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Archiver > Mariners > 2001-02 > 0981057218


From: "chris best" <>
Subject: [Mar] Kirkpool/Thor/S.S. Ramses 1942
Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2001 19:53:38 -0000


Many thanks to Gilbert, Ron, Steve and all the others who have helped me.
I'm really managing to piece together my father's story and consequently
that of the other survivors.

Can I now put your corporate brains to the test again, please? I'd be very
grateful for any info. The Kirkpool was sunk on the 10th April 1942 and the
next details I have from my father's records are when he was handed over to
the Japanese on 10th July 1942 whilst on board S.S. Ramses in Yokohama
harbour. (After that he, along with with the other Kirkpool survivors, ended
up in a civilian internment camp in Fukushima, Japan, for the next 3 and a
half years until they were repatriated from Sydney on the 'Andes' , arriving
back home to Sunderland, UK in December 1945).

I understand that Thor finished her second war cruise on 10th October 1942,
putting into Yokohama harbour....but the Kirkpool survivors were on the
Ramses in Yokohama on 10th July. Can anyone suggest how they got there and
what the Ramses was??!

Kindest regards

Chris in Birmingham, UK.


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