HMS Jervis Bay

The tanker San Demetrio was shelled by the Admiral Scheer and set alight. Filled with aviation fuel, the crew abandoned ship, expecting the inevitable explosion of the volatile cargo.

After two nights adrift in the freezing North Atlantic, the crew discovered the San Demetrio still afloat. Should they endure continued exposure in the open lifeboats, or risk the dangers of reboarding a still burning ship?

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The War Illustrated 1940