Struck By A Torpedo
Almaack had just completed the turn and steadied on her new course when she was struck by a torpedo fired from U-155. Kapitanleutnant Adolf Piening's marksmanship proved deadly. About the same time, torpedoes from his U-boat struck the freighter Ettrick (she later sank at 0836 that morning) and the escort carrier HMS Avenger; the latter blew up, taking with her almost all of her complement.
Almaack went to general quarters; a quick investigation of the damage revealed the engine and fire rooms, as well as hold number five and the shaft alley, flooded. Fortunately, the strength of the bulkheads contained the flooding and the ship remained afloat, although in a dangerous state. Four men died, and four more were badly burned in the explosion in the engine room.
Read more about this topic: USS Almaack (AKA-10)
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