Ethan Rhodes
During World War II, the evacuation of Allied soldiers from Dunkirk, France, was a pivotal moment in the conflict. The story of the rescue operation, which brought over 338,000 men back to England, is well-known, but less often told is the story of the nurses on the hospital ships that played a crucial role in this evacuation. One aspect that has gained particular attention is the sinking of a hospital ship during the evacuation, as depicted in the 2017 film 'Dunkirk'. This event did indeed occur, with the HMHS Paris, making its sixth trip to Dunkirk, being bombed and sunk by German Stuka dive bombers on June 2, 1940. The Paris was one of several hospital ships targeted during the Dunkirk evacuation, with others such as the Maid of Kent also suffering a similar fate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the hospital ship | HMHS Paris, HMS Paris, USNS Mercy and Comfort |
| Date of sinking | 3 June 1940 |
| Location | English Channel, off Dunkirk |
| Cause | German bombing |
| Casualties | 2 crew members killed |
| Evacuation | Survivors were transferred to other boats |
| Other hospital ships at Dunkirk | HC Isle of Guernsey, Queen Alexandra, Maid of Kent, Brighton |
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What You'll Learn
HMHS Paris was sunk by German bombing
The HMHS Paris, a hospital ship flying the Red Cross, was sunk by German bombing during World War II. On June 2, 1940, while en route to Dunkirk, the ship was badly damaged by German bombs, causing it to sink the following day.
The HMHS Paris was a medical ship that played a crucial role in evacuating and providing aid to the wounded during the war. However, despite its humanitarian mission, the ship became a target of German bombing near Dunkirk. The exact circumstances and intentions behind the bombing of the HMHS Paris remain a subject of discussion. Some sources suggest that the attack may have been accidental or a case of mistaken identity, as the Germans were actively targeting British ships during that period.
The bombing of the HMHS Paris resulted in remarkably few casualties, with only two crew members reported as killed. The survivors of the bombing were promptly transferred to other boats, ensuring their safety. However, the loss of the ship had a significant impact on those who had served aboard and the wounded who relied on its medical facilities. Personal accounts from those connected to the ship express sadness and a sense of loss, highlighting the human cost of the incident.
The sinking of the HMHS Paris by German bombing is a tragic event that occurred during the evacuation at Dunkirk. While the ship was not directly engaged in combat, its role as a hospital ship providing medical assistance should have afforded it protection under international agreements such as the Hague Convention X of 1907. The attack on a hospital ship can be considered a war crime, and while there is no indication of a formal trial specifically for this incident, it adds to the list of charges against the German government during World War II.
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HMS Paris was transporting troops
The hospital ship HMHS (His Majesty's Hospital Ship) Paris was sunk by German bombing off Dunkirk on 2 June 1940. Two crew members were killed, and the ship sank on June 3 after the survivors were transferred to other boats. Paris was flying the red cross, indicating its status as a hospital ship. However, it has been suggested that if Paris was acting as a military troop transport, it would not have been protected.
There is mention of an HMS Ville de Paris, which evacuated several officers and thousands of soldiers following the Battle of Corunna in 1808. It was a 110-gun first-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched in 1795, and served as the flagship of the Channel Fleet. This ship was placed on harbour service in 1824 and broken up in 1845.
Another battleship named Paris was completed before World War I as part of the French Navy's naval building programme. It provided gunfire support for the Montenegrin Army in 1914 and covered the evacuation of Le Havre by the Allies in 1940. However, it is unclear if this ship transported troops specifically.
The movie Dunkirk depicts a hospital ship being attacked and sunk, which may be a reference to the sinking of HMHS Paris. However, the movie shows a fully laden ship, which could be a misrepresentation as there was enough time for a proper evacuation before the ship sank.
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Hospital ships were painted white with red crosses
During the Second World War, hospital ships were painted white and displayed large red crosses to signify their protected status under the Geneva Convention and the laws of war. The red cross symbol has become a widely recognised emblem for medicine and first aid.
The HMHS Paris, a British hospital ship flying the red cross, was sunk by German bombing off Dunkirk on 2 June 1940. The HMHS Maid of Kent, another hospital ship, was also sunk around the same time, while leaving Dieppe Harbour on 21 May 1940.
Hospital ships are vessels designated primarily as floating medical treatment facilities or hospitals. Most are operated by military forces, particularly navies, as they are intended for use in or near war zones. Under the Hague Convention X of 1907, hospital ships must be painted white and fly a red cross flag, in addition to their national flag. Military hospital ships display a green band, while those operated by relief societies display a red band.
The Second Geneva Convention of 1949 prohibits military attacks on hospital ships that meet specified requirements. However, marked vessels have not been completely free from attack. During World War I, the HMHS Llandovery Castle was deliberately targeted. In World War II, the Soviet hospital ship Armenia and the AHS Centaur were also attacked.
The red cross has been used as a symbol of protection in armed conflicts to mark persons and objects working in compliance with the rules of the Geneva Conventions. It is also used by medical services of the armed forces, civilian hospitals, and civil defence units. The red cross is derived from the Swiss flag, and its appropriation has led to some organisations reversing the colours, using a white cross on a red background.
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![Dunkirk [Blu-ray + Digital Download] [2017] [Region Free]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81LmqrAX3+L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Dunkirk - Special Edition [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Z-HCaxvLL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The Maid of Kent was sunk at Dieppe
The hospital ship HMHS Maid of Kent was sunk at Dieppe on 21 May 1940, just before the Dunkirk evacuation. The ship was collecting wounded soldiers and had been brightly illuminated, painted with red crosses, and flying the Red Cross. It had also been renamed from SS Maid of Kent to HMHS (His Majesty's Hospital Ship) Maid of Kent.
The Maid of Kent was a British passenger ferry that was converted to a hospital ship at the outbreak of World War II. Throughout May 1940, she made several trips to and from Dieppe, carrying hundreds of wounded soldiers. On 18 May, a bomb was dropped near the ship, but she was able to escape damage.
On 21 May, the Maid of Kent was sunk by an enemy bombing while leaving Dieppe Harbour, resulting in 54 casualties. The ship had been sent to Dieppe under Captain Addenbrooke, along with another ferry, the Brighton. Upon arrival, the harbour was attacked by the Luftwaffe, but once again the Maid of Kent escaped damage. Further attacks followed, and the ship was eventually sunk.
The sinking of the Maid of Kent was one of several incidents during World War II in which hospital ships were targeted. The HMHS Paris was sunk off Dunkirk on 2 June 1940, and other hospital ships were reportedly sunk or attacked during both World Wars. These incidents raise questions about the intentionality of the attacks and the ethical implications of targeting medical vessels.
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A hospital ship was sunk in the film 'Dunkirk'
The 2017 film 'Dunkirk' depicts a hospital ship being attacked and sunk. This has led to questions about the historical accuracy of this scene. Indeed, hospital ships were present at Dunkirk during World War II, and one such ship, the HMHS Paris, was sunk by German bombing on June 2, 1940. However, there are discrepancies between the film's portrayal and the historical record.
In the film, the hospital ship is shown being sunk by a torpedo, which contains far more explosives than bombs typically used in aerial attacks. The ship is also "bracketed by near misses," suggesting multiple attacks. In reality, the HMHS Paris was crippled by an aerial bombing and sank the next day, indicating a more prolonged event than what is depicted in the film. Additionally, the Paris was likely flying the Red Cross, a distinctive mark of hospital ships, which may have been missed by a dive bomber.
The depiction of British destroyers being hit by a single bomb and sinking quickly has also been questioned. While it is true that some destroyers were sunk by single bomb hits, this was not always the case, and multiple attacks were often required. The size of the explosives and the specific circumstances of each attack played a significant role in the outcome.
The presence of nurses on hospital ships during the evacuation of Dunkirk is another important aspect of the story. Historical accounts and letters written by nurses themselves attest to their bravery and dedication to their duty, even under dangerous circumstances. These nurses played a crucial role in bringing thousands of wounded servicemen back to England.
Overall, while the film 'Dunkirk' takes certain artistic liberties with the sinking of the hospital ship, it does reflect the historical reality of the dangers faced by medical vessels during the evacuation. The sinking of the HMHS Paris and the experiences of the nurses on board contribute to a broader understanding of the events at Dunkirk and the impact on those involved.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the HMHS Paris was sunk by German bombing off Dunkirk on 2 June 1940.
Yes, the HMHS Maid of Kent was sunk on 21 May 1940 at Dieppe. The Brighton was also sunk at Dieppe the same month.
Yes, the Hospital Carrier Isle of Guernsey was attacked by German planes dropping bombs and machine-gunning.
Yes, the 2017 film 'Dunkirk' depicts a hospital ship being attacked and sunk.
