From Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Merchant Mariner’s Heroic Role in WWII’s Battle for the Atlantic

The merchant marine is collectively those commercial, non-naval ships that carry cargo or passengers or provide maritime services, and the civilian crewmen and officers who sail those ships. During World War II the ships and men of the Merchant Marine transported across the oceans of the world the vast quantities of materiel, supplies, equipment and troops needed to fight and win that war, often traveling in convoys usually accompanied by destroyer escorts. This presentation tells the story of the WWII Battle for the Atlantic not from the perspective of those who were willingly engaged in war, but from merchant mariners who made their living on the high seas. Through firsthand accounts, historical documents, and information gathered from the sunken ships themselves, this presentation will focus on the attack of Pan Pennsylvania by U-550 and how 56 of its 81 crewmembers survived one of WWII’s most fascinating ocean battles.

Boston Sea Rovers
Boston Sea Rovers