Hero Kuhlmann (1894-1982)
Bosun Hero Kuhlmann Source: Myheritage.com
Hero Kuhlmann was born to Antonius Egiduis Kuhlmann and Alida van der Werff on the 3rd of August 1894 in Leeuwarden, Holland. He had at least three other siblings: Egidius Martinus Kuhlmann, Johanna Antonia Kuhlmann, Elisabeth Johanna Kuhlmann. He may have had two other siblings but I was unable to find conclusive evidence for them. At the age of fifteen he ran away to sea and later settled in Dibden Purlieu a village on the outskirts of the New Forest in England.
Family picture from left to right Hero Kuhlmann, Nigel Port, Elsie Kuhlmann and Anthony Kuhlmann. Source: Myheritage.com
On May 14th 1935 he was posted to the Arandora Star as a Bosun. Later that year he married Elsie Port. Two years later in 1937 their son Anthony Kuhlmann was born.
When WW2 broke out Hero was still on the Arandora Star. The duties of the Merchant Navy at this time were some of the most important ever. Ferrying food to England.
On the 2nd July 1940 on its way from Liverpool the Arandora Star was carrying 1299 internees and prisoners-of-war.
The unescorted Arandora Star was seen by U-47 and was promptly hit by one torpedo from U-47 and foundered later at 56°30N/10°38W.
The Master, 12 officers, 42 crewmen, 37 guards, 470 Italians and 243 Germans were lost. The survivors including Hero were later picked up by HMS St. Laurent.
Shortly after Hero was rescued he was reposted to the Arandora's sister ship the Andalucia Star again as a Bosun. The Andalucia star was then sunk on the 7th of October 1942.
After the second sinking Hero was reposted as a shore Bosun for Blue Star line ltd. In 1944 he started teaching at the Navigation School in Warsash, Southampton.
He passed away on Oct 31 1982.