RAIDER MICHEL 12 SHIPS SUNK - MICHEL SCHIFF 28
4)ARAMIS
Photo. www.photoship.co.uk
Built 1931
Tonnage 7,984/11,525 tons
Sunk by Michel 16/07/42 19º 00"S 06º 00’W
19 Dead
18 Survivors
6 POW
Early on the following morning, July 17, Von Schack, speeding towards this 7,984-ton Norwegian tanker in the Esau, let fly with two of his 45cm aerial torpedoes, and saw two fountains of water erupt against her side as they struck her.
The Aramis briefly listed, then, having righted herself, continued on her way at a reduced speed, as if nothing had happened. Her radio equipment destroyed, she was unable to signal her position.
Located again the next morning, she was followed until nightfall, at which time another torpedo, and a few salvos from the Michel’s guns, finished her. Twenty-three out of a crew of forty-three, were picked up, plus charts, routing instructions, merchant codes and secret materials, the latter warning of German raiders operating with torpedo-boats.
By Hilfskreuzer (Auxiliary Cruiser / Raider) - Michel (bismarck-class.dk)
4 Norwegians, 3 British gunners and 11 Chinese made their way in one lifeboat and washed up at Forcados, West Africa now Nigeria after 14 days at sea.
