News from 1917: The Sinking of Laurentic I

[John Creamer]

I've just caught the end of a BBC Radio 4 broadcast this morning quoting someone who says people can buy a share in the Laurentic(I). I've just found this website, but does anyone else know about it?

http://www.laurentic.com/default.aspx

John

 

[Timothy Trower]

Intriguing, to say the least. Maybe if I had an extra $100 lying around I would be tempted ...

[Moderator's Note: This message and the one above it, originally a separate thread, have been moved to this pre-existing thread addressing the same subject. MAB]

 

[Michael H. Standart]

From Canada.com (The Province):

Plans afoot for 'gold bullion ship'

quote:

She was, at the dawn of the 20th century, a stately ship of dreams for thousands of British emigrants bound for a new life in Canada.

Then she was a ship of war, transporting wave after wave of Canadian troops overseas to help liberate Europe from the Kaiser's thrall.

Finally, she was the British government's secret treasure ship with 745 people on board, packed with 39 tonnes of gold and intended for Halifax to pay Canadian and American munitions suppliers at the height of the First World War.

Full story at http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=95e3f996-bf12-4a54-b666-4dea0dd7cf53​

 

[Jason D. Tiller]

From the BBC:

WW1 relic rescued from the deep

quote:

After almost a century on the sea bed a priceless World War One relic has finally been restored and put on display.

The ten-ton deck gun from the SS Laurentic was raised from the sea last year by a team of divers from Downings in County Donegal.

For the rest, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/foyle_and_west/8274680.stm

Comment: My thanks to Jim Carlisle for the link.​

 

[Francis Malachy Norton]

Dear All, I am researching my family tree and I have learnt that my grandfather was adopted by a seaman named Norton. I have recently been informed that the surname of the Laurentic's Captain was Reginald A Norton. I have been unable to find out much about Captain Norton. Was he the same person who was Commander of HMS Hogues which sank in 1914? If so then my journey on this pathway ends. If not can you forward me any information to: [email protected]
Thank you in advance for any effort you may take.

F M Norton

 

[ShawnStrohman]

Hi Peter,

My great great uncle died on the ship and I was wondering if you had any information or photos of him in it, as well as inquiring about your book. My uncle's name is Frederick Randall. From Fogo Newfoundland.

 

[jack scoltock]

Francis,
Captain Norton was court marshalled four days after some of the Laurentic dead were buried at St. murals church in Fahan Donegal in 1917.
My book, We own Laurentic tells all about Captain Norton who freed the prisons n board Larentic just before it went down. He was the last to leave the sinking ship.
we own Laurentic will be updated shortly with many new facts about the moving 100th centenery weekend in Donegal on 25th January to the 29th.
I hope his helps.
All the best
Jackp

 

[jack scoltock]

My new updated book, "We Own Laurentic" is just out- April 2017. Many new photos and information about the wonderful centenery ceremonies at Donegal.

 

[Cam Houseman]

Dear All, I am researching my family tree and I have learnt that my grandfather was adopted by a seaman named Norton. I have recently been informed that the surname of the Laurentic's Captain was Reginald A Norton. I have been unable to find out much about Captain Norton. Was he the same person who was Commander of HMS Hogues which sank in 1914? If so then my journey on this pathway ends. If not can you forward me any information to: [email protected]
Thank you in advance for any effort you may take.

F M Norton

Hi where can I learn more about the Laurentic and her wreck, any documentaries?