- Surnames starting with the letter W. 

Abram Wigley

Rank:Asst Butch
Ship/Rgn/Sqn No:Merchant Navy
Name of Rgt or Ship:S.S. Arcadian (Belfast)
Died:15/04/1917Age:26
How Died:Died of Exposure
Country of burial:Lost at Sea
Cemetery or Memorial:Tower Hill Memorial
Town Memorial:Not Listed
Extra Information:
Born at Stretford, Manchester.     Son of the late William and Mary Alice
Wigley.

From - http://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?98825
R.M.S.P. Co. Arcadian was converted into a transport ship during the First
World War. On April 15th, 1917, Arcadian with a company of 1,335 troops and
crew was proceeding from Salonika to Alexandria, and was in the southern
Aegean, 26 miles N.E. of Milo. 

The troops had just completed boat-drill when a German submarine UC-74
approached unseen and discharged a torpedo which inflicted such extensive
damage that the vessel sank in six minutes. Fortunately the men´s recent
exercise at the boats imparted steadiness and confidence and 1,058 were
rescued, either through their own efforts or by the escorting destroyer. 

The number drowned was 277 and, had it not been for the sudden capsizing of
the vessel, many more would have been saved. Those lost included 19 army
officers and 214 other ranks, as well as ten naval ratings and 34 members
of the crew. 

A considerable amount of wreckage and spars was sucked down and this,
coming to the surface with great force, killed many who were swimming in
the water.
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