Liverpool & South West Lancashire FHS - Forum

I was wondering if someone could help me. I'm trying to find a crew list for the Laconia's final voyage when she was torpedoed by a German U-boat. We believe my grandad may have been aboard the ship but I can't seem to find a crew list anywhere online, despite how famous the voyage was.

If someone could help it would be much appreciated.
I'm asking on this forum because most of the crew were from Liverpool (Scotland Road area) and the ship was returning to Liverpool.

Thanks

The Laconia Official number 145925 which was torpedoed in 1942 and was made into a very moving drama documentry by Alan Bleasdale.

I have had a look at the national archives and also the crew list holdings held in Canada and none are available for 1942 for the Lacaonia the Crew list for that voyage may not have been saved. On your grandads CRS1 cards which are available at Kew under BT382 1941-1945 will list all the ships he was signed on. I wish we had these records up here

Ok great, thanks.

I'll have to have a look to see if I can order a copy of it. I thought his Seaman's pouch might have a list of his ships on it but unfortunately it didn't.

Has anyone ever ordered from BT382? Is it expensive?

I dont know how much it is if you send them a email and ask they will let you know.

Hi, I've just returned from London where I went to the memorial gardens adjacent to Tower Hill tube station - there's a panel as a memorial to the crew of the Laconia which lists all of the names.

Also you can try searching the Commonwealth Graves website - that's where I found my great-uncle's name would be on the Laconia memorial plaque.

Hello and welcome to the forum. A lovely first post, thank you for giving us the benefit of your your findings, I hope you enjoyed your trip.

Hiya,

My grandads' brother Thomas Bankier served and was lost onboard the Laconia in 1942.

I have visited the Tower Hill memorial in London a few times and have many photos if anyone would like to see them. I also have copies of books regarding the Laconia including the book by Rev. Frederick Grossmith if anyone wants me to look anything up.

Hi

Picture of the Tower Hill memorial here, with crew names

just scroll down page

http://www.benjidog.co.uk/Tower%20Hill/ ... llera.html

Hello EmmaLouise

You will be pleased to know that there is a article which includes a picture of Thomas Bankier. This was published in the Liverpool Evening Express Details below:-

Fireman
Thomas Bankier
Son of Alexander and Emma Bankier, of Aintree, Liverpool.
Date of publication21st-Jan-43
Merchant Navy

Do you live in Liverpool? If you do The Express is available on Microfilm at the Liverpool Record Office.

You will be able to access these record from 17th May 2013

Hi Emma and welcome to the forum. Thank you for your generous offer.

Hiya Katie,

Thanks for your info, I will definitely be paying a visit when it opens. I have a couple of group photos of Tommy and a couple of crew members but we're not quite sure which one of them he is. We also have a (not too flattering) painting of him in his uniform so a photo will be fantastic!!

I am a member of the Upholland and Skelmersdale family history group and when chatting to another member, I discovered that his uncle also served on board the Laconia and was listed as 'lost at sea'. He wrote to an address in Cardiff a few years ago and obtained a "death certificate" where the cause of death was listed as 'lost at sea'. He was very lucky in the fact that he had the original telegrams informing the family of the loss and assumed death. He had a certificate sent from the King and also his relatives service records. He also showed me the medal that his relation had received posthumously. I am unable to locate any of these for my grandads' brother.

Hi Emma if you come to the Record office, come on a Tuesday when we have our Help Desk. I will post an announcement about when we will be resuming our help desk shortly.

Hiya Katie,

Thanks again. I will definitely try to pay a visit, I would have to book a day off or wait until I am off work. Can't wait to see the new building!

Emma x