7 May 1944 A.D. HMCS VALLEYFIELD (K-329) sunk by U-boat—125 of 141 Canadian sailors perish
7 May 1944 A.D. HMCS VALLEYFIELD (K-329) sunk by U-boat—125 of 141 Canadian sailors perish http://canadasnavalmemorial.ca/history/this-month-in-rcn-history/ May 07, 1944: The corvette HMCS Valleyfield (K329) is an example of the fact that the U-boat still proves to be a force to be reckoned with. At about 2330 on the 6th of May, she is approaching Newfoundland when there is the sudden warning of the presence of a submarine. As ‘action stations’ are sounded, a torpedo rips into the port side. The damage is such that the forecastle is twisted well to starboard, and within a minute is nearly at 90 degrees to the rest of the ship. The water temperature is 32 degrees. With the other ships a few miles ahead, it is some time before Valleyfield is missed and when her absence is finally noticed, it is the hunt for the U-boat which as always, takes precedence. It will be a further four hours before a rescue ship returns, and during that time, ...