T
homas (NMI) Stanborough served as Ship's Master in the Merchant Marine during WWII. One voyage did not go well. On 7 June 1942, the unescorted and unarmed Hermis (Master Thomas Stanborough) was torpedoed and sunk by U-158 (Kptlt. Erwin Rostin). Tom's entire family was in service; his sons served in the Army Air Corps and Navy, and his daughter was a civilian employee with the Army Air Corps. He continued to serve as Ship's Master until Jan 1943.
Timeline
Birth- Jan 12, 1894
Arrival in U.S.
13 Apr 1912
Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
Naturalization
8 Feb 1919
1775 - 2099Other Service- Age: 35 years
Served For
United States of America
Conflict Period
Other Service
Branch
Navy Reserve
Served In
U.S. Naval Merchant Marine Reserve, accepting a commission to Lieutenant on 11 Oct 1928.
Enlistment- Oct 11, 1928-Age: 35 years
New Orleans, Louisiana
Lieutenant
1939 - 1945World War II- Ages: 49 - 48 years
Combat
On 7 June 1942, the unescorted and unarmed Hermis (Master Thomas Stanborough) was torpedoed and sunk by U-158 (Kptlt Erwin Rostin). Position at time of sinking: 23.08N, 84.42W - Grid DM 4174
Conflict Period
World War II
Merchant Marine
Honorable discharge from U.S. Coast Guard for his service as Ships Master over several steam ships during World War II.
Branch
Coast Guard
Service Start Date
Jan 1942
Service End Date
Jan 14, 1943
Rank
Master Chief Petty Officer
Served For
United States of America
Death- Jan 18, 1962-Age: 68 years
Metairie, Jefferson, Louisiana
Other Facts
Full Name
Thomas Stanborough
Marital Status
Married, three children
