Sinking of SS Tilawa

Summary

That this House remembers the 83rd anniversary of the sinking of the British passenger ship SS Tilawa on 23 November 1942 during World War Two; regrets that 280 passengers and crew perished, mostly Indian nationals; is grateful that 678 were rescued by HMS Birmingham and SS Carthage; notes that survivors and families of survivors met in Leicester on 23 November 2025 to officially recognise the tragedy; thanks Mr Maciel aged 96 who lost his entire family in the tragedy, Mr Jani aged 86 and Mr Osman aged 92 who are the only known remaining UK survivors for their participation in the memorial service; commemorates first radio officer EB Duncan who received a posthumous Kings Bravery award for his sacrifice in going down with his ship in order to send the last known distress signals which allowed many lives to be saved during the rescue; and pays tribute to the Tilawa 1942 organisation and the Tilawa families who organised the Leicester gathering, for their efforts to remember this tragic event.

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Timeline

1. 17 December 2025

   Early Day Motion

   That this House remembers the 83rd anniversary of the sinking of the British passenger ship SS Tilawa on 23 November 1942 during World War Two; regrets that 280 passengers and crew perished, mostly Indian nationals; is grateful that 678 were rescued by HMS Birmingham and SS Carthage; notes that survivors and families of survivors met in Leicester on 23 November 2025 to officially recognise the tragedy; thanks Mr Maciel aged 96 who lost his entire family in the tragedy, Mr Jani aged 86 and Mr Osman aged 92 who are the only known remaining UK survivors for their participation in the memorial service; commemorates first radio officer EB Duncan who received a posthumous Kings Bravery award for his sacrifice in going down with his ship in order to send the last known distress signals which allowed many lives to be saved during the rescue; and pays tribute to the Tilawa 1942 organisation and the Tilawa families who organised the Leicester gathering, for their efforts to remember this tragic event.

   Source: Early Day Motion

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Sponsors

• Daisy Cooper · Liberal Democrat · Primary sponsor

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