Andalucia Star 1 Anniversary

[Fraser Darrah]

The 70th Anniversary of the sinking of the Andalucia Star was on the 6th October 1942

The diary of William (Will.) Francies (Assistant Engineer) written at the time will feature over 3 consecutive days until their rescue and arrival in Freetown.

William (Will.) Francies was a 40 year old Assistant Engineer on that fateful voyage. Will had been running his own Engineering business in Loughton before the war and volunteered joining the MN. He joined the Canadian Star in Oct 1941, then sailed on the Andalucia Star. Back then he had a wife and two young daughters. His two daughters are still alive, along with his grand-daughter (Sue Golding) who have kindly given permission to publish them

Extracts have been kindly produced by Captain Peter Stacey as well as some magnificent drawings of her.

Diary extract for the 6th Ocober 1942