On 11 May 1944, the unescorted Empire Heath (Master William Thompson Brown DSC) was torpedoed and sunk by U-129 east-northeast of Rio de Janeiro. The master, 45 crew members and nine gunners were lost. One crew member was taken prisoner by the U-boat
Husband of Mercy Bennett, of Sayed Omar Store, Shangweni Rail, Durban, Natal. Born Natla, South Africa. ***Some records show the Empire Heath as being sunk 11th May and CWGC uses 13 May for commemoration. ref. South African Roll of Honour 1939-1945