大象传媒

I was ashore in Alexandria(Egypt) at a night club with French Sailors, news had filtered through that the French had capitulated, many French Navy men were openly crying as to the state of their homeland and families. I returned aboard that evening to find our ships company in a tentative mood-Prime Minster Churchill has issued orders that no French ships were to leave harbour. On the 1st July we were ordered to Action Stations intending to use force if necessary to prevent French ships leaving harbour. My action stations was in "B turrent LH 6" gun operating the cordite hoist. We aimed our guns at the French Cruiser by opening the breech looking along the barrel with the shell striking amidships. so we remained in that turret for a little over two days in really hot weather taking meals in rotation. Occasionally the ship ahead would raise and lower its guns and I'm sure all hearts stopped beating,it was to, say the least traumatic.

Word came though of the naval action at Mers-el-kebir when the French fleet suffered a savea mauling by a British fleet this we believe helped case. Despite orders from Churchill to achieve results by night fall 3rd July Admiral Cunningham held his fire and continued to negotiate. Thankfully on the 4th July Admiral Cunningham and Admiral Godfroy came to an agreement. The French fleet was immobilised, so came to an end peaceable on 4th Ju;y what would have been one of the biggest bangs and carnage ever witnessed at the time, Alexandria would have disappeared off the map completely.

We had spent two uncomfortable days not knowing when the fireworks would start, looking back it was the worst and tying time for me during the whole of my war time experience. Everyone was of the opinion that the diplomacy shown by both Admirals was of the highest order and prevented what would have been an unnecessary loss of live and futile venture.

So, Thank you Admirals Cunningham and Godfroy your diplomacy saved many lives and so allowed many to enjoy old age.

Alf Fishlock

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