SS Empire Cloud Ship History Revealed

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The SS Empire Cloud had a rich and varied history. It was a British cargo ship built in 1938 by the Burntisland Shipbuilding Company in Scotland.

The Empire Cloud was 5,143 tons and 423 feet long, making it a significant vessel of its time.

It was primarily used for transporting goods, including cargo and supplies, during World War II.

SS Empire Cloud

The SS Empire Cloud was a 5,969 GRT cargo ship. It was built in 1940 by William Pickersgill & Sons Ltd, Sunderland for the Ministry of War Transport (MoWT).

The Empire Cloud was torpedoed on its maiden voyage. Fortunately, it was repaired and returned to service.

In 1942, the Empire Cloud met a tragic end while under tow to port. It was torpedoed and sank, marking a sad conclusion to its short but eventful career.

Attack Entries

The SS Empire Cloud had a couple of close calls during its time at sea.

Spectacular aerial view showcasing the iconic Empire State Building amidst New York City's modern skyline.
Credit: pexels.com, Spectacular aerial view showcasing the iconic Empire State Building amidst New York City's modern skyline.

One notable attack occurred on May 9, 1941, when U-boat U-201, commanded by Oblt. Adalbert Schnee, damaged the Empire Cloud, resulting in significant damage.

The Empire Cloud was also targeted on August 19, 1942, when U-boat U-564, commanded by Kptlt. Reinhard Suhren, sank the ship, resulting in a loss of 5,969 tons.

Here is a list of the Empire Cloud's attack entries:

Incidents and Battles

Let's take a closer look at the incidents and battles involving Empire Cloud. Empire Cloud was attacked by U-201 on May 9, 1941, causing damage to the ship.

The U-201 was commanded by Oblt. Adalbert Schnee, who successfully damaged the Empire Cloud, resulting in a loss of 5,969 tons.

Empire Cloud suffered another attack on August 19, 1942, this time from U-564, which sank the ship.

Here are the details of the attacks on Empire Cloud:

Casualties and Losses

The Attack Entries article reveals some sobering facts about the consequences of these military operations. The casualties and losses were significant.

Stunning view of the Empire State Building framed by nearby skyscrapers in New York City.
Credit: pexels.com, Stunning view of the Empire State Building framed by nearby skyscrapers in New York City.

In the Battle of Normandy, over 10,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded in the first 24 hours of the invasion. This was a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in these operations.

The use of new technologies, such as tanks and aircraft, brought both benefits and drawbacks to the battlefield. For example, the Allies' use of air power allowed them to soften up enemy defenses before the invasion, but it also came at a cost in terms of civilian casualties.

The D-Day invasion saw the largest amphibious assault in history, with over 156,000 troops landing on five beaches in Normandy. This massive operation required meticulous planning and execution to succeed.

The losses on both sides were substantial, with estimates suggesting that over 20,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded during the entire Normandy campaign.

History

Empire Cloud was built for the MoWT and placed under the management of Allen, Black & Co Ltd. Her port of registry was Sunderland.

Credit: youtube.com, Merchant Ships At War: SS Empire Prairie

She was allocated the Code Letters BCGC and United Kingdom Official Number 168668.

Empire Cloud was a member of a number of convoys during the Second World War, including Convoy OB 318, which departed from Liverpool on 2 May 1941 and dispersed at sea on 10 May.

The ship was on her maiden voyage when she was torpedoed and damaged by U-201 on 9 May 1941, resulting in the loss of five crew members.

Empire Cloud was eventually towed to Greenock, where she was repaired and returned to service.

She may have also sailed in Convoy HX 167, which departed Halifax, Nova Scotia on 27 December 1941 and arrived at Liverpool on 11 January 1942.

History of the Ship

Empire Cloud was built for the MoWT and placed under the management of Allen, Black & Co Ltd. Her port of registry was Sunderland, and she was allocated the Code Letters BCGC and United Kingdom Official Number 168668.

A cargo ship sails into the sunlit sea, passing other vessels in a serene maritime view.
Credit: pexels.com, A cargo ship sails into the sunlit sea, passing other vessels in a serene maritime view.

The ship was a member of several convoys during the Second World War, including Convoy OB 318, which departed from Liverpool on 2 May 1941.

Empire Cloud was on her maiden voyage when she was torpedoed and damaged by U-201 on 9 May 1941. Five crew members were killed, but the survivors were rescued by HMS Nigella.

The ship was towed to Greenock by the Dutch tug Thames after being assisted by HMS St Apollo and HMS Hollyhock.

Empire Cloud may have sailed in Convoy HX 167, which departed Halifax, Nova Scotia on 27 December 1941.

She was also a member of Convoy SC 63, which departed from Sydney, Cape Breton on 3 January 1942 and dispersed at sea on 13 January.

Empire Cloud was torpedoed by U-564 on 19 August 1942, resulting in the loss of three crew members.

Background and Context

History is a vast and complex subject that spans thousands of years. It's hard to know where to start, but let's take a look at the background and context of history.

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The earliest recorded civilizations date back to around 3500 BCE, with the Sumerians in Mesopotamia (now modern-day Iraq) being one of the first. They developed a system of writing and governance that would pave the way for future civilizations.

The ancient Egyptians built some of the most impressive structures in history, including the Great Pyramid of Giza, which took around 20 years to complete. It's still an awe-inspiring sight today.

The ancient Greeks made significant contributions to philosophy, theater, and democracy, with famous figures like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle shaping Western thought.

Timeline of Events

The history of our world is a rich and complex tapestry, woven from countless events that have shaped the present.

Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and the Greeks made significant contributions to mathematics, science, and philosophy.

The Egyptians developed a system of mathematics that included the use of fractions and decimals.

The ancient Greeks made significant contributions to philosophy, with philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle laying the groundwork for Western philosophy.

A breathtaking view of New York City's skyline featuring the iconic Empire State Building on a cloudy day.
Credit: pexels.com, A breathtaking view of New York City's skyline featuring the iconic Empire State Building on a cloudy day.

The Roman Empire rose to power in the 1st century BC and expanded its territories through conquest and diplomacy.

The fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD marked the end of a period of relative peace and stability in Europe.

The Renaissance in the 14th to 17th centuries saw a resurgence of interest in classical learning and the arts.

The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries transformed the way goods were produced and consumed, leading to significant economic and social changes.

Clara Donnelly

Writer

Clara Donnelly is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting engaging content across various industries. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she brings complex topics to life through her writing. Her expertise spans a range of topics, including sustainable packaging solutions, where she explores innovative ideas and eco-friendly practices that minimize waste and promote environmental responsibility.

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