Parents Father: FARRELL, Albert Grover Mother: PHINNEY, Luella Edwina Birth Born on February 29, 1920 in Springhill, Cumberland Co., NS Death Died on November 07, 1942 in At Sea Notes Military Service: WW2 US Merchant Marine Historical Information: U.S. Merchant Marine Service No. 228822 Award: Mariner's Medal Third Mate ALBERT HENRY FARRELL was on the American merchant ship SS La Salle as it left Balboa, Canal Zone on Sep 26, 1942. The unescorted ship was headed for Capetown South Africa, via Cape Horn, with a cargo of trucks, steel and ammunition. The La Salle never arrived at its destination, however, and on Dec 2, 1942 it was officially designated "Presumed Lost." The fate of the SS La Salle and her complement of 60 men remained a mystery until after the war when German naval records revealed the facts. On the afternoon of Nov 7, 1942, German submarine U-159 spotted the ship and began shadowing it. During the five hour pursuit, a torpedo had been fired but missed. Now, at approximately 350 miles southeast of the Cape of Good Hope, the sub fired another torpedo and this one hit, igniting the ammunition. La Salle exploded, creating a huge fireball which completely destroyed the ship. The explosion was heard at Cape Point lighthouse, which was over 300 miles away. There were 40 Merchant Mariners and 20 US Navy Armed Guards on board; none survived. Sources Findagrave.com: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/74922898/albert-henry-farrell Images Albert H. Farrell1 Albert H. Farrell