War Grave !!...In September 1914 the German submarine U-9 torpedoed and sunk cruisers HMS Aboukir, Cressy and Hogue off Holland. The total loss of life was about 1,500 souls. I am led to believe that in the 1950's the British Government sold the wrecks to a German Salvage Co of Stahl and Eisen. The Aboukir was blasted to pieces and scrap salvage was landed in Holland. Plate armor from the vessel was taken to Germany for use in hospital x-ray protection. "Rest in peace you guys, you are not forgotten on this web site" Sniper eep:
I'd never heard of this, mainly because I've read very little about WW1. But it seems to have been a bloody shambles!: The Aboukir, Cressy and Hogue And the casualty lists: The Honour Roll of H.M.S. Aboukir The Honour Roll of H.M.S. Cressy The Honour Roll of H.M.S. Hogue
Thanks for adding these links Kyt. These guys deserve to be remembered though the British goverment sold their gravesite. Sniper eep:
War Graves The desecration of those war graves is so sad to see. Let them rest in peace. Regards Hugh
I was just about to ask whether I had read your first post right. I cannot believe they sold and blew up a war grave. Of all the things that governments do, surely this proves a total lack of respect to those who serve/served - well, at least by that govt of the day.
I'm surprised that they weren't lynched by relatives especially as it was so close to the end of the war. As you say a total lack of respect. Sniper eep:
I'm a little surprised at this; normally the British government are quite protective of war grave shipwrecks. For instance, diving on the wreck of "Royal Oak" is prohibited. Maybe it was because of an outcry over the Aboukir incident that they are now protected. Funnily enough I was just looking at a thread on the loss of these vessels on the Great War Forum Broad Fourteen - Great War Forum This contains first-hand accounts by the Chaplain on Cressy and by KptLt Otto Weddingen of U9. I should take the details of both accounts with a slight pinch of salt, for different reasons!
Wonderful link, thanks, AR. I post there on very rare occasions. Huge forum and not my main area of knowledge make it rather daunting!
