The SS Dorchester is sunk by a German U-boat. Only 230 of 902 men aboard survive.

The S.S. Dorchester, originally a civilian coastal passenger steamship, underwent a critical transformation at the height of World War II. In January 1942, this vessel was officially requisitioned and subsequently operated by the War Shipping Administration (WSA), an emergency agency established by the U.S. government to manage the American merchant fleet during the conflict. Its new, vital mission was to serve as a troop ship, specifically allocated to meet the burgeoning transport requirements of the United States Army.

The S.S. Dorchester's Wartime Service and Fatal Voyage

Under the WSA's purview, the Dorchester was managed and operated by Atlantic, Gulf & West Indies Steamship Lines (Agwilines), acting as the WSA's designated agent. This arrangement allowed private companies to continue operating ships under government control for the war effort. The ship's fateful journey began as part of Convoy SG 19, a critical lifeline ferrying personnel and supplies from New York to the strategic U.S. military bases in Greenland. While transiting the perilous waters of the Labrador Sea, a region infamous for intense submarine warfare during the Battle of the Atlantic, the Dorchester became a target. On February 3, 1943, at approximately 12:55 AM, the vessel was struck by a torpedo launched by the German U-boat *U-223*.

The Tragic Sinking and Devastating Loss of Life

The torpedo hit caused severe damage, and the ship sank rapidly in the frigid, dark waters, taking with it a catastrophic loss of life. Of the 904 individuals on board, including soldiers, merchant mariners, and civilian passengers, an agonizing 674 perished. The harsh conditions of the Labrador Sea, including the freezing temperatures and the speed of the sinking, severely hampered rescue efforts. Tragically, even among the 230 initial survivors, one life was lost *after* rescue, succumbing to the brutal elements or injuries, underscoring the extreme hazards faced by those in the North Atlantic during wartime.

The Enduring Legacy of the Four Chaplains

From this profound tragedy emerged an extraordinary tale of courage and selflessness that has resonated through history: the story of the "Four Chaplains," also reverently known as the "Immortal Chaplains." These four U.S. Army chaplains – Lieutenant George L. Fox (Methodist), Lieutenant Alexander D. Goode (Jewish), Lieutenant John P. Washington (Roman Catholic), and Lieutenant Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed) – exemplified the highest ideals of sacrifice. In the chaotic, terrifying moments as the Dorchester foundered, they collectively and without hesitation gave away their own life jackets to save others, particularly those who had lost theirs or had no access to them. Their final moments were spent on the sinking deck, arms linked, offering prayers and comfort to those around them as the ship slipped beneath the waves. This profound act of interfaith unity and ultimate sacrifice quickly gained widespread fame, inspiring countless individuals and leading to the establishment of numerous memorials, including the Chapel of the Four Chaplains in Philadelphia, and the posthumous awarding of the Distinguished Service Cross and a special Medal for Heroism by the U.S. Congress, cementing their place in American military and spiritual history.

Frequently Asked Questions About the S.S. Dorchester

What was the S.S. Dorchester?
The S.S. Dorchester was originally a coastal passenger steamship that was requisitioned by the War Shipping Administration (WSA) in January 1942 to serve as a troop transport ship for the United States Army during World War II.
When and where did the Dorchester sink?
The Dorchester sank on February 3, 1943, after being torpedoed by the German U-boat *U-223* in the Labrador Sea, while sailing as part of Convoy SG 19 from New York to Greenland.
Who were the "Four Chaplains"?
The "Four Chaplains" were four U.S. Army chaplains aboard the S.S. Dorchester: Lieutenant George L. Fox (Methodist), Lieutenant Alexander D. Goode (Jewish), Lieutenant John P. Washington (Roman Catholic), and Lieutenant Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed). They are renowned for their heroic act of giving away their life jackets to save others as the ship sank, ultimately sacrificing their own lives.
How many lives were lost when the Dorchester sank?
A total of 674 lives were lost out of the 904 individuals on board the Dorchester. Of the 230 initial survivors rescued, one person later perished, highlighting the extreme conditions of the sinking.
What recognition did the Four Chaplains receive?
The Four Chaplains were posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and a special Medal for Heroism by the U.S. Congress. Their sacrifice is widely commemorated through various memorials and institutions, serving as an enduring symbol of interfaith cooperation and ultimate selflessness.