For Nick Clibborn - HMS Malvernian of WWII
Never really came across much more but here are a few points :
I came across several (four) other losses from HMS Malvernian, but these all record 1st July 1941 as the loss date. It would therefore appear that she was attacked more than once in the month of July, the first time on 01-07-1941 whilst serving as an escort to Convoy OG66 off the Spanish coastline. She came under attack from a Focker-Wulff Condor aircraft and clearly there was damage and loss of life. (Commander JMS Robertson RNR in command)
She then appears to have suc***bed the the final attack by ememy aircraft in that same month, as previously detailed, but there are conflicting versions of when it actually took place, although it would appear to be 11th July, whilst she was finally sunk only on 19th July, having drifted but still afloat, abandoned, until then.
Strangely, however, I have found no further records or reports of loss of life in the last attack, on the contrary the impression is given that everyone got away in the boats. Also, I was unable to find any mention of R. S. Starling in the Commonwelath War Grave Records.
Apparaently Do***ent Reference ADM.199/1175, a Report covering the Loss of the Malvernian, is held at the National Archives at Kew.
Also, there is also a audio recording held at the Imperial War Museum of one of the ship's officers (James Moran) describing the attack on the vessel, her sinking, his capture and subsequent escape from a POW Camp, and his later incaceration at Colditz after being caught again.
Finally, an excellent photograph of this Ellerman Papayanni cargo ship may be found on the Old Ship Picture Gallery website (
www.photoship.co.uk)
Good luck with your continuing searches,
Angus