List of shipwrecks in September 1939

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The list of shipwrecks in September 1939 includes ships sunk, foundered, grounded, or otherwise lost during September 1939.

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by with reliable sources.

1 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 1 September 1939
Ship Country Description
ORP Mazur  Polish Navy World War II: The gunnery training vessel (340/421 t, 1915) was bombed and sunk at Oksywie by Junkers Ju 87 aircraft of IV Staffeln, Lehrgeschwader 1, Luftwaffe with the loss of about 40 crew.[1]
 Polish Navy World War II: The dive support vessel (110 t, 1936) was bombed and sunk at Oksywie by Junkers Ju 87 aircraft of IV Staffeln, Lehrgeschwader 1, Luftwaffe. There were 17 dead and 6 survivors.[1][2][circular reference]
ORP Slazak  Polish Navy World War II: The motor boat (12,5/17 t, 1932/1939) was scuttled. Later salvaged by the Germans, repaired and put in service as Panther ( Germany Navy).[3]

2 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 2 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 Polish Navy World War II: The auxiliary ship (547 GRT, 1927) was bombed and sunk in the Baltic Sea off Gdańsk by Junkers Ju 87 aircraft of IV Staffeln, Lehrgeschwader 1, Luftwaffe. One crew was killed.[1][4][5][circular reference]
ORP Gdynia  Polish Navy World War II: The auxiliary ship (586 GRT, 1927) was bombed and sunk in the Baltic Sea off Gdańsk by Junkers Ju 87 aircraft of IV Staffeln, Lehrgeschwader 1, Luftwaffe. Between 35 and 40 lives were lost.[1][4][6][circular reference]
USS Pigeon  United States Navy
USS Pigeon aground at Tsingtao

The submarine rescue vessel was driven ashore in a typhoon in China. She was later refloated and returned to service.

3 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 3 September 1939
Ship Country Description
Athenia  United Kingdom World War II: The passenger ship (13,581 or 13,465 GRT, 1923) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 250 nautical miles (460 km) off Northern Ireland (56°44′N 14°05′W / 56.733°N 14.083°W / 56.733; -14.083) by U-30 ( Germany Navy) with the loss of 117 of the 1,418 people on board. Survivors were rescued by HMS Electra, HMS Escort (both  United Kingdom Navy), City of Flint ( United States), ( Norway) and Southern Cross ( Sweden).
ORP General Haller  Polish Navy World War II: The gunboat (343/441 t, 1916/1921) was badly damaged at Hel by Luftwaffe Heinkel He 59s. She was abandoned by her crew and her weapons were removed for use in ground defense. German bombers finally sunk her on 6 September.[4]
ORP Gryf  Polish Navy World War II: The minelayer (2,227/2,700 t, 1938) was bombed and sunk at Hel by Luftwaffe aircraft after engaging the destroyers Z1 Leberecht Maass and Z9 Wolfgang Zenker (both  Germany Navy). Six Polish sailors were killed by German shells and two more by the air attack. Another died of wounds. [4][7]
 Poland World War II: The small steamer (133 GRT), recently commandeered by the Polish Navy as a picket ship, was sunk in the Baltic Sea off Hel (54°35′N 19°08′E / 54.583°N 19.133°E / 54.583; 19.133) by gunfire from ( Germany Navy). The whole crew was allowed to take to their lifeboat before the attack.[4][8][9]
ORP Mewa  Polish Navy World War II: The minesweeper (183/203 t, 1935) was bombed and sunk at Hel by Luftwaffe aircraft.[4]
 Germany World War II: the cargo ship was (4,576 GRT, 1927) intercepted by HMS Ajax ( United Kingdom Navy) in the South Atlantic off the River Plate, Argentina (33°30′S 53°30′W / 33.500°S 53.500°W / -33.500; -53.500) and sunk by Ajax as no prize crew was available.[4][10]
ORP Wicher  Polish Navy World War II: The Wicher-class destroyer (1,400/1,910 t, 1930) was bombed and sunk at Hel by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of one crew member.[4]

4 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 4 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 Germany World War II: The cargo ship (6,594 GRT, 1920) was intercepted in the South Atlantic off Montevideo, Uruguay (34°19′S 48°29′W / 34.317°S 48.483°W / -34.317; -48.483) by HMS Ajax ( United Kingdom Navy) and scuttled because no prize crew was available.[4][11][12]
 Latvia World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Baltic Sea off Malmö, Sweden with the loss of all 22 crew.[13]
 Germany World War II: The cargo ship (5,294 GRT, 1936) was intercepted in the Norwegian Sea 17 nautical miles (31 km) off Stadlandet, Norway (61°40′N 3°51′E / 61.667°N 3.850°E / 61.667; 3.850) by HMS Southampton ( United Kingdom Navy) and was scuttled by her crew, who were rescued by HMS Jervis ( United Kingdom Navy), which shelled and sank Johannes Molkenbuhr.[4]
 Greece World War II: The cargo ship (3,933 GRT) struck a mine in the Øresund, Sweden and sank. All 29 crew were rescued by ( Finland).[14]
 Polish Navy World War II: The ex-German A-class torpedo boat (330/381 t, 1918/1921) was scuttled off Danzig.[10]
 Polish Navy World War II: The ex-German A-class torpedo boat (335/392 t, 1917/1921) was scuttled off Danzig.[10]
 Germany World War II: The schooner struck a mine in the North Sea and sank with all five hands.[15] (Look 07/09/1939)
Nordstrand  Denmark World War II: The trawler (30 GRT) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 70 nautical miles (130 km) west of the Horn Reef Lighthouse. All four crew were killed.[4][16]

5 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 5 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (2,407 GRT, 1928) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 120 nautical miles (220 km) north north west of Cape Ortegal, Spain (45°29′N 9°45′W / 45.483°N 9.750°W / 45.483; -9.750) by U-47 ( Germany Navy) with the loss of one of her 37 crew. Survivors were rescued by ( Norway).[4][17][18][19]
 Germany World War II: The cargo ship (2,867 GRT, 1929) was captured in the Atlantic Ocean 400 nautical miles (740 km) south west of the Canary Islands, Spain by HMS Neptune ( United Kingdom Navy) and was scuttled.[20]
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (4,853 GRT, 1937) was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north of Cape Finisterre, Spain (46°23′N 14°59′W / 46.383°N 14.983°W / 46.383; -14.983) by U-48 ( Germany Navy) with the loss of one of her 33 crew. Survivors were rescued by ( United Kingdom).[4][10][21][22]

6 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 6 September 1939
Ship Country Description
ORP General Haller  Polish Navy World War II: The abandoned Filin-class guard ship (344/441 t, 1918/1921) was bombed and sunk at Hel by Luftwaffe aircraft.
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (7,242 GRT, 1917) was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Roca, Portugal (42°01′N 14°38′W / 42.017°N 14.633°W / 42.017; -14.633 by U-38 ( Germany Navy) with the loss of seven of her 62 crew. Survivors were rescued by ( Portugal), ( Italy) and ( Netherlands).[4][10][23]
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (4,086 GRT, 1922) was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south west of Cape Finisterre, Spain (50°27′N 13°45′W / 50.450°N 13.750°W / 50.450; -13.750) by U-47 ( Germany Navy). All 41 crew were rescued by ( Netherlands).[4][24][25]
Sutwik  United States The 15-gross register ton, 41.8-foot (12.7 m) motor towing vessel was destroyed in the Bering Sea off off the west-central coast of the Territory of Alaska by a fire that began when one of her gasoline engines backfired. Her two-man crew jumped overboard and survived.[26]

7 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 7 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (1,777 GRT, 1921) was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 260 nautical miles (480 km) west north west of Cape Finisterre, Spain (47°04′N 11°32′W / 47.067°N 11.533°W / 47.067; -11.533) by U-47 ( Germany Navy). All 22 crew were rescued by ( Sweden).[27]
 Germany World War II: The coaster (125 GRT, 1914) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Norway.[4]
 United Kingdom World War II: the cargo ship (4,060 GRT, 1929) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 300 nautical miles (560 km) north west of Spain (49°05′N 15°58′W / 49.083°N 15.967°W / 49.083; -15.967) by U-33 ( Germany Navy. All crew were ordered into the lifeboats before the ship was sunk. They were rescued by Washington ( United States.[4][28][29][30]
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was (5,809 GRT, 1929) captured in the Atlantic Ocean south west of Land's End, Cornwall (49°23′N 7°49′W / 49.383°N 7.817°W / 49.383; -7.817) by U-34 ( Germany Navy). Her 35 crew were ordered into the lifeboats before the ship was torpedoed, shelled and sunk. The crew were rescued by ( Netherlands).[4][31][32]
 Germany The cargo ship (4,061 GRT, 1911) ran aground at Midtfjøra, Tananger, Norway and was a total loss.[10]

8 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 8 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 United Kingdom World War II: The Admiralty-requisitioned cargo ship (4,896 GRT, 1911) was scuttled in Skerry Sound, Scapa Flow as a blockship. Broke up at the beginning of the winter of 1939–1940.[33][34]
 Germany World War II: The coaster (727 GRT, 1913) struck a mine and sank in the Skagerrak.[4][35]
 Germany World War II: The coaster (656 GRT, 1904) struck a mine and sank in the Baltic Sea.[4]
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (5,548 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean south west of Land's End, Cornwall (49°18′N 8°13′W / 49.300°N 8.217°W / 49.300; -8.217) by U-34 ( Germany Navy). Her 22 crew were rescued by ( Netherlands). She was scuttled by HMS Wolverine ( United Kingdom Navy).[4][10][36][37]
 Finland World War II: The barque (2,824 or 2,795 GRT) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea at 55°53′N 5°07′E / 55.883°N 5.117°E / 55.883; 5.117 with the loss of 14 of her 21 crew. The survivors were rescued by Tallona ( Estonia).[10][38]
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (10,176 GRT, 1938) was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 250 nautical miles (460 km) west south west of Cape Clear Island, County Cork, Ireland (49°57′N 15°34′W / 49.950°N 15.567°W / 49.950; -15.567) by U-29 ( Germany Navy). All 41 crew and 3 passengers were rescued by ( Belgium). Regent Tiger foundered and sank on 10 September at 49°48′N 14°33′W / 49.800°N 14.550°W / 49.800; -14.550.[4][39]
HNLMS Willem van Ewijck  Royal Netherlands Navy World War II: The Jan van Amstel-class minesweeper (460/525 t, 1937) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Terschelling, Friesland with the loss of 33 lives.
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (5,055 GRT, 1927) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 500 nautical miles (930 km) west of Ouessant, Finistère, France (48°06′N 18°12′W / 48.100°N 18.200°W / 48.100; -18.200) by U-48 ( Germany Navy). All 37 crew were rescued by Statendam ( Netherlands).[4][40][41]

9 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 9 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 France The cargo ship (2,800 GRT) was wrecked on Itu Aba Island, Spratly Islands.[42]
 Netherlands World War II: The cargo ship (1,514 GRT, 1930) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 120 nautical miles (220 km) south west of , Denmark (56°45′N 4°04′E / 56.750°N 4.067°E / 56.750; 4.067). There was no casualty.[43][44][45]
 Polish Navy World War II: The river monitor (39 t, 1934) was scuttled to avoid capture. Raised, repaired and put in German service as ( Germany Navy).[46]

10 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 10 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (2,796 GRT, 1937) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Bridlington, Yorkshire (at 54°06′N 0°03′W / 54.100°N 0.050°W / 54.100; -0.050) with the loss of one of her 24 crew.[47][48]
Magdapur  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (8,641 GRT, 1921) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Aldeburgh, Suffolk (52°11′N 1°43′E / 52.183°N 1.717°E / 52.183; 1.717) with the loss of six of her 81 crew. Survivors were rescued by the Aldeburgh lifeboat Abdy Beauclerk (Flag of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.svg Royal National Lifeboat Institution) and other vessels.[4][10][49][50]
HMS Oxley  United Kingdom Navy World War II: The Odin-class submarine (1,350/1,870 t, 1927) was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea off Stavanger, Norway (58°30′N 5°30′E / 58.500°N 5.500°E / 58.500; 5.500) by Triton ( United Kingdom Navy) with the loss of 52 of her 55 crew.[10][51]

11 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 11 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (4,425 GRT, 1929) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of County Donegal, Ireland (54°59′N 15°08′W / 54.983°N 15.133°W / 54.983; -15.133) by U-30 ( Germany Navy). All 30 crew were rescued by ( United States).[4][10][52][53]
 United Kingdom The coaster (313 GRT, 1937) collided with another ship in The Downs, Kent and sank.[54]
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (4,869 GRT, 1926) was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 300 nautical miles (560 km) west north west of Cape Wrath, Sutherland (59°40′N 13°50′W / 59.667°N 13.833°W / 59.667; -13.833) by U-48 ( Germany Navy). All 41 crew were rescued by HMS Fearless ( United Kingdom Navy).[4][10][55][56][57]
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (9,456 GRT, 1938) was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 270 nautical miles (500 km) west south west of Land's End, Cornwall (48°14′N 11°48′W / 48.233°N 11.800°W / 48.233; -11.800) by U-38 ( Germany Navy). The 49 crew were rescued by ( United States).[4][10][58][59][60][61]
 United Kingdom World War II: The Castle-class trawler (271 GRT, 1917) was reported missing.[62]

13 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 13 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 France Navy World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper was damaged beyond repair by the explosion of Pluton ( France Navy) at Casablanca, Morocco.[4]
 France Navy World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper (70 GRT) was damaged beyond repair by the explosion of Pluton ( France Navy) at Casablanca.[4]
Davara  United Kingdom World War II: The trawler (291 GRT, 1912) was shelled and sunk by in the Atlantic Ocean 21 nautical miles (39 km) west off Tory Island, County Donegal, Ireland (55°31′15″N 8°37′57″W / 55.52083°N 8.63250°W / 55.52083; -8.63250) by U-27 ( Germany Navy). The crew were rescued by ( United Kingdom).
Etoile du Matin  France World War II: The trawler was sunk by the explosion of Pluton ( France Navy) at Casablanca.[4]
 France Navy World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper was damaged beyond repair by the explosion of Pluton ( France Navy) at Casablanca.[4]
 Greece World War II: The cargo ship (3,661 GRT) struck a mine and was grounded off Falsterbo, Sweden. Refloated later that day and proceeded to Copenhagen, Denmark under escort from a Royal Swedish Navy minesweeper.[4][63]
Marie Merveilleuse  France World War II: The trawler was sunk by the explosion of Pluton ( France Navy) at Casablanca.[4]
 United Kingdom World War II: The tug (798 GRT, 1938) was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south west of Ireland (49°20′N 14°40′W / 49.333°N 14.667°W / 49.333; -14.667) by U-29 ( Germany Navy). The crew were rescued by ( United Kingdom).[4][10][64]
Pluton  France Navy World War II: The minelayer cruiser (4,773/6,116 t, 1932) was sunk by an explosion whilst unloading mines at Casablanca. About 200 of her 424 crew were killed.[4][65]
 Norway World War II: The cargo liner (5,136 GRT, 1937) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Terschelling, Friesland, Netherlands (54°10′N 4°34′E / 54.167°N 4.567°E / 54.167; 4.567) with the loss of 17 of the 37 people aboard. The survivors were rescued by ( Italy).[4][10][66]
Stolp  Germany The trawler (122 GRT, 1898) collided with Luchs ( Germany Navy) in the North Sea and sank.[4]
Sultan  France World War II: The trawler was sunk by the explosion of Pluton ( France Navy) at Casablanca.[4]

14 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 14 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 United Kingdom World War II: The tanker (8,431 GRT, 1939) was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south west of Ireland (49°43′N 12°49′W / 49.717°N 12.817°W / 49.717; -12.817) by U-29 ( Germany Navy). The survivors were rescued by ( Norway).[4][10][55][67]
 Polish Navy World War II: The minesweeper (183/203 t, 1939) was sunk at Jastarnia by aircraft of 4. Trägergeschwader 186, Luftwaffe.[1]
Fanad Head  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (5,200 GRT, 1917) was captured 280 nautical miles (520 km) west north west of Malin Head, County Donegal Ireland by U-30 ( Germany Navy) and scuttled. Survivors were rescued by HMS Tartar ( United Kingdom Navy).[4][68]
 United Kingdom World War II: The coaster (210 GRT, 1907) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea east of South Foreland, Kent (51°07′N 1°27′E / 51.117°N 1.450°E / 51.117; 1.450) with the loss of all five crew.[69]
ORP Jaskółka  Polish Navy World War II: The Jaskółka-class minesweeper (183/203 t, 1935) was bombed and sunk at Jastarnia by Junkers Ju 87 aircraft of 4. Trägergeschwader 186, Luftwaffe.[1][4]
 Polish Navy World War II: The tug was bombed and sunk at Jastarnia by aircraft of 4. Trägergeschwader 186, Luftwaffe.[1]
 Polish Navy World War II: The minesweeper was bombed and sunk at Jastarnia by aircraft of 4. Trägergeschwader 186, Luftwaffe.[1]
U-39  Germany Navy World War II: The Type IXA submarine (1,016/1,134 t, 1938) was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Rockall, Inverness-shire (58°32′N 11°49′W / 58.533°N 11.817°W / 58.533; -11.817) by HMS Faulknor, HMS Firedrake and HMS Foxhound (all  United Kingdom Navy). She was the first U-boat lost to enemy action during the war. All 42 crew were rescued by HMS Faulknor.
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (4,955 GRT, 1930) was torpedoed and sunk in the Celtic Sea south west of Ireland (51°23′N 7°03′W / 51.383°N 7.050°W / 51.383; -7.050) by U-28 ( Germany Navy) with the loss of three of her 33 crew. Survivors were rescued by ( Netherlands).[4][10][55][70][71]

15 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 15 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 Belgium World War II: The cargo ship (5,965 GRT, 1937) struck a mine laid by U-26 ( Germany Navy) and sank in the English Channel 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) off the ( United Kingdom) (50°32′N 2°16′W / 50.533°N 2.267°W / 50.533; -2.267). All 57 people on board were rescued by ( Greece).[10][72][73][74]
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (8,825 GRT, 1930) was torpedoed, shelled and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 150 nautical miles (280 km) west south west of the Fastnet Rock (50°20′N 13°30′W / 50.333°N 13.500°W / 50.333; -13.500) by U-53 ( Germany Navy) with the loss of six of her 43 crew. The survivors were rescued by ( Norway). Cheyenne was declared beyond salvage and scuttled by HMS Mackay ( United Kingdom Navy).[10][72][75]
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (974 GRT, 1922) was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the North Sea 130 nautical miles (240 km) east north east of Rattray Head, Aberdeenshire (58°20′N 2°00′E / 58.333°N 2.000°E / 58.333; 2.000) by U-36 ( Germany Navy). Survivors were rescued by the trawlers Edwaard van Flaaneren and Nautilus (both  Belgium).[10][72][76][77]

16 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 16 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (1,567 GRT, 1924) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 150 nautical miles (280 km) south west of Land's End, Cornwall (48°00′N 9°30′W / 48.000°N 9.500°W / 48.000; -9.500) by U-33 ( Germany Navy). All crew were rescued by two French fishing vessels.[10][72][78]
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (4,060 GRT, 1920) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 350 nautical miles (650 km) west of Land's End (49°11′N 13°38′W / 49.183°N 13.633°W / 49.183; -13.633) by U-31 ( Germany Navy) with the loss of 23 of her 34 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Warwick ( United Kingdom Navy).[10][72][79]
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (1,594 GRT) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Dunkerque, Nord, France (51°22′N 2°31′E / 51.367°N 2.517°E / 51.367; 2.517) with the loss of three crew.[10][72]
City of Paris  United Kingdom World War II: The ocean liner (10,902 GRT, 1922) struck a mine that had been laid by U-13 ( Germany Navy). One person was killed. The ship was repaired and returned to service.
Rudyard Kipling  United Kingdom World War II: The trawler (333 GRT, 1921) was captured in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland by U-27 ( Germany Navy) and was scuttled.[80]

17 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 17 September 1939
Ship Country Description
Courageous  United Kingdom Navy
HMS Courageous

World War II: The Courageous-class aircraft carrier (22,500/26,990 t, 1916/1928) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean southwest of Ireland (at 50°10′N 14°45′W / 50.167°N 14.750°W / 50.167; -14.750) by U-29 ( Germany Navy) with the loss of 518 of her 1,259 crew.[81]

 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (5,193 GRT, 1924) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 300 nautical miles (560 km) south west of Ireland (50°16′N 16°55′W / 50.267°N 16.917°W / 50.267; -16.917) by U-53 ( Germany Navy) with the loss of six of her 35 crew. Survivors were rescued by ( United States).[10][72][82]
 United Kingdom World War II, :The cargo liner was torpedoed and sunk off the French coast by U-37 ( Germany Navy) with the loss of 58 lives. ( United States) rescued 278 survivors. (Look 17/10/1939)[83]

18 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 18 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 United Kingdom World War II: The trawler (326 GRT, 1916) was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 22 nautical miles (41 km) west north west of St Kilda (57°51′N 9°28′W / 57.850°N 9.467°W / 57.850; -9.467) by U-35 ( Germany Navy). Survivors were rescued by Nancy Hague ( United Kingdom).[10][72][84][85]
Henry Endicott  United States Under tow in heavy seas with a cargo of granite paving blocks, the 192-foot (59 m), 866-gross register ton schooner barge sank in 80 feet (24 m) of water without loss of life 2.25 nautical miles (4.17 km; 2.59 mi) east-southeast of , Plymouth, Massachusetts, at 41°54′30″N 070°29′08″W / 41.90833°N 70.48556°W / 41.90833; -70.48556 (Henry Endicott).[86]
 Polish Navy World War II: The Warszawa-class river monitor (110/126 t, 1920) was scuttled on the Pripyat River to avoid capture. Raised, repaired and put in Soviet service as ( Soviet Navy).[87]
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (4,863 GRT, 1927) was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 100 nautical miles (190 km) south west of the Bishop Rock (50°31′N 8°27′W / 50.517°N 8.450°W / 50.517; -8.450) by U-32 ( Germany Navy). Survivors were rescued by Short Sunderland aircraft of 204 and 228 Squadron, Royal Air Force.[10][72][88]
 United Kingdom World War II: The trawler (295 GRT, 1914) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 30 nautical miles (56 km) north west of St Kilda (57°51′N 9°28′W / 57.850°N 9.467°W / 57.850; -9.467) by U-35 ( Germany Navy). Survivors were rescued by Nancy Hague ( United Kingdom).[10][72]
 Polish Navy World War II: The Warszawa-class river monitor (110/126 t, 1920) was scuttled on the Pripyat River to avoid capture. Raised, repaired and put in Soviet service as ( Soviet Navy).[87]
 Polish Navy World War II: The Warszawa-class river monitor (110/126 t, 1920) was scuttled on the Pripyat River to avoid capture. Raised, repaired and put in Soviet service as ( Soviet Navy).[87]
ORP Warszawa  Polish Navy World War II: The Warszawa-class river monitor (110/126 t, 1920) was scuttled on the Pripyat River to avoid capture. Raised, repaired and put in Soviet service as Vitebsk ( Soviet Navy).[87]

19 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 19 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 Polish Navy World War II: The Kraków-class river monitor (70/90 t, 1926) was scuttled near Osabowicze to avoid capture.[89]
 Polish Navy World War II: The Zaradna-class river motor gunboat (32/35 t, 1935) was scuttled on the to avoid capture. Raised, repaired and put in Soviet service as ( Soviet Navy).[90]
 Polish Navy World War II: The Zuchwała-class river motor gunboat (32/35 t, 1933) was scuttled on the to avoid capture. Raised, repaired and put in Soviet service as ( Soviet Navy).[91]

20 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 20 September 1939
Ship Country Description
U-27  Germany Navy World War II: The Type VIIA submarine (616/733 t, 1936) was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Lewis, Scotland (58°35′N 9°02′W / 58.583°N 9.033°W / 58.583; -9.033) by HMS Faulknor, Forester and Fortune (all  United Kingdom Navy). All 38 crew were rescued.

21 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 21 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 Polish Navy World War II: The Kraków-class river monitor (70/90 t, 1926) was scuttled on the Pina River near the Krolewski Canal to avoid capture. Raised, repaired and put in Soviet service as ( Soviet Navy).[89]
 Germany Navy The submarine chaser was wrecked in the Baltic Sea. (There is no loss)[72]

22 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 22 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (2,694 GRT, 1917) was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 25 nautical miles (46 km) south west of Bergen, Norway (60°07′N 4°37′E / 60.117°N 4.617°E / 60.117; 4.617) by U-7 ( Germany Navy). All crew were rescued.[10][72][92]
Martti Ragnar  Finland World War II: The cargo ship (2,262 GRT, 1903) was captured in the Skagerrak 50 nautical miles (93 km) south of Arendal, Norway by U-4 ( Germany Navy). She was towed south for 55 nautical miles (102 km) and then scuttled the next day by explosive charges. All crew were rescued.[1][72][93]

23 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 23 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 Finland World War II: The cargo ship (1,361 GRT, 1908) was captured in the Baltic Sea off Smagen, Sweden by U-4 ( Germany Navy) and later scuttled 9 nautical miles (17 km) west of the Hållö Lighthouse (58°15′N 11°00′E / 58.250°N 11.000°E / 58.250; 11.000). All crew survived.[10][72]

24 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 24 September 1939
Ship Country Description
Caldew  United Kingdom World War II: The trawler (287 GRT, 1914) was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north of the Hebrides (60°47′N 6°20′W / 60.783°N 6.333°W / 60.783; -6.333) by U-33 ( Germany Navy). The 11 crew were rescued by ( Sweden). Kronprinsessan Margarete was later intercepted in the Skagerrak by Z14 Friedrich Ihn and Iltis (both  Germany Navy) and the crew of Caldew were taken as prisoners of war and interned in Stalag X-B, Sandbostel, Lower Saxony, Germany.[10][72][94]
 Sweden World War II: The cargo ship (1,510 GRT, 1927) was torpedoed and sunk in the Skagerrak off Jomfruland, Norway (58°40′N 9°52′E / 58.667°N 9.867°E / 58.667; 9.867) by U-4 ( Germany Navy) after her 20 crew left. All were saved.[10][72][95]
 United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (4,646 GRT, 1928) was torpedoed and sunk 10 nautical miles (19 km) south east of the Fastnet Rock (51°17′N 9°22′W / 51.283°N 9.367°W / 51.283; -9.367) by U-31 ( Germany Navy) with the loss of 12 of her 34 crew.[10][72][96]
Minden  Germany World War II: The cargo ship (4,318 GRT, 1921) was intercepted in the Atlantic Ocean south of Iceland by HMS Calypso ( United Kingdom Navy) and was scuttled by her crew, who were rescued by HMS Dunedin ( United Kingdom Navy).[72][97]
Phryné  France World War II: The cargo ship (2,660 GRT, 1939) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 3.5 nautical miles (6.5 km) off the ( United Kingdom) (52°09′N 1°43′E / 52.150°N 1.717°E / 52.150; 1.717). The crew were rescued by HMS Boreas and HMS Brazen (both  United Kingdom Navy)[10][72][98]

25 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 25 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 Sweden World War II: The cargo ship (1,839 GRT, 1923) was torpedoed and sunk 45 nautical miles (83 km) west north west of Egersund, Norway (58°27′N 4°48′E / 58.450°N 4.800°E / 58.450; 4.800) by U-36 ( Germany Navy). All 19 crew were rescued by ( Sweden.[72][99][100][101]

26 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 26 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 Soviet Union World War II: The tanker (968 GRT) was sunk in Narva Bay by ( Soviet Navy). The Soviets blamed the loss on a Polish submarine as a pretext to take action against Estonia.[1]

27 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 27 September 1939
Ship Country Description
PSB&D Co. #11  United States While under tow from Cordova to Seward, Territory of Alaska, with a cargo of 60 tons of assorted machinery, the 234.75-gross register ton cargo scow sank 10 nautical miles (19 km; 12 mi) southwest by south of (60°28′N 146°37′W / 60.467°N 146.617°W / 60.467; -146.617 (Johnston Point)) on the south-central coast of the Territory of Alaska, probably after hitting a snag. No one was on board.[102]

28 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 28 September 1939
Ship Country Description
 Norway World War II: The coaster (875 GRT, 1883) was captured and sunk in the North Sea 65 nautical miles (120 km) off Skudenes, Norway (58°30′N 3°30′E / 58.500°N 3.500°E / 58.500; 3.500) by U-32 ( Germany Navy). All 14 crew were rescued by ( Sweden).[10][72][103][104]
 Sweden World War II: The cargo ship (3,378 GRT, 1909) was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 17 nautical miles (31 km) off , Norway (58°51′N 5°00′E / 58.850°N 5.000°E / 58.850; 5.000) by U-16 ( Germany Navy). The entire crew was rescued by HNoMS Olav Tryggvason ( Norway Navy).[10][105]

29 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 29 September 1939
Ship Country Description
Azariah  United Kingdom World War II: The spritsail barge (53 GRT) struck a mine and sank.[10]
HMS Caledonia  United Kingdom Navy The training ship (56,551 GRT, 1914) caught fire and sank at Rosyth, Fife. Scrapped in situ starting in October 1942.
 Norway World War II: The cargo ship (1,368 GRT, 1917) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea south of Kristiansand. The crew were rescued by ( Denmark).[72][106][107][108]
 Norway World War II: The cargo ship (1,830 GRT, 1916) was torpedoed and damaged in the Norwegian Sea 16 nautical miles (30 km) off Bergen (60°15′N 4°14′E / 60.250°N 4.233°E / 60.250; 4.233) by U-7 ( Germany Navy). The crew were rescued by a Norwegian torpedo boat. Takstaas was taken in tow by ( Norway) but broke in two, with the bow section sinking. The stern section was towed to port and her cargo of lumber was salvaged before the wreck was scrapped.[10][72][109]

30 September[]

List of shipwrecks: 30 September 1939
Ship Country Description
Clement  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (5,051 GRT, 1934) was captured and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 75 nautical miles (139 km) south east of Pernambuco, Brazil (9°05′S 34°05′W / 9.083°S 34.083°W / -9.083; -34.083) by Admiral Graf Spee ( Germany Navy). All crew survived.[10][72]
 United Kingdom The cargo ship (5,080 GRT, 1927) ran aground on Seal Island, Nova Scotia and was wrecked.[72] (Repaired)
ORP Komendant Piłsudski  Polish Navy World War II: Invasion of Poland: The Filin-class guard ship (342/441 t, 1917/1921) was sunk by enemy action. Subsequently salvaged by the Germans and entered Kriegsmarine service as Heisternest.
 Denmark World War II: The cargo ship (1,150 GRT, 1924) was torpedoed and sunk off The Scaw by U-3 ( Germany Navy) with the loss of 11 of her 17 crew. Survivors were rescued by ( Denmark) and U-3.[72][110][111][112]

Unknown date[]

List of shipwrecks: Unknown date 1939
Ship Country Description
 Polish Navy World War II: The river monitor was scuttled between 18 and 21 September. She was later salvaged and entered Soviet Navy service.[1]
 Polish Navy World War II: The river monitor was scuttled between 18 and 21 September. She was later salvaged and entered Soviet Navy service.[1]
 Netherlands World War II: The coaster (279 GRT, 1938) left Göteborg, Sweden on the 25th for Netherlands but never arrived and was lost without a trace with all 7 hands. She probably struck a mine in the North Sea.[45][113]
ORP Toruń  Polish Navy World War II: The river monitor was scuttled between 18 and 21 September. She was later salvaged and entered Soviet Navy service.[1]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Rohwer, Jürgen; Gerhard Hümmelchen. "Seekrieg 1939, September". Württembergische Landesbibliothek Stuttgart (in German). Retrieved 27 May 2012.
  2. ^ "Nurek". pl.wikipedia.org. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
  3. ^ "Spats river patrol boat". Navypedia. Retrieved 2 October 2015.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap "Naval Events, September 1939, Part 1 of 2, Friday 1st - Thursday 14th". Naval History. Retrieved 2 December 2011.
  5. ^ "Gdańsk". pl.wikipedia.org. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
  6. ^ "Gdynia". pl.wikipedia.org. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
  7. ^ "Gryf". pl.wikipedia.org. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
  8. ^ "Lloyd Bydgoski II (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  9. ^ Paterson, Lawrence (2015), Schnellboote: A Complete Operational History, Seaforth Publishing, ISBN 978-1-84832-083-3
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al "TIME-LINE Merchant and Navy Ship events 1939 - 1945 (WWII)". Mareud. Archived from the original on 21 February 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2010.
  11. ^ "The Prize Court". The Times. No. 49165. London. 20 February 1942. col C, p. 6.
  12. ^ "SS Carl Fritzen (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  13. ^ "Merchant Shipping, More Sinkings, Reporte Loss of Life". The Evening Post. No. Volume CXXVIII, issue 59. Wellington, New Zealand. 7 September 1939. p. 12.
  14. ^ "Greek Steamer Sunk By German Mine". The Times. No. 48402. London. 5 September 1939. col B, p. 7.
  15. ^ Haarr, Geirr (2013). The Gathering Storm: The Naval War in Northern Europe September 1939 - April 1940. Seaforth Publishing. p. 249. ISBN 978-1-84832-140-3.
  16. ^ "Nordstrand". m.bentloewe.dk. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  17. ^ "British Ship Sunk". The Times. No. 48403. London. 6 September 1939. col D, p. 6.
  18. ^ "SS Bosnia (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  19. ^ "Bosnia". Uboat. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  20. ^ "SS Inn (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  21. ^ "SS Royal Sceptre (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  22. ^ "Royal Sceptre". Uboat. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  23. ^ "SS Manaar (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  24. ^ "SS Rio Claro (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  25. ^ "Rio Claro". Uboat. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  26. ^ alaskashipwreck.com Alaska Shipwrecks (S)
  27. ^ "SS Gartavon (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  28. ^ "More Ships Attacked". The Times. No. 48406. London. 9 September 1939. col F, p. 8.
  29. ^ "Course Given By U-boat". The Times. No. 48406. London. 9 September 1939. col C, p. 10.
  30. ^ "SS Olivegrove (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  31. ^ "SS Pukkastan (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  32. ^ "Pukkastan". Uboat. Retrieved 7 February 2012.
  33. ^ "Cape Ortegal: Block Ship". Scapa Flow Wrecks. Retrieved 1 September 2014.
  34. ^ "wrecks of Scapa Flow". North Link Ferries. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  35. ^ "SS Hellfrid Bissmark (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  36. ^ "SS Kennebec (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  37. ^ "Kennebec". Uboat. Retrieved 7 February 2012.
  38. ^ "Finnish Barque Sunk By Mine". The Times. No. 48409. London. 13 September 1939. col F, p. 5.
  39. ^ "Regent Tiger". uboat.net. Retrieved 25 October 2019.
  40. ^ "Rescue By Dutch Ship". The Times. No. 48406. London. 9 September 1939. col F, p. 8.
  41. ^ "SS Winkleigh (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  42. ^ Jordan, Roger (1999). The world's merchant fleets, 1939. London: Chatham publishing. p. 455. ISBN 1 86176 023 X.
  43. ^ "SS Mark (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  44. ^ "Mark". koopvaardij.blogspot.com. Retrieved 9 September 2019.
  45. ^ a b "Dutch losses, 1939-1940" (PDF). www.droog-mag.nl. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  46. ^ "pionier class river monitor, Germany". Navypedia. Retrieved 8 July 2016.
  47. ^ "SS Goodwood (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  48. ^ "Goodwood". Uboat. Retrieved 2 February 2012.
  49. ^ "SS Magdapur (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  50. ^ "Magdapur". Uboat. Retrieved 2 February 2012.
  51. ^ "HMS Oxley (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  52. ^ "SS Blairlogie (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  53. ^ "Blairlogie". Uboat. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  54. ^ "MV Brendonia (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  55. ^ a b c "Three British Ships Sunk". The Times. No. 48411. London. 15 September 1939. col D, p. 10.
  56. ^ "SS Firby (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  57. ^ "Firby". Uboat. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  58. ^ "Dáil Éireann - Volume 77". Sinking of Ships. Parliamentary Debates. 27 September 1939. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2009.
  59. ^ "MV Inverliffey (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  60. ^ "Inverliffey". Uboat. Retrieved 13 February 2012.
  61. ^ "Lloyd's Register, Steamers & Motorships" (PDF). Plimsoll Ship Data. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  62. ^ "Wellvale". fleetwoodtrawlers.info. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  63. ^ "Greek Steamer Sunk By German Mine". The Times. No. 48410. London. 14 September 1939. col C, p. 7.
  64. ^ "SS Neptunia (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  65. ^ "FR Pluton of the French Navy". Uboat. Retrieved 16 November 2018.
  66. ^ "Norwegian Ship Sunk By Mine". The Times. No. 48413. London. 18 September 1939. col A, p. 8.
  67. ^ "MV British Influence (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  68. ^ "Fanad Head". uboat.net. Retrieved 12 August 2021.
  69. ^ "Hawarden Castle". Uboat. Retrieved 2 February 2012.
  70. ^ "MV Vancouver City (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 1 December 2011.
  71. ^ "Vancouver City". Uboat. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  72. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z "Naval Events September 1939, Part 2 of 2, Friday 15th - Saturday 30th". Naval History. Retrieved 2 December 2011.
  73. ^ "MV Alex Van Opstal (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  74. ^ "Alex Van Opstal". Uboat. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  75. ^ "Cheyenne". Uboat. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  76. ^ "SS Truro (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  77. ^ "Truro". Uboat. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
  78. ^ "Arkelside". Uboat. Retrieved 7 February 2012.
  79. ^ "SS Aviemore (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  80. ^ "Rudyard Kipling". uboat.net. Retrieved 12 August 2021.
  81. ^ "HMS Courageous (50)". uboat.net. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  82. ^ "Kafiristan". Uboat. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  83. ^ "Yorkshire". The Yard. Retrieved 24 February 2017.
  84. ^ "V Arlita (FD188) (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  85. ^ "Arlita". Uboat. Retrieved 7 February 2012.
  86. ^ "Henry Endicott". Hunting New England Shipwrecks. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  87. ^ a b c d "Warszawa class river monitors, Poland". Navypedia. Retrieved 8 July 2016.
  88. ^ "Kensington Court". Uboat. Retrieved 7 February 2012.
  89. ^ a b "Poland River Monitors Krakow". Warshipsww2.Eu. Archived from the original on 14 October 2014. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  90. ^ "Zaradra class river gunboats, Poland". Navypedia. Retrieved 8 July 2016.
  91. ^ "Zuchwala class river gunboatss, Poland". Navypedia. Retrieved 8 July 2016.
  92. ^ "SS Akenside (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  93. ^ "Martti-Ragnar". uboat.net. Retrieved 12 August 2021.
  94. ^ "FV Caldew (FD347) (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  95. ^ "Gertrud Bratt". uboat.net. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
  96. ^ "SS Hazelside (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  97. ^ "SS Minden (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  98. ^ "Phryné". Uboat. Retrieved 2 February 2012.
  99. ^ "Another Swedish Ship Sunk". The Times. No. 48420. London. 26 September 1939. col D, p. 8.
  100. ^ "SS Silesia (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  101. ^ "Silesia". Uboat. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
  102. ^ alaskashipwreck.com Alaska Shipwrecks (P)
  103. ^ "SS Jern (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  104. ^ "Jern". Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  105. ^ "Nyland". uboat.net. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  106. ^ "SS Solaas (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  107. ^ "U-boat Attacks On Neutral Ships". The Times. No. 48424. London. 5 September 1939. col F, p. 5.
  108. ^ "D/S Solaas". Warsailors. Retrieved 7 February 2012.
  109. ^ "SS Takstaas (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  110. ^ "Danish Ship Sunk By U-boat". The Times. No. 48425. London. 2 October 1939. col A, p. 7.
  111. ^ "SS Vendia (+1939)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 31 October 2011.
  112. ^ "Vendia". uboat.net. Retrieved 12 August 2021.
  113. ^ "Tegri". www.wrecksite.eu. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
Ship events in 1939
Ship launches: 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944
Ship commissionings: 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944
Ship decommissionings: 1934 1935 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944
Shipwrecks: 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944
Retrieved from ""