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Writer's pictureSi Biggs

Loss of HMS Redbreast - WW1 Q Ship

Redbreast, Q-ship, ex-fleet messenger, torpedoed and sunk by UC.38 in Mediterranean



HMS Redbreast was a passenger/cargo ship requisitioned by the British Government during World War I, and used as a messenger ship and anti-submarine Q-ship.


On 15 April 1917 she rescued survivors from HM Troopship "Arcadian" carrying reinforcements for Egypt, which was torpedoed at 17:45 hours and sunk in only 6 minutes 42 km north east from the island of Milo (Melos).


REDBREAST operating as a Q Ship picked up survivors in the early hours of the 18th.


She was torpedoed and sunk by the Imperial German NavysubmarineUC-38 in the Aegean Sea on 15 July 1917 while on passage from Skyros to the Doro Channel.


Forty Two (or Forty Four) of her crew were killed including 3 Royal Marines, one crew man was taken prisoner.


Q-ship “Baralong” Showing Royal Marines disguised as merchant seaman and method of concealing the gun.

Royal Marine Casualties:


BEATTIE, Edward, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13385

MAYBREY, James W, Private, RMLI, 16055 (Ch)

VELLENDER, George, Lance Corporal, RMLI, 10212 (Ch)


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