A volunteer, served in Navy from 6 September 39 until 6 December 47. Shore based for first year then on HMS Nigeria for Atlantic patrols, Russian convoys until June 42. Found life a bit tedious so volunteered for Special Service. Did my bit in the North African invasion attached to the Army (Can't remember whether it was the First or the Fourth - might even have been the U.S. Fifth) Did an encore with the invasion of Sicily and Italy this time definitely with the British 8th. First Naval Rating to enter the southern Italian city of Bari in Sept '43 and the last to leave in March '46. Then back to Chatham and eventually Civvy Street.
Mates in Bari included AB's Fred Whittaker,"Nip" Foster and Bill Holden and it would be great if I could get in touch with them again. Fred and Bill were both at our wedding in Bari in April '45, when I married my Tina - a Barese - but that's another story!
 | 15 October 2014 |
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