S.S. Arandora Star World War II Memorial – Liverpool, UK
Posted by: 
dtrebilc
N 53° 24.228 W 002° 59.800
30U E 500221 N 5917191
This memorial remembers people who died when the S.S. Arandora Star ship was sunk by Torpedo in the Second World War.
Waymark Code: WMCXMT
Location: North West England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 10/23/2011
Views: 8
During the wars the UK was largely dependent on merchant shipping to keep the country supplied. Because of this merchant shipping became prime targets by the enemy forces.
During the Second World War Liverpool was the main base for the Battle of the Atlantic, in which 36,000 merchant seamen died. In addition it was also the main point of entry for imported fuel, food and raw materials.
This rather simple plaque stands on the Pier Head waterfront of Liverpool. It is one of a number of memorials dedicated to various seamen who died in both World Wars.
The plaque baldly states that the ship was torpedoed after leaving the Port of Liverpool, and that over 800 people died, mainly non-combatants. These facts in themselves are tragic enough, but there is an even more tragic story not mentioned on the plaque.
Most of the people who died were civilians of Italian descent living in the UK who were being deported to Canada. Between 1880 and 1940 150,000 Italians had emigrated to Britain. Although they were settled in Britain with families, most kept close contact with relations in Italy. They had integrated well into Britain, and many had actually fought for the British during the First World War.
However Italy then declared War on Britain and people became very suspicious of the Italian people living in Britain. Many were initially interned on the Isle of Man, but then a decision was made to deport them to Canada.
The S.S. Arandor Star was a converted passenger ship. When it sailed from Liverpool there were about 1200 men on board. Most were Italian, but there were also some German Prisoners of War.
The ship was torpedoed 75 miles west of Ireland, and sank within half an hour. About half the people on board were rescued but nearly 800 of the Italian deportees died.
Relevent website: [Web Link]
List if there are any visiting hours:
The plaque is on the waterfront near the Mersey Ferry and is accessible 24 hours a day.
Entrance fees (if any):
None
Sponsor(s): Italian Community
Parking coordinates: Not Listed
Date dedicated: Not listed
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