大象传媒

One of the hairiest incidents I experienced was in the Mediterranean aboard the Abercrombie. This was a flat bottomed "moniter", one of only two in the Royal Navy. It was 8-9000 tons with its main armament - two 15 inch guns plus smaller back up. She had a good record, particularly supporting the Italian Campaign.

In mid August 1944 we were off again. As usual the "lower deck" was rife with rumours - the South of France was the favourite where a front had been opened up.

We were "closed up" (action stations) and I was at my ususal place - the 4 inch magazine. My mate and I had sent a couple of dozen shells up the hoist when the first "salvo" occured - we both thought "The 15 inch have started".

Following the second "salvo" we both realised all was not well. The ship was lurching and starting to list. In fact, we had run into a minefield and taken two hits, one foreward and one aft. Being midships, we had missed these impacts. Fate was on our side . We relied on shipmates to release us which they did.

On deck it was panic stations with the "Jimmy" (1st Officer) a Lieutenant Commander AGUTTER running around like a demented rabbit - more mines were seen on the surface, which were dispatched with rifle fire.

Somehow, a couple of Destroyers got us clear and with one either side we made it slowly back to Malta - listing but still afloat.

The local population of Valetta must have got wind of the homecoming, lining the walls of the "Grand Harbour" as we got home - quite a reception.

Yes we lost good mates , but that is the war. The ship paid off and a few days later I was off again - another story.

Abel Seaman J. M. Botteley
DJX 642288

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