大象传媒

My husband George Woodburn served on board H.M.S. Pursuer, an Aircraft Carrier, during the second world war. During one trip out the ship docked in Gibralter and then Malta before going on to Cairo. During this visit Georges' uncle, John Maharg, who was only a few years older than himself and serving in the Merchant Navy also docked in Cairo. John had gone to the Service Mens Club and while there was speaking to a group of sailors, one of whom just happened to be from The Pursuer. Now John knew well that this was the ship that George was on as they corresponded regulary. So John, enterprising as ever, quickly wrote a note with details of his own ship and when his next shore leave was due and gave the sailor strict instructions to return to the Pursuer that evening with the note and make sure it got to George.
As a result two days later George and John met up, and indeed what a reunion all those miles away from their home town of Glasgow. They managed to get a photograph taken together and had a great day catching up with family news.
They parted not knowing when they would meet again.A little bit of light relief in the middle of a terrible war. George went on to Cape Town to assist with the war in the East. John returned to the u-boat infested waters of the Atlantic and to Britain with cargo.
We must always be grateful to all these young Soldiers Sailors and Airmen who gavew years of their lives to keep us safe.
Happy to say George and John both survived the war and did indeed meet again in Glasgow.

Once again I submit this account on behalf of my mother Helen Woodburn

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