Redbreast, Q-ship, ex-fleet messenger, torpedoed and sunk by UC.38 in Mediterranean
HMS Redbreast was a passenger/cargo ship requisitioned by the British Government during World War I, and used as a messenger ship and anti-submarine Q-ship.
On 15 April 1917 she rescued survivors from HM Troopship "Arcadian" carrying reinforcements for Egypt, which was torpedoed at 17:45 hours and sunk in only 6 minutes 42 km north east from the island of Milo (Melos).
REDBREAST operating as a Q Ship picked up survivors in the early hours of the 18th.
She was torpedoed and sunk by the Imperial German NavysubmarineUC-38 in the Aegean Sea on 15 July 1917 while on passage from Skyros to the Doro Channel.
Forty Two (or Forty Four) of her crew were killed including 3 Royal Marines, one crew man was taken prisoner.
Royal Marine Casualties:
BEATTIE, Edward, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13385
MAYBREY, James W, Private, RMLI, 16055 (Ch)
VELLENDER, George, Lance Corporal, RMLI, 10212 (Ch)
Read more here:
The Project Gutenberg eBook, Q-Ships and Their Story, by E. Keble (Edward Keble) Chatterton