HMHS Lanfranc

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HMHS Lanfranc

HMHS Lanfranc was a British ocean liner that was converted into a hospital ship during World War I. The ship is notable for its service in the war, as well as its tragic sinking after being torpedoed by a German submarine in 1917. This article provides a detailed account of HMHS Lanfranc's history, service, and the circumstances surrounding its sinking.

History

Before its conversion into a hospital ship, the Lanfranc was a passenger liner. It was built by Caird & Company of Greenock, Scotland, and was launched in 1906. The ship was originally operated by the Booth Steamship Company and was used for passenger and cargo services between Liverpool, England, and Brazil.

Conversion to Hospital Ship

With the outbreak of World War I, the British Admiralty requisitioned many civilian liners to support the war effort. In 1915, the Lanfranc was converted into a hospital ship, designated as His Majesty's Hospital Ship (HMHS) Lanfranc. The conversion included the installation of medical facilities, including operating rooms and beds for the wounded. As a hospital ship, the Lanfranc was painted white with green stripes and red crosses, marking it as a non-combatant vessel under the Geneva Convention.

Service in World War I

During its service as a hospital ship, the Lanfranc was involved in transporting wounded soldiers from the battlefields of Europe back to England. The ship made several voyages across the English Channel, carrying both British and enemy wounded in accordance with the rules of war.

Sinking

On April 17, 1917, while returning from Le Havre, France, to Southampton, England, with 387 wounded soldiers (including 167 German prisoners of war), the Lanfranc was torpedoed by the German submarine UB-40. Despite the international laws protecting hospital ships, the Lanfranc was attacked without warning. The ship sank within an hour of being hit, but due to the efforts of the crew and the calm sea conditions, most of the passengers and crew were saved. A total of 34 lives were lost in the sinking, including patients and crew members.

Aftermath

The sinking of the HMHS Lanfranc caused outrage among the Allied nations, as it was seen as a blatant violation of the Geneva Convention. The incident highlighted the dangers faced by hospital ships during the war, even though they were supposed to be protected under international law.

Legacy

The story of the HMHS Lanfranc serves as a reminder of the perils faced by non-combatant vessels during wartime. It also underscores the importance of adhering to international laws designed to protect the wounded and those caring for them. The sinking of the Lanfranc is commemorated in various memorials and records dedicated to those who lost their lives in the service of saving others during World War I.