大象传媒

This story was added to the People's War site by a volunteer from 大象传媒 Newcastle on behalf of Mary Charlton. Mary Charltonfully understands the site's terms and conditions and the story has been added to the site with her permission.

"Four hundred men go to war. Not many in the scheme of things but one of them was my Dad.

"Royal Marines - The best there is"

A random choice, half in the commandos, half to the fleet. The Hood has been recommisioned, Marine James Collins proud to be on the pride of the British Navy in the legendary "H" force, based in Gibraltar. Any trouble anywhere and Force "H" will sort it out - convoy escort round the Cape, across the Atlantic, into the Med, they did it. Some jobs they did not like, sinking the French fleet for one, but it had to be done.

Then, the Bismark broke out. The ship was awesome - fast, heavily armoured and 16" guns. "H" force split up to find her. Hood, with another battle cruiser, being the fastest ships, headed for the northern gap.

Bismark was sighted, battle joined and, to Britain's shock and horror, the Hood sank. All but three of a crew of hundreds was lost. For Commandos, the call to cover the army's retreat from Crete meant the same fate - all two hundred lost. As you can imagine for Mam it was terrible. Her last letter home from Dad told her he was on the Hood and the Hood was gone.

Me Mam is happy again! She got a letter. He wasn't on that ship. "No names, no pack drill" - on a gunnery course when she sailed. Said he should've been with his shipmates. Mam doesn't feel that way.

It's morning. There's a man in bed with Mam. He's dark brown, black wavy hair, muscles. He looks tired. Who is he? He knows me and our Margaret knows him. He has a good smile, his cheeks crinkle. I like him. He gives me a knife. A real knife with a marlin spike. I don't know what it is. He tells me but i forget. He's my Dad. I love him.

He's gone.

The irony was, when the war was over, he was killed on a ship. He joined his shipmates."

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