U-Boat Attack off coast of Algeria
While escorting a convoy from Algiers to US east coast, Menges was investigating a radar contact astern of the convoy when she was hit by an acoustic torpedo from U-371. ... The explosion was so violent that the aft third of the ship was destroyed with 31 men killed and 25 wounded. However, the CO refused to give the order to abandon ship as long as there was chance of saving her. In addition, several of the crewmembers heroically jumped astride torpedoes loosened in the blast to disarm them. ... With this creditable action, Menges remained afloat. ... Four hours after the torpedo attack, Menges was taken in tow by tug HMS Aspirant and reached Bougie, Algeria, that same day to debark her dead and wounded.
