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....
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