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The gun installation on Bell Island
8 May 2004
Bell Island, Newfoundland and Labrador

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One of the first things you notice as you approach Bell Island on the Ferry is two guns perched high on the cliffs pointing out over Conception Bay. They were installed during WWII after an attack by German U-boats on ore carriers anchored near the Island.

Bell Island has the distinction of being the only place in North America to be fired upon during the war.

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Aftermath of Uboat attack at the pier
September, 1940
Bell Island, Newfoundland and Labrador

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Before the War, Bell Island was the primary supplier of iron ore for Germany. This distinction led to several tragic losses. German captains' experience in piloting iron ore boats into Conception Bay made it possible for them to return with U-boats and attack several vessels. On Sept. 5, 1942 three ore boats, the S.S. Lord Strathcona, S.S. Saganaga and the PLM 27, were waiting in anchorage near Bell Island. Unbeknownst to the vessels, a German U-boat under the cover of night had slipped into the area and was getting ready to attack. Without warning the U-boat fired on the ships. The Strathcona and the Saganaga were torpedoed and sunk. The PLM 27 was lucky enough to remain unharmed.

Gun emplacements on Beach Hill were fired by the Newfoundland militia. The men didn't see or hit the submarine but did manage in the confusion to kill a cow in St. Philips. Bell Island has the distinction of being the site of the only artillery fired in defense of North America in the Second World War. Two months after the first attack, five boats, the Rosecastle, PLM 27, Pendeen, Penoliver and Flyindale, were in anchorage off Bell Island. A second German submarine attack occurred this time in broad daylight. Both the Rosecastle and the PLM 27 were lost. A torpedo meant for the Flyindale missed and hit and damaged the pier.

The photo:

Aftermath of Uboat attack at the pier. A torpedo intended for a ship loading at the pier missed and stuck the island. (Top left) Men holding remains of torpedo.(Top Right) Damage at the Pier. (Bottom Left and Right) Steel nets being strung around the pier

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The four ore carriers sunk by German U boats in two seperate attacks in Conception bay during WWII
8 May 2005

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The four ships that were sunk in the two attacks

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Ore boats south side of Bell Island
1957
Bell Island, Newfoundland and Labrador

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Ore carriers would often anchor between Little Bell Island and Bell Island while awaiting to take on their cargo at the pier. This is the approximate area where the attacks took place.