- Contributed by听
- Civic Centre, Bedford
- People in story:听
- Joseph Batty-Peirson, Fraser, Somerville, Power, Walker,Smuts and de Wiart
- Location of story:听
- North Altlantic and Asia
- Background to story:听
- Royal Navy
- Article ID:听
- A2677106
- Contributed on:听
- 29 May 2004
Lieut.J.Batty-Peirson, R.N.V.R. 1940-1946
I was born in Luton, and won a scholarship to Luton Modern School. I had always wanted to go to sea. However, my chance came in 1939, with the coming of war and I volunteered for the navy, and became an Ordinary Seaman.
My first ship was one of the ex USA destroyers now named the HMS Broadwater, in which I served for seven months on the North Atlantic convoys. This ship was sunk by U101 with the loss of 54 men. After that I undertook an Officers course.
I received my conmission in 1941 and trained as a gunnery officer, and I was eventually an Air Defence officer on the Battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth. This was the flagship of the newly formed Eastern Fleet and saw action in all of the operatons against the Japanese.
In the course of my navy carreer I meet many famous people; Churchill, Mountbatten, the Admirals Fraser, Somerville, Power and Walker, including General Smuts and General Sir Carton de Wiart V.C.
Even though I was recomended for a permanet commission by Admiral Walker, I left the service, with a 50% wounded pension and the following medals; 1939 Star, Burmas Star, Pacific Bar and the Victory Medal.
Joe Batty-Peirson
Entered by Ian Nutley at Bedford 29/05/04
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