SS Adolph Woermann

SS "Adolph Woermann" was a German ship built in 1922 by Blohm und Voss in Hamburg, Bau-Nr. 395

Data

* Displacement: 8576 BRT / 4944 NRT
* Dimensions: 131,8 x 17,7 m
* Engine: 1 B&V-turbine, 3300 PSw
* Speed: 12 kn
* Passengers: 1st class 100, 2nd. class 57, 3rd. 134
* Crew: 156
* Maiden voyage: on 15. nov. 1922
* Service: for WL (Woermann Linie) and DOAL (German East Africa Line) Hamburg / Africa

Fate:During outbreak of World War II on the homebound trip "Adolph Woermann" lay at Lobito and was held up by Portuguese authorities.

On 16 Novevember 1939 she left Lobito trying to reach South America.

Disguised as Portuguese ship "Nyassa", she was traced by the British "Waimarana" who informed HMS "Neptune".Upon approach of "Neptune" on 22 Nov Capt. Otto Burfeind evacuates "Adolph Woermann" and sinks her according to governmental order.

Crew and passengers were taken up in a friendly manner by the "Neptune's" crew.It is reported that one "Neptune" crew member was injured in trying to save the liner by going onboard to close the flood-valves.

Passengers and crew of "Adolph Woermann" were taken to England and interned at Seaton/Devon.

In 1940 most of the internees from the camp were taken on the Arandora Star and so was Capt. Burfeind and his crew.

References

* Arnold Kludas, Schiffe der deutschen Afrika Linien 1880-1945, Stalling-Verlag, Hamburg, 1975
* Claus Rothe, Deutsche Ozean-Passagierschiffe 1919 bis 1985, Steiger Verlag, Moers, 1987