大象传媒

A smile on everyone of the ship鈥檚 company as we unshackle from our buoy in Trincomalee harbour, bound for Durban South Africa for a refit. First stop Adu Atoll, Malvian鈥檚 islands to go alongside a tanker for oil There was a very large hole in the tankers side made by a torpedo early on in the war, and now just a hulk to serve as a static oiler.

We noticed Barracuda fish deep down in the clear blue water. Continuing our voyage, watching the flying fish jumping out of the water and gliding from wave to wave, a little tail wiggle on top of another wave then gliding on for twenty yards or more, to dive back into the sea.

We ran into a monsoon, but having been through two hurricanes up in the Arctic, we knew our ship and us would weather it. Flying fish were being washed up on our foc鈥檚le between waves crashing on deck, we rushed to pick them up before the next wave, they tasted like trout when cooked.

We crossed over the data line marking the equator some time during a night on the voyage, there was no ceremony as we were still on a war footing, four hours on watch and eight hours off. Watch keeping day after day drains your energy and health.

Now in the southern ocean seeing Albatross sea birds that would station themselves astern of the ship, having a wide wing span they would mostly glide swinging side to side with the up currents of air from the waves. Sometimes three or four, or just one, knowing that ships throw their garbage over the side, would feast on. All day long an odd bird would follow us, night would fall and come sunrise it would still be there.

The next port of call Deagio Surazes, Madagascar Island for oil and no shore leave. It looked inviting, I always try to be on the upper deck on entering harbour, a new place is exciting to me.

At sea again heading down the coast of Mozambique (Portuguese). Night way off shore the sky had a red glow over the land, from fires of the locals burning sugar cane leaves before harvest, also to kill snakes said an old wag on board.

It was mid morning on entering Durban harbour having passed the bluff protecting it and berthing starboard side to at the docks. Throwing heavy lines for the shore men to catch, we tied on manilia ropes to the lines and the shore men placing loops over bollards we would then make the ship fast.

There were duties to perform making the ship tidy after a voyage. A sunny still day, a high soprano ladies voice could be heard from dock side. Looking down we could see a little lady in a long white frock and a large white hat to match plus a megaphone singing arias from famous operas. We, the ships company on the upper deck mutinied and stopped work to listen to her wonderful voice. In a while she stopped singing and said 鈥淗ello boys I thought I would welcome you to Durban 鈥� what would you like me to sing鈥�. With one voice we shouted out 鈥淎ve Maria鈥�, which was then sung to great cheers and thankyous.

We were told afterwards that the lady in white met and sang to all naval and troop ships that came into Durban throughout the war. We were in high spirits as she left, a local barrow boy loaded with chocolates and sweets came to us, accompanied by a local businessman who gestured that the contents of the barrow load come aboard. What a welcome, was it that our starboard side of ship had war damage with shrapnel holes like a pepper pot?

Before entering harbour a sweepstake was organised to guess the time when the Captain would give the order 鈥淔inished with Engines鈥� after tying alongside the jetty. The winner received a jackpot, but the real winner being that most of the monies be sent to relatives of our lost shipmates.

There is a statue to the lady in white on Durban waterfront now.

Lofty John Mills
For the next chapter in John's story go to: A8888944

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