- Contributed by听
- WiltshireBirds
- People in story:听
- Fred, Stanley, Phyllis
- Background to story:听
- Civilian
- Article ID:听
- A6570768
- Contributed on:听
- 31 October 2005
Lancastria
My father, Stan, was a survivor of the Lancastria.
19.6.40 He sent a message to his fiancee, Phyllis, to say he was ok. "I am alive and well after a slight adventure..."
25.6.40 he wrote again "the transport was hit and I had to swim for it, I was in the water over an hour. JC as far as I know has gone.. I'm sorry you could not see me when or just after it happen, as I was covered in oil and clothed only in a shirt, I hope you would not have been shocked....
After the war, he related to my husband that although he was unable to swim, he trod water for 40 minutes until he was rescued.
The largest loss of life on a ship in the War and kept a secret....
My Grandfather, Fred, buried the Lacock Abbey Charter in a secret place during the war. It was retrieved after the war and is now in the British Museum.
Phyllis, worked for the Civil Service, survived the Bath Blitz.
Phyllis and Stan were the last people to marry in the church in King Edwards Road,Bath and I was the first child to be christened in the rebuilt church.
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