大象传媒

In 1940 dad's ship was disabled by enemy
bombing in the Channel and towed into
Chatham (see also his story HMS Atherstone).
Whilst undergowing repairs the ship had new
4.5 inch high angle anti aircraft guns installed fore and aft.At the same time the
cruiser HMS Arethusa was nearby and both
vessels contributed to the anti aircraft
defence of the dockyard.Nearby were many
huts,buildings etc. which were used by the
dockyard workers for work, meals,recreation,
and other sundry uses.On one occasion their
guns went into action very suddenly.The new
guns made a noise like a very loud crack.So
much so that it frightened the dockers who
suddenly came streaming out of their buildings like a swarm of angry ants.This
looked so funny to the gunners on the
Atherstone that they were reduced to
laughter so much so that their efficiency
in loading and firing was not up to their
usual standard!Afterwards the Gunnery Officer was not amused.

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