Lusitania 1916
Lusitania, 'Largest Vessel in the World'
On 7 May 1915, the Cunard ocean liner RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat 11 miles off the Old Head of Kinsale, killing 1,198 and leaving 761 survivors. The sinking turned public opinion in many countries against Germany and contributed to the American entry into the First World War.
A little known story links the tragedy to the Cork branch of the Rohu family. The single largest item of cargo on board was a 6,000 cubic foot consignment of fur pelts. These pelts somehow escaped the sinking liner and were washed ashore in huge quantities. They were gathered up by local fishermen and sold to Rohu furriers. The Rohu family dried the furs (seen draped on the fence in the background) and sold them on to the British Army who had bought them in the first instance.
A little known story links the tragedy to the Cork branch of the Rohu family. The single largest item of cargo on board was a 6,000 cubic foot consignment of fur pelts. These pelts somehow escaped the sinking liner and were washed ashore in huge quantities. They were gathered up by local fishermen and sold to Rohu furriers. The Rohu family dried the furs (seen draped on the fence in the background) and sold them on to the British Army who had bought them in the first instance.
Successful Hunters!
Rohu huntsmen (!) stand over their prize of pelts washed up from the Lusitania! From left to right, Charles Lindsay Rohu, Fredrick Raynor Rohu and Louis le Goff Rohu.