MV Kerlogue: A Neutral Vessel in a Turbulent Era

The MV Kerlogue was a neutral vessel that played a significant role in the tumultuous era of World War II.

Built in 1937, the ship was designed for cargo transport and had a length of 91.5 meters and a gross tonnage of 1,281 tons.

Operating under the flag of Malta, the MV Kerlogue was a British-registered vessel that navigated the challenging waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

During its time, the ship was crewed by a mix of British and Maltese sailors, who worked tirelessly to keep the vessel running smoothly.

At the outbreak of World War II, Ireland found itself with an inadequate number of ships, declining from 127 in 1923 to 56 in September 1939.

Most of Ireland's international trade was carried on British Flagged vessels, but with the outbreak of the war, most of these were no longer available.

The United States ordered its ships not to enter the 'war zone', leaving Irish-bound cargos stranded as far as Portugal.

The usual route for ships like the Kerlogue was to carry Irish agricultural exports to Britain, where they would be refuelled and take on a British export to Spain or Portugal.

Typical cargoes would have been fertiliser, agricultural machinery, or wheat, which were then transported back to Ireland.

These ships would travel along the line of longitude at 12° West, while Allied convoys to Gibraltar were 20° West.

If the American goods hadn't arrived, a "cargo of opportunity", such as wheat or fruit, was purchased to replace them.

On 23 October 1943, the Kerlogue was attacked by two Mosquito fighters of No. 307 Polish Night Fighter Squadron while on passage from Port Talbot to Lisbon.

The attack lasted for twenty minutes, with the planes repeatedly diving on the Kerlogue and firing their cannons. The ship's cargo of coal proved to be a crucial factor in its survival, as it helped to absorb the impact of the shells and prevent them from penetrating the hull.

The Kerlogue limped back to Cobh, where the cargo of coal was discharged and shell fragments of British origin were found, confirming that the attack was not a mistaken identity.

Captain Desmond Fortune was succeeded by Captain Thomas Donohue, who had previously been captain of The Lady Belle of Waterford when she was bombed by the Luftwaffe.

The Kerlogue was attacked by two Mosquito fighters of No. 307 Polish Night Fighter Squadron on 23 October 1943.

The aircraft repeatedly dived on the Kerlogue firing their cannons for twenty minutes.

The Kerlogue was on passage from Port Talbot to Lisbon with a cargo of coal at the time of the attack.

The British Naval Attaché in Dublin reported that it was "unfortunate from a British point of view" that Captain Fortune had been involved in the incident.

The RAF would not apportion blame on the Poles, as the Kerlogue was "east of 12 degrees west".

Captain Desmond Fortune, who was involved in the incident, would never walk unaided again.

The Kerlogue limped back to Cobh after the attack, where her cargo of coal was discharged.

Shell fragments of British origin were found in the Kerlogue's cargo after it was discharged.

The cargo of coal saved the Kerlogue's hull from penetration, thanks to the coal's density.

Captain Thomas Donohue succeeded Captain Fortune as captain of the Kerlogue.

The Kerlogue is a type of fishing boat that originated in Cornwall, England.

It was designed to be a versatile vessel, capable of fishing, carrying cargo, and even serving as a lifeboat.

The Kerlogue's design was influenced by the local fishing industry and the need for a sturdy boat that could withstand the rough seas of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Kerlogue's history dates back to the 19th century, when it was a common sight in Cornish harbors.

These boats were built with a strong wooden hull and a distinctive curved stern, which helped to reduce drag and improve stability.

The Kerlogue played a crucial role in the Cornish fishing industry, with many boats employed in the fishing fleets that sailed from ports like Newlyn and Penzance.

The Kerlogue's history is also marked by its use as a lifeboat, with many boats being converted for this purpose during times of war.

The Kerlogue's legacy can still be seen in the many boats that continue to be built and used in Cornish harbors today.

The MV Kerlogue was a British-registered cargo ship that played a crucial role in the evacuation of Dunkirk during World War II. It was one of the many ships that helped rescue Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk.

The MV Kerlogue was a relatively small ship, measuring 244 feet in length and 36 feet in beam. Its cargo capacity was 1,200 tons, but it was used to transport over 6,000 soldiers during the evacuation. This highlights the ship's importance in the rescue efforts.

The ship's crew, led by Captain John Lewis, demonstrated exceptional bravery and dedication during the evacuation. They worked tirelessly to transport soldiers to safety, often under intense enemy fire.

The Kerlogue is a type of sailing vessel that played a significant role in the history of the British Royal Navy.

It was primarily used for coastal defense and patrol duties, often serving as a dispatch vessel or a tender to larger warships.

The Kerlogue's small size allowed it to navigate shallow waters and coastal areas, making it an ideal vessel for these types of tasks.

Its crew typically consisted of 30-40 sailors, who were responsible for navigating, sailing, and maintaining the vessel.

The Kerlogue's design was influenced by the need for a fast and maneuverable vessel that could respond quickly to changing circumstances.

Its shallow draft and narrow hull made it well-suited for navigating tight spaces and shallow waters.

The Kerlogue's role in the Royal Navy was often focused on supporting larger warships and providing reconnaissance and patrol services.

It was also used for transporting personnel and supplies between ships and shore-based facilities.

The Kerlogue's size and design made it an efficient and effective vessel for these tasks, and it played an important role in the Royal Navy's operations.

The recent surge in cyber attacks has left many businesses vulnerable to data breaches, with 60% of companies experiencing a breach in the past year alone.

The average cost of a data breach is a staggering $3.86 million, making it a costly mistake for businesses to ignore cybersecurity measures.

In 2020, a single data breach cost a major retailer $1.3 billion in damages, serving as a stark reminder of the financial consequences of inadequate cybersecurity.

The majority of data breaches occur due to human error, with 55% of breaches resulting from phishing attacks.

A phishing attack occurs when an attacker sends a fake email that appears to be from a legitimate source, tricking the recipient into revealing sensitive information.

In 2019, a phishing attack on a healthcare organization compromised the personal data of over 1 million patients.

Cyber attacks are not limited to large corporations; small businesses are also at risk, with 71% of small businesses experiencing a cyber attack in the past year.

The consequences of a cyber attack can be devastating, with 60% of small businesses closing their doors permanently after a breach.

In the next section, we'll explore the ways in which businesses can protect themselves from cyber attacks and prevent devastating data breaches.

The MV Kerlogue played a significant role in the evacuation of Dunkirk during World War II.

She was one of the many ships that sailed to Dunkirk to rescue soldiers trapped by the German army.

With a capacity for 12 tons of cargo, the Kerlogue made multiple trips to the beaches to collect survivors.

The ship's crew worked tirelessly to rescue as many soldiers as possible, often under heavy fire.

The Kerlogue's bravery and selflessness during this time period have earned her a lasting legacy.

The ship was eventually sold and converted into a cargo ship, but her wartime service will always be remembered.

In the post-war period, the rescue of the Germans was rarely mentioned.

It wasn't until 27 April 1994 that then-Senator Dick Roche spoke about his father's role in the rescue.

The German Navy expressed its thanks in a ceremony at the National Maritime Museum of Ireland on 27 May 1994, attended by President Mary Robinson.

Some sketches of the rescue, drawn while in the Curragh, were presented and remain on display with other artefacts.