Cause of Death: |
Clan Campbell SS was a British Cargo Steamer of 7,255 tons built in 1937 by Greenock Dockyard Co, Greenock for the Clan Line Steamers Ltd, Glasgow. The Clan Campbell, Capt. J. F. Vooght, formed part of a convoy which left Alexandria for Malta on March 20th 1942. The merchantmen were protected by a force of cruisers and destroyers under command of Rear Admiral Sir P. Vian. The weather on leaving port was thick and stormy but it cleared while the ships were still off Cyrenaica and they were sighted by enemy aircraft. These summoned a squadron of four Italian cruisers to the scene, but after a brisk engagement Admiral Vian drove them off. On the afternoon of the same day (22nd) the battleship Littorip and two 10,000 ton cruisers put in an appearance. The British again attacked despite heavy o dds and a torpedo hit was scored on the Littorio. The Italians then broke off the action and retired. On the 23rd the Clan Campbell was hit by bombs and also torpedoed, and had to be abandoned. Six persons, including Capt. Vooght, were killed and one was wounded. |
