Laconia

"Laconia" (2 x 2hrs) is a multi-million production written by Alan Bleasdale (Boys From The Black Stuff, GBH, Jake's Progress, Oliver Twist) that is inspired by the true story of unexpected gallantry in the throes of war. On the 12th September 1942 the "Laconia" - a cruise ship turned troop ship - was torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-156 commanded by Werner Hartenstein. She carried a motley crew of women, children, wounded soldiers and Italian Prisoners of War. Having sunk the ship, Hartenstein should have left them to their uncertain fate, but instead he made the incredible decision to save as many lives as he could. (Source: Ovation TV)