On 26 October 1940, the Canadian liner Empress of Britain (42,348 gross registered tons), under command of Captain C. H. Sapsworth CVO with 645 persons on board (some sources insist on 647), was attacked by German aircraft off the coast of Ireland. The liner’s gun position was strafed before bombs, including incendiaries, scored direct hits causing several fires. There was no panic and the boats were got away in good order. On 28 October, the vessel was torpedoed causing her to blow up and sink. Altogether, some 45 lives were lost (perhaps 49!).
This vessel, sunk by U-32 just two days before the U-boat was sunk in her turn, accounted for the largest vessel sunk in the U-boat war.
pp. 184 illusts #190322