A NEW book telling the story of an American hero of the First World War, who is buried in Derry, is to be published in the city next month.
Erik Kokeritz was a captain in the US Merchant Marines when he decided to take on the might of the German U-boat fleet to bring aid to help the war effort in Europe.
Leading two ships from New York, he showed amazing courage and leadership to complete his mission, attracting on the way a bounty of $10,000 from the German Kaiser.
While the story of his bravery and determination was celebrated around the world, it did not receive the same coverage in Ireland, despite the fact that, on his death in 1918, he was buried with full naval and military honours in Derry.
However, his story has been picked up by Irish genealogist and author, David Jenkins.
Working closely with Derry and Strabane council’s museum services, he has pieced together the remarkable story. “Captain Kokeritz; An American Hero” which will be published at Derry’s Tower Museum on November 11.
Tower Museum spokeswoman Bernadette Walsh, who worked with Mr Jenkins on the story, said the author wrote the book after uncovering Kokeritz’s unmarked grave in Derry City Cemetery.
Ms Walsh said Kokeritz led two unarmed merchant ships, the SS Rochester and SS Orleans from New York to Bordeaux despite the U-boat ring around France, Ireland and Britain.
Kokeritz died in Derry just under a year later after the SS Rochester was torpedoed in a later aid mission.
Spending five days in a lifeboat with 21 crew members in winter storms, he was rescued off Tory Island but died in Derry.
Just 43 years old and despite his courage and contribution to the war effort, Kokeritz rests in a grave which remains without a headstone more than 100 years after his death.
“David has done a wonderful job in capturing his remarkable story and ensuring that his heroic efforts won’t be forgotten,” Ms Walsh said.
A number of artefacts associated with Kokeritz and the SS Rochester will be on display at the book launch which will be addressed by the author as well as Nigel Hagon of the International School for Peace Studies.
