Earl of Forfar was a 4,453 GRT steam cargo ship
completed in 1910 by Russell & Co. for Earl of Forfar Steamship Co. Ltd.
She was extensively damaged by a major explosion that occurred
at Archangel on 8 November 1916. The facts about this are sparse but it
appears that there were actually two explosions. The first was aboard
Dreisen which was packed with explosives. The second about 45 minutes
later was in explosives/ammunition on the quayside which it is believed
was ignited as a result of the earlier explosion. The second explosion
did for Earl of Forfar.
She was later salvaged and seized by the
Russians.
The London Gazette 7 September, 1917
The KING
has been graciously pleased to confer the Decoration of the Albert Medal
upon Mr. James Campbell Hurry, master of the steamship Earl of Forfar,
of Glasgow.
The following is an account of the services in
respect of which the Decoration has been conferred: —
On the 8th
November, 1916, while the steamship Earl of Forfar, of Glasgow, was
lying at Archangel, a fire broke out on a Russian steamship and spread
to the Earl of Forfar, which was lying immediately ahead, Captain Hurry,
who was on shore, attempted to return to his vessel, but he was unable
to do so. He proceeded, however, to render assistance to other vessels
which were in danger of being burnt.
While doing so, he heard
voices coming from his own ship, which was burning and exploding
furiously. Calling for volunteers, he led them on board his steamer, and
seven injured men were rescued, some of whom he personally carried to a
tug.
While thus engaged considerable risk was incurred by Captain
Hurry, who had to lift several live shells from the deck of the vessel
in order to get at the wounded.
Within ten minutes of the last
man being rescued the deck blew up.
A number of RN and RNR
officers and sailors also received the Albert Medal on this occassion.
Note:
1. The Earl of
Forfar was a Douglas, hence this entry |
