tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438008.post8339238710881325332..comments2024-02-24T18:53:30.702-05:00Comments on EagleSpeak: Sunday Ship History: Churchill's Dummy FleetMark Tempesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18172703868541571574noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438008.post-63753812835298797412016-03-03T20:57:47.008-05:002016-03-03T20:57:47.008-05:00Just found this article and reead with much intere...Just found this article and reead with much interest! My grandfather - RNR Signal Boy, Herbert Lancaster (b.1899, d.1978) served on the SS Merion (dummy HMS Tiger SSS.14) and was wounded (4 pals were killed) in the U-Boat attack detailed above. He was blown into the sea when the torpedo struck and was possible one of the creww seen drifting to shore hanging onto one of the upturned dummy gun turrets! <br /><br />Herbert served on 3 "Special Service / Q-Ships" dummy capital ships (SSS.6 SS Oruba/HMS Orion, SSS.10 SS Perthshire/HMS Vanguard and SSS.14 SS Merion/HMS Tiger), during the Gallipoli campaign. SSS.6 was later scuttled along with another ship to create a breakwater in Lemnos/Imbros harbour to aid the allied troop evacuation at the end of the campaign. <br /><br />These ships were part of a 14 strong "phantom fleet" of unarmed speedily modified merchant vessels, nicknamed by RN crews as "The Suicide Squadron". The crews were endearingly described as being of either incredibly brave or mad/fool hardy character to volunteer for such perilous and dangerous duties. Thanks Grandad, you are still our hero! Regards, Nigel WoodNigel Woodhttp://uk.linkedin.com/pub/nigel-wood/17/7b6/636noreply@blogger.com