Rekum seen as Norwegian Heron. Photo CHITON | Helderline.com
Built 1919
Tonnage 5,540 GRT/8,300 DWT
Length 412,0’
Beam 52,3’
Draught 25,1’
Propulsion 1 Triple expansion 517 NHP 1 screw single shaft
Speed 10,5kt
Launched as WAR SHIKARI by Lithgows Shipbuilders, Port Glasgow.
In 1920 was acquired by Anglo Saxon Petroleum Company. In 1921 was renamend CHITON.
In 1927 was acquired by Sherlofsen Moss (Norway) and renamed HERON.
In 1939 was purchased by E. Glassel (Germany) and renamed REKUM.
Rekum supplied fuel for several raiders in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean.
CHRONOLOGY
On July 24 1940 Rekum rendezvoused in the South Atlantic with Raider Widder when transferred 1,465 tons of fuel but for Ruckteschell disapointment Rekum had no provisions of fresh vegetables to pass.
On 25 Aug 1940 Thor rendezvoused with the supply ship Rekum and then returned to Brazilian waters.
After the battle with Alcantara on 28 July 1941, Rekum replenished Thor whilst the raider repaired her battle damage, cleaned her boilers and changed her disguise.
Fate: Sunk by coastal batteries at Dover on March 21 1944 off Boulogne.