Posted by Erik Skovheim skovheim@hotmail.com on October 22, 2001.

German vessel used as prison vessel? Name Palatia,sunk under an allied airattack(?) outside Kristiansand under ww2. Anyone got tech info and a more complete history? Cargo? Destination....everything needed:-)

RESPONSE:

Posted by Axel van Eesbeeck gemyala@netcologne.de on October 22.

Hallo Erik

Palatia (ex. russian steamer Khasan)
Owner: Hamburg-Amerikanischen Packetfahrt-Aktien-Gesellschaft (HAPAG)
lost: 21.10.1942
size: 3.979 BRT
built 1928

Palatia was sold to russia on 15.07.1940 and renamed in Khasan. Captured at Baltisch Port (Tallin)on 22.06.1941 and renamed again to Palatia.

The ship left Kristiansand on 21.10.1942 with 999 russian POW and 135 guard and crew. Alltogether 1134 people. After 1 hour she was torpedoed by an aircraft of the 489. Squadron RNZAF (Flying Officer Richardson). Palatia sank at Sangnvaar lighthouse. 954 people died. 180 survived

One source says the ship was captured at Stettin on 22.06.1941.

Best regards
Axel van Eesbeeck