Forgotten American War Crime: The Laconia Incident

On September 12, 1942 the Cunard ocean liner RMS Laconia was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine, U-156 commanded by captain Werner Hartenstein. He had attacked a legitimate target of war but what shocked to find it full of civilians and prisoners of war, sparking an epic tale of survival, tragedy and human compassion that captivates to this day. Why did Hartenstein try to help? What was the deadly chain of events that led to the rescue effort being attacked from the air? Join us today as we explore the tragic story of the sinking of RMS Laconia. Oceanliner Designs explores the design, construction, engineering and operation of history’s greatest vessels– from Titanic to Queen Mary and from the Empress of Ireland to the Lusitania. Join maritime researcher and illustrator Michael Brady as he tells the stories behind some of history’s most famous ocean liners and machines! 0:00 Intro 1:48 Laconia: Cunard’s Gem 3:56 War at Sea 13:15 U-156 15:01 Laconia Torpedoed 23:30 Rescue Attempt 31:07 Aircraft Spotted 37:03 U-156 Attacked 40:51 Fight for Survival 45:26 Aftermath and Blame #history #worldwar3 #ww2 #documentary #tragedy #sinking #ship #maritime #titanic