- Contributed by听
- WiltshireBirds
- People in story:听
- Stan, Fred and Phyllis
- Location of story:听
- Lancastria, Lacock, Bath
- Background to story:听
- Civilian
- Article ID:听
- A6571000
- Contributed on:听
- 31 October 2005
Lancastria
My father, Stan, was a survivor of the Lancastria.
19.6.40 He sent a message to his fiancee, Phyllis, to say he was ok. "I am alive and well after a slight adventure..."
25.6.40 he wrote again "the transport was hit and I had to swim for it, I was in the water over an hour. JC as far as I know has gone.. I'm sorry you could not see me when or just after it happen, as I was covered in oil and clothed only in a shirt, I hope you would not have been shocked....
After the war, he related to my husband that although he was unable to swim, he trod water for 40 minutes until he was rescued.
The largest loss of life on a ship in the War and kept a secret....
Fred buried the Lacock Abbey Charter to keep it safe during the war, it was recovered in good condition and lodged with the British Museum.
Phyllis, survived the Bath Blitz, was married to Stan in the church in King Edwards Road.
Marian was christened in the church in 1950.
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