大象传媒

My father was a Senior Engineer on a Merchant Aircraft Carrier (MAC) escorting convoys to and from the UK to Canada from 1943 until the end of the war in 1945.

A MAC ship had a 'flat top' and accommodated 3 Swordfish aircraft. The hull was an oil tanker. In addition they had equipment to refuel escort vessels which was situated below the flight deck.

The weather in the North Atlantic can be very fickle especially during the winter months.

The aircraft carried out reconnaisance flights around the convoy to seek out U Boats. During the take off and landings a Senior Engineer was always at the main engine controls. During 1 flight the weather deteriorated and as the aircraft was due to return the vessel commenced pitching more than usual when the planes were landing. My father was at the engine controls and he heard a loud crash on the flight deck above the engine room followed by frantic ringing of the ships telegraph to stop the engine. One of the aircraft had crashed and slithered overboard into the sea.

The pilot and observer were saved but the wireless operator/air gunner died. My father can still hear the crash 60 years on.

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