大象传媒

Albert Malin鈥檚 Story

Transcribed by Jo Knight at the Hanbury Hall rural Learning Event

Sept 3rd 1939, Albert鈥檚 13 birthday and he hoped at his very young age that the war would continue so he could join the Navy.

Schools were closed so he left school at this young age. He filled his time learning about ARP warden duties and dealing with pretend casualties.

Later he joined the home guard. He was in the home guard nearly 2 years including fire-watching duties for which he was paid 6 shillings per night, centred at Birmingham.

At the age of 16 he joined the Navy. First action was D Day. On the beach at Lee-on- Solent when an officer asked him his age. He told him that he was a boy seaman. The Officer told him to pack his bags and return to RNB Portsmouth. He was considered far too young to be in this kind of conflict. 3 weeks later he was assigned to HMS Oxlip flower class covert.

This boat was engaged on the artic convoys, which he served on until VE day 8th May 1945.

He was the youngest sailor to serve on the artic convoy for which he received a Blue Nose certificate issued by the North Russia Club.

Whilst he was serving, a young lady by the name of Ruby Taylor was bombed and her home was totally destroyed. She was buried alive for two days and nights. When she was found she was re-housed with her aunt, which was very fortunate for Albert because this year they celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.

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