As a retired merchant seaman I am researching a small collier (s.s BOARDERDENE) which was owned by a Bridgwater company (Sully & Co. coal merchants) and also registered in the port of Bridgwater. To the best of my knowledge she was the only Bridgwater registered ship to be lost in World War II.

The ship was on passage, with coal, from Newport to Bridgwater when, on the night of 10th/11th January 1942 she was lost with all hands (4) in the Bristol Channel – the cause being she hit a mine.

I would be grateful if any of your readers could help me on the following points.

1. A photo of the BORDERDENE

2. Where, if any, are the records of the coal merchants Sully kept

3. Any photos, background details of the 4 crew members who were lost – listed below::

4. If any aviation researcher could help identify which German aircraft/squadrons were minelaying in the Bristol Channel that would also be very welcome.

5. The part in the docks where she used to discharge.

6. Any other relevant information.

The names of the crew:

BROOKS, William Gerald

Mate, s.s BORDERDENE (Bridgwater).

Age 22.

Son of Fredrick and Gertrude Brooks; husband of C. G. Brooks, of Bridgwater, Somerset.

GRANTER, Douglas Arthur

Master, s.s BORDERDENE(Bridgwater).

Age 21.

Son of Thomas and Mary Elizabeth Granter; husband of Christine Granter, of Combwich, Somerset.

WHITE, James

Engineer Officer, s.s BORDERDENE (Bridgwater).

Age 47.

Son of James and Emma White; husband of Ruth White, of Bridgwater, Somerset.

WHITE, Leslie Thomas John

Fireman, s.s BORDERDENE (Bridgwater).

Age 20. Son of William and Harriet May White, of Bridgwater, Somerset.

Should anyone wish to contact me they may do so either by phoning me on 07463186745 or emailing me at bukomtankers@gmail.com.

Finally my thanks, and most importantly, to anyone who is able to help me.

Yours faithfully,

D Brook

s/s BORDERDENE

Ex BERTHA JAMES

Owners: Sully & Co. Ltd.

Call Sign: M.F.D.G

Port: Bridgwater

Built: Soc. Anon. Meuse et Sambre. Namur

Built: 1913

GRT: 122

L:B:D: 85ft. 00ins 20ft 01in. 7ft 02ins

Cause: Mine

Passage: Newport – Bridgwater

Cargo: Coal

Cause: Mine

Position: 51. 18..2N 003.03.4W 3 to 4 miles SW of Bream Down

Crew: 4 All missing

If you can help or are able to supply photographs or information email harry.mottram@nqsw.co.uk and we can pass it on to David Brook