大象传媒

NINE

Having crossed the Mediterranean via Malta to Alexandria, the ship was taken over by shore personnel from the shipyard to make ready for the transportation of several hundred Greek Navy mutineers to Port Sudan. Being a cargo ship it was necessary to convert the 'tween decks into accommodation for the prisoners.

After we had sailed through the Suez Canal with the prisoners on board, we entered the Red Sea and sailed into tropical-like weather.

As Gunnery Officer one of my duties was, at regular intervals, to visit our 4.7" gun mounted aft, to inspect the gun, its platform, the ready-use ammunition and the gun crew themselves who were led by a very reliable Royal Marine Sergeant, to see that all was well.

To perform this duty it was necessary to go along the after deck through the prisoners enclosure.

Although I carried side-arms as a precaution, I was never nervous, because the Greeks were so very friendly. It was a delight, sailing through a calm tropical and moonlit night, to listen to these men singing their Greek folksongs.

On berthing at Port Sudan it was very sad to see these men formed up into long columns to be marched out of the port and over the sand dunes into the desert.

I have often wondered what was their fate !!

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