Cause of Death: |
Drowned at sea, en route to U.K., on "Kenilworth Castle". The RMS Kenilworth Castle and Durham Castle, bound for England, were being escorted up the English Channel by the cruiser Kent and five destroyers. All the ships were sailing without lights when, about 35 miles from Plymouth, the Kent changed her course as previously agreed between them. However there was a misunderstanding and to avoid a collision the Kenilworth Castle put over and whilst she swung clear of the Kent she collided with the stern of the destroyer Rival. Unfortunately the stern of the Rival contained two depth charges which exploded causing a gaping hole in the hull. The Kenilworth Castle took on much water and before long she was well down by her bows. Everyone believed that the Kenilworth Castle had been torpedoed. Some felt that as the bulkheads were holding there was no need to panic. However others lowered a few boats and took to them. Two of these were swamped and as a result 15 people were drowned. The Kenilworth Castle, meanwhile, limped to Plymouth where she arrived at 8 am and the remainder of the passengers disembarked. Black made it to a life boat but was washed overboard when a large wave hit it. |
