- Contributed by听
- 大象传媒 Open Day
- People in story:听
- George Hayzen Smith
- Location of story:听
- Takaoradi, Gold Coast; Simonstown; Mombassa;
- Background to story:听
- Royal Navy
- Article ID:听
- A8003729
- Contributed on:听
- 23 December 2005
George Hayzen Smith
Date of Birth: 3rd September 1909
As a consequence of appointment as Executive Officer in Ministry of Shipping in March 1940 accepted for navel service as Paymaster, Sub-Lieutenant in HMS Ethiopian. (Ethiopian has been requisitioned for war service by George whilst civilian at Ministry of Shipping and he had travelled to Lagos in the ship when joining United Africa Co. Ltd, Timber Department in 1938!). Later appointed Secretary Cypher and Victualling Officer involved in Boom Defences initially putting down torpedo nets in Scapa Flow after sinking of MS Royal. Oak.
Together with the escort frigates HMS Nigella and HMS Wallflower went to Takoradi on the Gold Coast via Azores and Freetown. Takoradi was the gateway for planes and war stores for the Middle East and so the ship was involved in putting down sea defences for 10 ships outside the harbour wall. Later HMS Ethiopian sailed for Simonstown and during this voyage the ship鈥檚 funnel caught fire following a fault in the fuel line. After repairs moved to Durban to take on Boom Defence gear and proceed to Seychelles to construct Fleet Oiling Base.
Received orders to proceed home for promotion to Pay Lieutenant and new appointment. Came home from Mombassa on HMS Ranchi an armed P. O. merchant cruiser assisting Paymaster Lieutenant Commander Newton. After one week at home proceeded to join HM Transport 4 (RMS Queen Mary) and sailed to New York.
During three weeks stay in New York was fitted out with US Navy Khaki uniform then, together with Naval Commander Newton proceeded by train to Tacoma via Montreal, Vancouver and Seattle to join carrier CVE 38 years later to be HMS Empress. Temporarily in charge of HMS during completion then sailed for Panama, the 2nd Air Squadron joining the ship on leaving Vancouver.
After Panama up to New York for loading programme including English civilians returning home to Greenock, Rosyth, and finally Devonport 1945.
Invalided out of the Service in 1945.
Medals: 1939 / 1945 War Star
Atlantic Star
Pacific Star
Defence Medal
General Service Medal
George Vth Silver Jubilee Medal
George 6th Coronation Medal
Died: 11th April 2002
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