Wartime tragedy that left 26 children without their fathers

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It was a tragedy that shook Tayside during the already harrowing years of the Second World War.

It was 77 years ago today that nine men lost their lives when fishing trawler Ben Attow picked up a mine in the Firth of Forth.

A total of 26 children, mostly from Dundee, were left fatherless following the “terrific explosion”.

One of them was Peter Schiavetta, who has now spoken out about growing up in the aftermath of the disaster in order to mark the 77th anniversary.

Peter, 81, from Broughty Ferry, said: “It was 1940 and I was only about three or four years old when it happened.

“My father, Luigi, had his own fish and chip shop in King Street in the Ferry.

“It was only his first or second trip on the trawler, and he was standing in for a guy that fell ill.

“My siblings and I were among the 26 children that were left fatherless.

“There were 10 of us – five girls and five boys. My mother was left on her own to look after us.

“People nowadays talk about poverty, but in those days there was no government help for families.

“We were helped by neighbours and the church. The 10 of us lived in two rooms and slept three to a bed, while the babies slept in drawers.

“The toilet was outside and if you wanted to go you had to carry a candle with you. They were hard days, but we survived and I think the event is something that is still worth commemorating today.”

The nine men were Luigi Schiavetta, William Lorimer, George Anderson, Norman Ross, Arthur Lawrence, Robert Mayes, WJ Briggs, John Robertson and Alexander Gall, all from Broughty Ferry, Monifieth and Tayport.

A total of £422 – around £24,000 in today’s money – was raised to help the dependents of the deceased.

My siblings andIwere among the 26 children that were left fatherless. PETER SCHIaVETTa

Above: Peter Schiavetta and his siblings were left fatherless. Right: how the story was told in 1940.