Emmott,+Jim

Sapper, 1010 Docks Operating Company, Royal Engineers. Service no. 2157659. Age 27, Died at sea on 17th June 1943. Brookwood Memorial, Panel 6, Column 1.
 * Jim Emmott**

Jim Emmott is believed to have been travelling aboard the 8,131 ton auxiliary transport SS Yoma, being used as a troopship. The ship had left Tripoli on 16th June as part of Convoy GTX2, the convoy bound for Alexandria, consisted of fourteen ships including three troop ships. SS Yoma was leading the third column, with two other ships following. In fine, clear and sunny weather, around 7.30 am the ship was heading east at about 6.5 knots when she was struck by a torpedo from the German U-boat U-81. This caused the aft engine room bulkhead to collapse and the boiler room, engine room and number 5 hold to flood. The ship sank in around six minutes, near Derna, Libya. The convoy carried on sailing as it was too dangerous to linger with the clear danger of submarines nearby. Some 1353 men were picked up later. 451 troops were lost along with the Captain and 32 crew members.
 * SS Yoma**