The Ocracoke British Cemetery on Ocracoke Island honors four British Royal Navy sailors from the HMT Bedfordshire, a patrol vessel lost off the North Carolina coast during World War II in 1942. This small, well-kept cemetery stands as a testament to the sacrifices made during the Battle of the Atlantic.
The HMT Bedfordshire Story
On May 11, 1942, the HMT Bedfordshire was patrolling for German submarines when it was struck by a torpedo from German U-boat 558. The ship sank quickly, and all 37 crew members perished. In the days that followed, the bodies of four sailors washed ashore on Ocracoke Island. Local residents gave them a respectful burial, and the cemetery was established to honor their memory.
Annual Ceremony
Each year, representatives from the National Park Service, the US Coast Guard, and the British Royal Navy hold a ceremony at the cemetery. This event pays tribute to the sailors and highlights the lasting connection between the United States and the United Kingdom.
World War II History on Ocracoke
The loss of the Bedfordshire was part of a larger campaign known as Operation Drumroll, when German U-boats targeted shipping along the American east coast. The waters near Cape Hatteras became known as "Torpedo Junction" because of the many ships lost there during the war.
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