AWARD-WINNING Acres Engineering has unveiled a moving memorial to a ‘forgotten’ 1940 maritime disaster which claimed more than twice as many lives as Titanic – including the managing director’s great uncle.
The Melbourne based metal fabrication company designed and made the special memorial to HMT Lancastria whose sinking is one of the least known events of World War Two, despite being the UK’s worst ever maritime disaster.
Lancastria was part of Operation Aerial transporting Allied troops away from French soil in the dark early days of the Second World War, shortly after France’s surrender to Germany.
It followed shortly after the more famous operations at Dunkirk in which thousands of Allied troops were successfully evacuated.
In June 1940 the large naval vessel, Lancastria, which was carrying many more than her capacity, was bombed by German forces off the coast of St Nazaire.
Estimates as to the loss of life vary but it’s thought that anything from 2,500 and up to 7,000 died, with many on board Sherwood Foresters from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
The boat was reported to have sunk in under 20 minutes but the British Government at the time wanted the disaster kept quiet so as to not damage the country’s morale.
One of those who lost their lives was Private Jack Doughty, the great-uncle of Acres Engineering managing director Luke Parker.
Sherwood Forester Private Doughty was killed on his 21st birthday and now the company has honoured his memory and thousands of others by making a special memorial which was unveiled at a special event during Armed Forces week in June.
Present at the occasion were descendants of those who lost their lives in the tragedy including members of the Lancastria Society.
They heard speeches from Luke Parker, Jean-Claude Lafontaine, the Honorary Consul of France for the East Midlands, and Lieutenant Colonel David Dawber DL.
Luke said: “Everyone has heard of the sinking of the Titanic – but how many have heard of the Lancastria? Even by the most conservative estimates, the loss of life on the Lancastria was over two and a half times that of the Titanic. When researching family history I was shocked that the greatest loss of life in British maritime history still remains relatively unknown. It really was a horrific event.
“The four bombs that hit the ship, the speed at which it sank, the oil covered waters, and the suffering endured by those caught up in the tragedy, it’s impossible to comprehend. Last year marked the 85th anniversary of the sinking of the Lancastria, and it felt fitting to close that anniversary by the unveiling of this memorial at Acres.
“This memorial stands in remembrance of all those impacted by the disaster, those who never came home, those who survived, and the families whose lives were changed forever. For me personally it is also a tribute to my great uncle Jack, who never lived to see beyond his 21st birthday. When I think about that, it puts things into real perspective. At 21 I was just beginning my adult life. When I look back on everything that’s happened since then: getting married, having children, building a career, experiencing all of life’s achievements and challenges, I realise just how much of Jack’s life lay ahead of him. Jack, far from home, standing on a sinking ship, knowing that he could not swim and that his chances of survival were slim. I can’t begin to imagine the fear that that 21-year-old Jack must have felt.
“Jack was just one of thousands caught up in the tragedy. That’s why it’s so important to remember these terrible events.”
The specially made memorial features a “Lest we Forget” inscription and a golden engraved bell, which was solemnly sounded at the Remembrance event by Jack’s brother, Alan – now 98.
As part of the day members of the Sea Cadets undertook a special march to Mickleover to raise money for the Royal British Legion.
Now Luke and the Acres team are looking for a fitting permanent home for the memorial so others can visit and remember those lost on the Lancastria.
Acres Engineering holds Armed Forces Gold Covenant status in recognition of its commitment to the armed forces, including providing opportunities, support and employment for veterans.
The company has also recently won a King’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity for its work providing more than 100 apprenticeships, work placements and other opportunities over the years, helping people progress in metal fabrication and engineering.
This story was written and shared on behalf of Acres Engineering by Lucy Stephens. Can we share your news and get you in the headlines too? Find out how we can help by getting in touch.
