大象传媒

I was not born until after the war, but was told in great detail from my parents their story. I was brought up knowing almost everything to do with the navy and it's ships.

My parents married in 1941 and after a weekend together my mother remained at her parents home helping to look after the evacuees children that were living with them, by day working in munitions and by night a fire fighter. My father returned to Scapa Flow to join his ship for service on the Russian Convoys, or to use his term "the northern run". They were not to see each other for a further 18 months.

It seems to me that a lot is spoken about the atlantic convoys, but not much is said about the ones going to Russia.

My father told me a lot about the conditions at sea on this run. He said the seas were mountainous, ice everywhere, the gun turrets had to be constantly swinging to prevent the hydraulics from freezing and below there was water everywhere and ice on the bulk heads. He was in the engine room which he said was a little warmer.

I particularly remember one story he told me. As often was the case a U boat was storking the convoy. It passed under my father's ship and came to a standstill. The ship's company were told to remain as quiet as possible. The engines were stopped and the captain addressed the crew telling them to make their peace with God. My father and his friend (oppo) stood at the ship's rail and smoked a cigarette, he said there was an amazing feeling of calm, which you wouldn't expect. By some miracle the u boat after a time, went on it's way.

I understand that after the war the Russian government gave medals to the men who served on these convoys, but as my father was no longer alive, I was not allowed to receive one on his behalf. Something I deeply regret as I would have treasured it with great pride.

My father finally left the navy as a petty officer in 1946 - but in his heart he never left the sea and was a sailor all the rest of his life, especially in the way he spoke - a language of their own.

I have much of my father and mother's possessions from that time which I keep with great reverence. I am so proud to be their daughter and so greatful.

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