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When readers of the Rochester Times-Union received their Thursday evening, June 14, 1945 editions they and Americans across the nation read news of the greatest single transport disaster during World War II -and its details were kept classified for decades.
It would be many years before family members and the public would learn details about the mysterious circumstances of the Rohna disaster.
In the darkness of the night and in bad weather the British troops ship HMT Rohna sank after a 30 minute enemy air attack on November 26, 1943 off the coast of Algeria.
Of the 1,981 U.S. Navy personnel aboard 1,015 were lost -including one who called Greenwich, Connecticut home. He grew up in Round Hill, a member of the Moore family.
This is from the Greenwich News & Graphic, dated October 31, 1924: "One of the features of the day was the appearance of Master John Campbell Moore, the three-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Moore, attired in full Highland costume, carrying a miniature set of bagpipes. The little fellow marched about the grounds playing with the band and his performance was lost amusing and greatly enjoyed."
Sadly, he died in the attack on the HMT Rohna during World War II. My guests believe that the family here in Greenwich never knew what happened to him -or why because it was classified.
Joining Host Jeffrey Bingham Mead in the 1490 WGCH studios are Greenwich resident and author Catherine Ladnier and John Dolin and Joe Webber of West Haven, Connecticut.
The Moore Family home still stands tall and dignified at 420 Round Hill Road.
You've heard of Mooreland Road, haven't you? Before it was subdivided and developed this estate played host to the original Round Hill Scottish Highland Games in Greenwich before going off to Yale Farms in North Greenwich, then Stamford and today in Norwalk every July.
Had young John Campbell Moore survived the Rohna disaster he would have been the uncle to actress Glenn Close.
I am willing to bet that many of you have never heard about the Rohna, the worst sea disaster in American history.
Please take a few moments to visit Ladnier's web site, DearEva.org to learn about her plays and her upcoming appearance on the 31st of August at the Halls Veterans Museum, Tennessee.
Also, learn more by visiting the web site of the Rohna Survivors Memorial Association.
Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons will air this coming Wednesday morning, August 28, 2019 on 1490 WGCH and WGCH.com right after the top of the hour news at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. If you cannot listen to the live broadcast fear not! We have you covered. We'll post links to the archived shows on Facebook and to your email box after the conclusion of the broadcast at 9:30 a.m.
