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Tragic Torpedoing of SS Arandora Star Claims 850 Lives

12/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The SS Arandora Star was torpedoed in 1940, killing 850 people including Camillo Rea, grandfather of Chris Rea.
Camillo Rea was among thirteen Teesside men sent to Liverpool for internment in Canada after Italy declared war on Britain in June 1940.
The Rea family cafes in Middlesbrough were established by Camillo Rea in 1930s.
The cafes are remembered for Chris Rea's musical achievements.

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Story summary

The SS Arandora Star was torpedoed in 1940, killing 850 people including Camillo Rea, grandfather of Chris Rea.
Camillo Rea was among thirteen Teesside men sent to Liverpool for internment in Canada after Italy declared war on Britain in June 1940.
The Rea family cafes in Middlesbrough were established by Camillo Rea in 1930s.
The cafes are remembered for Chris Rea's musical achievements.