Free French submarine Rubis

Something I read from another friend on THC .

21 Dec, 1944
The German merchant Weichselland (3654 GRT, former Latvian Gundega), the German auxiliary submarine chasers UJ 1113/KUJ 7 (970 GRT), UJ 1116/KUJ 11 970 GRT), UJ 1702/KUJ 16 (970 GRT) and the small German minesweeper R 402 (140 tons) sink off Feiestein-Rinne, Norway in position 58º51'N, 05º30'E after hitting mines laid by the Free French submarine Rubis on 19 December 1944.
(Rubis, a mine-laying sub, had been captured from the Vichy French by the British and turned over to the Free French. The sinking of at least 25 vessels were attributed to the Rubis, mostly by mines.)

 

If you wish know more of this "sous marin" go to these links:

épave du Rubis

sous-marin rubis - Starmedia PAN




Jan.

 

the wreckage :


http://www.canyousea.com/multimedia\medias\11_633292510988200913.jpg

 

Back to DUNDEE Scotland after a patrol



Le sous marin mouilleur de mines "RUBIS" des FNFL (Ch. 1) - Section RUBIS

 

Hello. How lovely to see the photo of the Rubis's crew on World War II Forums! My father, André Vallois, former Petty Officer Mechanic, served on the Rubis from 1939 until his demobilisation in 1945 and participated in all 28 of the submarine's missions during WWII. He has been living in Scotland since 1947, will soon be 91 years old and is still in good health. He can be seen on the photo holding Bacchus, the submarine's mascot. Best wishes. Linda Larkin (née Vallois)

 

Welcome, Linda to WW2F!

Is anyone of the men in the photo ?




Jan.

 

Hello Jan. Yes, my father is the man holding the submarine's mascot dog, Bacchus. Linda

 

Many thanks, Linda!

Print the photo and following, show it at your beloved father. Perhaps he identify at the members of the crew.....





Jan.

 

OK Jan. I'll ask him and let you know the names, hopefully of most of them. Best regards. Linda

 

Hello again, Jan

As promised, I've asked my father if he can remember the crew members' names and he has remembered the following:-

Standing Left to Right: Menez, Louboutin, ?, ?, ?, Gaillard, Latour, Leguerec, Windels, Besq, ?, Leborgne, Geoffray (white jumper), ?, Riss, ?, Guillomard, Descormes, Baivier (white jumper), Banquaert.

Kneeling: Sanz, Vallois (with Bacchus) , Vozy.

Best wishes.

Linda

 

Hello Linda, t's been a real privilege to have your father identify these brave sailors, thank you very much for your contribution!

 

Hello, Linda!

Thanks for contribution!

This is another piece of the History of this submersible. I'm sure!





Jan.

 

hello linda. my grandad was also on the Rubis his name was Paul Helie, i cant' see him in the picture. i was interested to see the photo after learning that there is to be a monument placed at victoria docks in dundee. im hoping to be able to go along as i know how proud my grandad was of his time on the Rubis and i was always eager to hear his stories so i will be a proud representative for him.

 

Hello Kirsty. Many thanks for your message, and apologies for taking so long to reply! I hope you enjoyed the memorial event on 17 September. I was there too, with my Dad, and thoroughly enjoyed the day. It's lovely to hear from you, as I know my Dad was very friendly with your Grandad. In fact, someone at the event told my Dad that Paul Helie's granddaughter was going to try to speak to him but, unfortunatley, my Dad and I had to leave without managing to meet you. Would it be possible for you to let me have your e-mail address so that we can chat further? It would be lovely if my Dad and I could meet up with you sometime. All best wishes. Linda

 

Great to hear you eventually "met" each other through this thread. This is thrilling!

 

Very cool. Linda, I thank you and your father for sharing this information with us. People like your father are the unsung heroes who were never recognized for their actions during WWII.

 

Hello USMC. Thank you for your kind message, which I'll pass on to my Dad. It's lovely to know that his and his fellow crew members' efforts are still appreciated 70 years on! All best wishes. Linda

 

Hi Linda, Happy New year to you and to your dad! I recently found out the Rubis Veteran association made their own wine bottles with the Rubis printed on the label. One of my friends has one in his collection.

 

Hello Skipper

Happy New Year to you too, and I hope you're well. Thanks for letting me know about the Rubis wine bottle. I didn't know that existed, and I didn't even know there existed a Rubis Veterans' Association! Maybe your friend could advise how my Dad could join the Association? Thanks in advance.

Linda

 

Hi Linda I have some news for you. Actually the Association is for another Rubis submarine that was named after the first one as a tribute , and so is the wine bottle. I was actually offered such a bottle by a friend and it is now displayed in my collection . I wil ltake a picture of it and post it here for you later.