Surface Vessels > Combined Operations
HM LCI (L) 99
Hammerhead:
From British Warship Losses in the Modern era.
14 August LCI (L) 99 landing craft, infantry, large Orange 1942; 380 tons; 150ft x 23.8ft; 4 x 20mm Lieutenant Arthur John Reynolds RNVR
Part of Convoy EBC72, which was bound for Falmouth from Milford Haven, and consisting of two columns of American and British amphibious craft escorted by the Londonderry and Azalea. At 16.54, then being in position 50.56N 04.47W, an American landing ship, LST 921, was hit by a torpedo, with a large amount of water and debris being thrown into the air and 2 minutes later, another torpedo hit LCI 99 amidships. The craft immediately broke up and started to sink. The Londonderry went to the scene and lowered boats to pick up survivors before carrying out an Asdic search. A depth-charge and Hedgehog attack was carried out on a suspected contact, but without result. The attacker had been U 667 (Lange). Nine men were lost. [TNA:ADM.358/4381]
Mark B.:
Andrew, thankyou for posting this information about your Great Uncle.
My friend's Father served under him for the whole of his time onboard. The information you have posted has already answered some of the many questions i have.
I have sent you a PM.
PhiloNauticus, again thank you for your really helpful input.
Mark
Jamax:
Hi all
I have recently made contact with Mark. My Uncle ABS John 'Jack' Shields was one of those that perished.
In 2019 I came across the following blog and have been in touch with Mike and made contact with William Todd's family.
I posted this in 2019. His father was Commanding 920 and whatever they and 921 were carrying they were defended at all costs.
Hi all
Recently came across this blog from Mike Botula in the US whose father was aboard LST920 and recounts the final moments of LCI(L)-99 when 920 and 921 were under attack from U-667. Finally after 75 years we know how it ended.
It was either brave act to save the crew and cargo of 920 or she went to the wrong place at the wrong time. As a family we hope it was the former. RIP brave men of LCI(L)-99.
https://mikebotula.blogspot.com/2019/08/back-story-lst-920-and-charlie-botula_31.html
Alex Shields
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