1915-09

Torpedoing of HMT Southland

HMT Southland at anchor in Mudros Harbour off Lemnos Island Greece 1915 — HMT SOUTHLAND AT ANCHOR IN MUDROS HARBOUR. IE1222293 - STATE LIBRARY QUEENSLAND

A torpedo hit HMT Southland when it was taking Anzac and British troops to Gallipoli via Lemnos. The torpedo was fired from a German U-boat around 65 kilometres from Lemnos.

Thirty-two Anzacs lost their lives, most through drowning. Some 1,400 individuals survived the attack. Volunteer stokers kept the vessel afloat and it made its way to Mudros Bay that evening.

East Mudros Cemetery is the final resting place of 11 of the Australians who lost their lives on HMT Southland. Presumed dead, the missing were later named on memorials at Gallipoli.

AT THE CENTRE OF THIS INFORMAL GROUP PORTRAIT IS PRIVATE LES HEALY, LAID TO REST AT EAST MUDROS CEMETERY IN 1915. — At the centre of this informal group portrait is Private Les Healy, laid to rest at East Mudros Cemetery in 1915.