LACONIA torpedoed February 1917

Artist John Allcot (Australian, 1888 - 1973)

Subject or historical figure Eric Bolton Beeham (Australian, born 1917)

Date1917

Object number00036299

NamePainting

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsOverall: 485 x 640 x 55 mm, 1.9 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Elaine Beeham

Collections

Ship portraits

Terms

DescriptionPainting by John Allcot of the sinking of the Cunard passenger liner SS LACONIA during World War II.HistoryOn 25 February 1917 LACONIA was torpedoed by the German U-50 off the southern coast of Ireland returning from New York to England with 75 passengers and 217 crew. A total of 12 people were killed, six crew and six passengers. SignificanceThe sinking of the LACONIA was a significant event in the narrative of WWI. Although the majority of those aboard were saved, it was a non-military vessel and the death of two American women on board drew outrage in the United States and added further pressure for the President to enter the war.