How many people died on the Reuben James?
How many people died on the Reuben James?
Destroyer Reuben James (DD-245), while escorting 42-ship convoy HX 156, is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-552 off western Iceland. 115 men are killed.
When was the Reuben James sunk?
October 31, 1941
Disaster struck in the early morning hours of October 31, 1941. While escorting convoy HX-156, the American destroyer U.S.S. Reuben James was torpedoed and sunk with the loss of 115 of 160 crewmen, including all officers.
Is Reuben James based on a true story?
“Reuben James” is based on the real-life experiences of songwriter Alex Harvey. He grew up in an environment in which he and his family lived alongside Black people.
Who sank the USS Reuben James?
Kapitänleutnant Erich Topp
On 23 October, it sailed from Naval Station Argentia, Newfoundland, with four other destroyers, escorting eastbound Convoy HX 156. At dawn on 31 October, it was torpedoed near Iceland by German submarine U-552 commanded by Kapitänleutnant Erich Topp.
How many German submarines were sunk in ww2?
In World War II Germany built 1,162 U-boats, of which 785 were destroyed and the remainder surrendered (or were scuttled to avoid surrender) at the capitulation. Of the 632 U-boats sunk at sea, Allied surface ships and shore-based aircraft accounted for the great majority (246 and 245 respectively).
Who was the USS Reuben James named after?
USS Reuben James (DD-245) was a four-funnel Clemson -class destroyer made after World War I that was the first US Navy ship named for Boatswain’s Mate Reuben James (c. 1776 –1838), who distinguished himself fighting in the First Barbary War, and was the first sunk by hostile action in the European Theater of World War II.
What did Reuben James do in World War 2?
During March 1941, Reuben James joined the force established to escort convoys sailing to Great Britain. This force escorted convoys as far as Iceland, after which the convoys became the responsibility of British escorts. It was based at Hvalfjordur, Iceland, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Heywood Lane Edwards.
Where was Reuben James in the Atlantic Fleet?
Assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, Reuben James was used in the Mediterranean Sea during 1921–1922. Reuben James went from Newport, Rhode Island, on 30 November 1920, to Zelenika, Yugoslavia, arriving on 18 December.
Who was the original singer of the sinking of the Reuben James?
Woody Guthrie wrote the song, “The Sinking of the Reuben James”, and performed it with Pete Seeger and the other Almanac Singers. The Guthrie song has an original tune for its chorus, but its verses are set to the tune of the song “Wildwood Flower”.