Photo: James Pasby

SS Tacoma Star Photo - Walter E Scott

© Liverpool Docks Damage RAF Photography

Thomas Hastings was the son of William and Mary Hastings, of South Shields, who was born in 1880.

In 1911, he was residing with his parents at 10 Nora Street, South Shields, also with his brother Leonard Hastings.

S.S. Tacoma Star was a steamship of 7924grt which was struck by a high explosive bomb in the [Liverpool Blitz] on the 3rd May 1941, when Thomas Hastings was the only casualty.

The ship sunk but was later salvaged. The Tacoma Star finally was sunk on Sunday, 1st February. U-109 sank the steamer TACOMA STAR (7924grt) at 37-33N, 69-21W. Commanded by Korvettenkapitän Heinrich Bleichrodt.

The entire crew of 85 were lost.

Sources: Liverpool 70 years on with thanks.

Thomas Hastings is remembered at Westoe in W101.08 page 37 and on our List of Ships’ crews.

History of U-109
Photos of the Liverpool Blitz
You Tube 'Liverpool Blitz'
The CWGC entry for Greaser Hastings