootsChat!

When was this?

Could it be the SS Scillin, sunk by a Royal Navy submarine when transporting 800 Allied POW's?
The Scillin was sunk and nearly all were killed.

See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Scillin

[Lanfrank1]

Yes. November 13th or 14th 1942 .go to Scillin Wikipedia also the names are apparently listed at the National Memorial England.

[PaulaToo]

This is what I like about RootsChat,  as the years roll on, messages are still entered onto the threads.
So nice to hear from you.

[HMac]

she subsequently wrote to the paper and received information from a Brian W. Lin's  ( spelling of Lins) uncertain due to signature on letter, his Father was lost on the ship and he spent years trying to discover the truth of the incident.

Sadly Brian Sims, aka ADM 199, who you mention, sadly passed away in June 2015. Without question the expert on SCILLIN and all things concerning prisoner's of war, Very much missed.

Regards
Hugh