SS Paul Hamilton

SS Paul Hamilton was a Liberty ship used during World War II by the United States. Named after Paul Hamilton (1762–1816), who served as the third United States Secretary of the Navy from 1809 to 1813, the ship was part of the massive fleet of Liberty ships which were quickly constructed to support the war efforts by carrying cargo and troops across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Construction and Specifications

The SS Paul Hamilton was laid down on October 15, 1942, at the South Carolina shipyard of the Charleston Navy Yard. She was launched on December 20, 1942, and completed in April 1943. Like other Liberty ships, she was designed for rapid construction and could carry a substantial amount of cargo. The ship measured approximately 441 feet in length and 56 feet in width, with a draft of 27 feet. Powered by a steam engine, she could reach speeds up to 11 knots.

Service History

Upon completion, SS Paul Hamilton was immediately pressed into service. Liberty ships like her were crucial in transporting supplies, equipment, and troops necessary for the Allied forces. Her service history included several transatlantic voyages, where she faced the constant threat of U-boat attacks. The convoys in which SS Paul Hamilton participated were essential in maintaining the flow of supplies to the European and Pacific theaters.

Sinking

The SS Paul Hamilton met a tragic end on April 20, 1944. She was part of Convoy UGS-38, traveling from Hampton Roads, Virginia, to the Mediterranean. Near Algiers, the convoy was attacked by German aircraft. A direct hit by a Luftwaffe bomber's torpedo caused the ship's ammunition cargo to explode, resulting in the complete destruction of the vessel. The explosion was so massive that it left no survivors from the SS Paul Hamilton's crew and the troops onboard, totaling nearly 580 men. This event underscored the perilous nature of convoy operations and the significant risks faced by merchant mariners during World War II.

Legacy

The loss of the SS Paul Hamilton is remembered as one of the significant maritime disasters of World War II, highlighting the dangers faced by Liberty ships and their crews. It serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by merchant mariners in their vital role in the war effort. Memorials and historical records commemorate the ship and her crew, ensuring that their contribution and sacrifice are not forgotten.