SS Walter L M Russ facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
| Name | Walter L M Russ |
| Owner |
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| Port of registry |
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| Builder | Neptun AG |
| Launched | 1927 |
| Out of service | 15 July 1945 |
| Identification |
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| Fate | Wrecked |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage |
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| Length | 246 ft 9 in (75.21 m) |
| Beam | 40 ft 1 in (12.22 m) |
| Depth | 15 ft 5 in (4.70 m) |
| Installed power | Triple expansion steam engine |
| Propulsion | Screw propellor |
The Walter L M Russ was a cargo ship built in Rostock, Germany in 1927. In 1945, during World War II, the ship was taken over by the Allies. It was then given to the British Ministry of War Transport. The plan was to rename the ship Empire Concourse. However, in July 1945, the Walter L M Russ hit rocks and was destroyed. This happened between Wales and Ireland.
Contents
About the Ship
The Walter L M Russ was built in 1927. The company that built it was Neptun AG in Rostock, Germany.
Ship's Size and Power
The ship was about 246 feet 9 inches (75.21 m) long. This is roughly the length of two basketball courts. Its width, called the beam, was about 40 feet 1 inch (12.22 m). The depth of the ship was 15 feet 5 inches (4.70 m).
The Walter L M Russ was a large ship for its time. It could carry a lot of cargo. Its GRT was 1,538. This measures the total enclosed space in the ship.
The ship moved using a triple expansion steam engine. This type of engine uses steam to turn a propeller. The engine was also built by AG Neptun.
Ship's Journey and Fate
The Walter L M Russ was built for a company named Ernst Russ, located in Hamburg, Germany.
Early Years
The ship was given special Code Letters to identify it. These letters were RGJK. In 1934, the letters were changed to DHZG. On March 2, 1936, the Walter L M Russ was involved in an accident. It crashed into a German schooner called Condor in the Kiel Canal. The Condor sank after the crash.
End of the Journey
In May 1945, near the end of World War II, the Allies took control of the Walter L M Russ. This happened in Schleswig, Germany. The ship was then given to the British Ministry of War Transport.
The British planned to give the ship a new name, Empire Concourse. But this never happened. On July 15, 1945, the Walter L M Russ ran aground. This means it hit the seabed or rocks. It happened at Grassholm, an island in St George's Channel. The ship was badly damaged and became a wreck.
Rescue Mission
Nine crew members from the ship were rescued. The Angle Lifeboat, named Elizabeth Elson, helped save them. James Watkins, who was the lifeboat's Coxwain (the person in charge), was very brave. He received an RNLI Bronze Medal for his part in the rescue. Today, the remains of the Walter L M Russ lie in about 33 feet (10 m) of water.
