Remember: Kerry Head

S.S. KERRY HEAD

Sunk by German aircraft bombs, 22nd. October 1940. The attack was seen from Cape Clear Island.
*Painting by Kenneth King, in the National Maritime Museum, Dún Laoghaire*

On 1 August 1940, Kerry Head was four miles ESE of the Old Head of Kinsale with a cargo of coal and some tinplate from Swansea bound for Limerick. She was attacked by a German bomber. Fortunately there was no structural damage, but there was considerable other damage. Her side was crushed inward by an explosion, engines failed, doors were ripped off, all glass was smashed, compass destroyed, forward winch cracked and a lifeboat was entangled in its davits. Ireland protested to Germany. Germany apologised, accepted that it was their fault and compensation was paid. On 17 August, Germany required Ireland to cease exports, which were almost entirely agricultural products, to Britain. Ships in the prescribed zone would be attacked without warning. On 22 October, Kerry Head left Limerick bound for Newport Monmouthshire. She was five miles west of Sheep’s Head when the Luftwaffe attacked. There was a direct hit. She sank immediately with the loss of all aboard. No bodies were ever recovered. On this occasion Germany refused to acknowledge liability.

Begley, Thomas, Limerick	Naughton, George, Limerick
Byrne, Dick, Wicklow	Naughton, James, Limerick
Davidson, William, Carrickfergus	Nicholl, George, Carrickfergus
Drummond, Charles, Blackpool	O'Neill, Patrick, Limerick
McMahon, Michael, Scattery Island, Co. Clare	Tobin, John, Limerick
McMahon, Stephen, Scattery Island, Co. Clare	Wilson, James, Carrickfergus

Irish Maritime History

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