Corvette Oakville, story of the U-94 encounter
Description
- Media Type
- Image
- Item Type
- Documents
- Description
- Description of HMCS Oakville's action in the Caribbean, August 28, 1942.
- Inscriptions
- One naval story shows what Canadian sailors could do when faced with a close in enemy. In 1942 the corvette Oakville rammed a German U-boat, then ran up alongside it as its crew began spilling out of the conning tower. Twenty-two year-old Sub-Lt.Harold Lawrence and 23-year-old PO Arthur Powell jumped over the side onto the narrow, slippery deck of the damaged U-boat, hoping to capture it. The Canadian officer signaled the Germans to get back in the sub. Lawrence was afraid the jerries had pulled the plugs, but reasoned if they were back inside they would stop the craft from sinking. The first German refused so Lawrence shot him with a pistol. A second German lunged at Powell and a bullet in the chest for his effort. Both Germans fell into the sea, the rest surrendered. While Powell kept the prisoners covered, Lawrence entered the submarine to look for documents. He soon came out as it was obvious the U-boat was sinking rapidly. The German crew was herded aboard the Oakville. Lawrence, who went into action wearing only a lifebelt and pair of shorts, was awarded the DSO, Distinguished Service Award. Powell, clad only in swimming trunks, a lifebelt and a pair of sock, got the DSM, Distinguished Service Medal. Surely few sailors or soldiers get closer to the enemy. Lawrence's and Powell's story would make a Hollywood movie.
- Date Of Event
- 28 Aug 1942
- Subject(s)
- Collection
- HMCS Oakville - E. Stewart, Curator
- Language of Item
- English
- Copyright Statement
- Copyright status unknown. Responsibility for determining the copyright status and any use rests exclusively with the user.
- Contact
- Oakville MuseumEmail:oakvillemuseum@oakville.ca
Website:
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