大象传媒

My father was working in Egypt during the start of the war for AMWD (Air Ministry Works Dept), and my mother and I had been evacuated to South Africa. We were based in a town called Margate, some 100 miles south of Durban. We lived in the Ferndale Hotel with other families who had been similarly evacuated. My memories of our time there are happy ones, being of an age not to appreciate the dangers of war. We spent happy times at the beach (the hotel was on the shore), and attended the local school which was at the top of a hill.

My father had been engaged with work travelling to and from the Western Desert to reinstate power facilities for the allies as they progressed in their battles. He was able to use prisoners of war to help him in his tasks, and for this work he was awarded the B.E.M. which was a highly rated honour at that time.

In the spring of 1943 Dad was posted to return home to U.K. and he arrived in Durban to pick us up to continue on the journey home. We sailed from Durban on a troop ship (I think it was the Empress of Richmond, if my memory serves me right), and sailed to Capetown. We stayed there for about a week - this was possibly for the convoy of ships to get together. My most significant memory of Capetown was the fact that I had six milk teeth romoved there!

Our journey continued via Freetown where the convoy was attacked by a U-boat, and one of the ships behind us (I think it was the next but one to ours) was actually sunk while we were near the harbour.

Every day we had lifeboat drill. Each family would assemble on deck with the father at the back, then mother, then the child/children. One day the captain decided that we should have a REAL drill, and Mum and I got into one of the lifeboats which was then lowered towards the water. Although we were apprehensive about this, I realise now that it was necessary.

Another memory which I have of this voyage was the fact that, as we were carrying many wounded soldiers, there was several deaths during our six weeks at sea. When a burial was taking place all the women and children were sent below decks while the service was held.

Our journey continued, calling in next at Takoradi, and then we were homeward bound. I recall that we had to circle the Isle of Man several times - we were told that this was to put off any U-boats which might have been on our tail.

A final memory I have is that many evenings several families would get together in a cabin to play Monopoly. My mother did not enjoy playing this game and usually managed to get out in order to make tea for us all. How this was managed I really cannot recall, but I do know that we had loaf sugar and condensed milk to make the concoction. However, I did us little harm.

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