LSA D.A. GREEN DMX 107486 TIME ABOARD HMS PRINCESS BEATRIX FROM ARRIVAL AT HMS DRAKE
Douglas Green's Story - displayed with his permission.-
unfortunately just received the sad news Douglas Green passed away late May 2018- Bon Voyage Sir job well done
On the 9th April I travelled to HMS Drake at Devonport, and almost immediately was given a draft chit to the HMS Princess Beatrix. No one knew or would not divulge what type of ship she was, a leading rating said she swung round a buoy on the Clyde.
After a number of days in the loan-bedding store, I was called out one night to kit out survivors from a destroyer which had gone down in the channel. They seemed all right, and quiet, but these were the survivors.
09.05.1943
On the 9th May, traveled to Liverpool and boarded trooper Johhan Van Oldenbarnvaalt lying in Huskinson Dock. There was about half a dozen RN ratings, and about three thousand Highland Division reinforcements for the Eighth Army, which meant we were destined for North Africa.
We sailed up to the Clyde and joined a large convoy, and thence into the Atlantic. Some days out and in heavy seas, Action Stations were sounded. Up on deck a Aircraft Carrier of the Indomitable class was pitching and tossing, and unable to get any aircraft into the air. Depth charges were heard on the ships hull but no direct enemy action was seen. In about two weeks we approached Gibraltar, going through the straights at night. Paravanes were deployed either side of the ship to seek out any enemy mines. The wires, which were attached to the paravanes ploughed through the water and the disturbance, they made, caused the water to fluoresce a brilliant white.
27.05.1943.
On the 27th May we arrived at Algiers, and was impressed by the French Colonial Architecture of the buildings on the front, behind the promenade. This was my first ever port of call beyond the UK shores, and was pleasantly excited.
The following day I went on the quay in blue RN serge, with kitbag, steaming bag, and hammock, to seek out the Beatrix. Arriving at Transatlantique offices perspiring profusely enquired where she was lying. The CPO looked into a large book and gave me some numbers indicating where she was. A map came out and and was told it was just out of the window, but not alongside but moored about three hundred yards out. With my exhausting load I trundled to a main hawser and hailed the Bosuns Mate on the gangway. Within a few minutes a whaler came over and took me to the Princess Beatrix.
I was surprised how many crew seamed to be on the guard rails; this was later explained that the ship had been in commission for two and a half years with the same crew, and a new arrival was a novelty, the word had got round.
Approaching the ship I could see along one side four assault landing craft and similar along the other side, she was an assault landing ship, and would be my home for the next three years.
The officer of the watch, sent for the Supply PO (Morgan) who would be my superior, and introduced me to the Chief Engineer Lt.Comm.Ferris who was officer in charge of Naval Stores. I was to be engaged in this side of supply.
My first necessity was to get out of my thick blue uniform and into white tropical shorts, it was very hot. I was taken onto the No4 (focastle) messdeck and given by hammock billet, meeting the messmates that were on board and off duty. I sorted out and changed into whites
Towards late afternoon I went ashore, and found Algiers just what I had expected; there was a scented fragrance in the air, which was a medley of floral, wine and cosmetic flavours. I had a Muscatel wine from a French caf opposite the Quay Transtlantique, and had a stroll through the colonnaded shop and cafe fronts.
My return to the quayside, required my going through the gate manned by a Naval Patrol, a member of which, called out, and it was a seaman who had recognized me, he was Ray Girling from Stapenhill.
Awaiting for a boat, an AB asked if I thought I would enjoy my stay on the PB, - he being on the guardrails when I came aboard, and said his name was Wilson a radar operator and off watch was the navigators yeoman and hailed from Barking. Went ashore on many occasions with him.
A messmate Phillips, an RC asked if I would go to the Notre Dame in Algiers, so went and took in the Cathedral. On the way back called in at a French cafe for a glass of wine. The owners two daughters were outside and enjoyed their company, being complimented on my French pronunciation, said it was my excellent French Master at school. When the proprietor returned and told us of his boxing career, having fought in Birmingham pre-war, we decided it was time to go.
After a few days we weighed anchor and sailed along the North African Coast, dropping our boats crews off at Ddijelli, I believe for a rest camp. The anchor cable could be seen descending into the blue clear water until it disappeared many fathoms down. This was the purest, clearest water I saw in the Med. We learned that the harbour at Algiers had been quite heavily bombed the night after we left, but had no news of damage to any ships.
We continued from Ddijelli taking in Bougie, Bone and Sousse, with high octane Petrol in drums which was landed at Sousse. This was for Air Force requirements; the reasons for the other two calls I cannot recall, but remember going ashore at Sousse, and round the markets. We sailed between these ports and picked up our boats crews, and returned to Algiers where we tied up alongside our sister ship Queen Emma. Between the two crews, a band was organised, and a musical concert was performed on the upper deck.
Since joining the PB no troops had been on board; No4 Commando were the usual men to embark when an operation was imminent. This absence of troops was about to change.
We had sailed to Sfax and went alongside a quay, on which were piled thousands of German shells, which must have been offloaded before the German retreat from the area. AB Dixon boat crews coxswain repaired a seine net and a group of us went to a small island to deploy the net. The small island had machine gun positions and German ammunition was strewn all around.
A local Arab appeared and from his gesticulations we eventually realized that we should not fish there as there were a number of bodies on the bottom. We returned on board fishless.
10th June 1943
At Sfax we embarked troops for operation CORKSCREW The landing and occupation of the Italian Island of Pantelleria. We sailed with Queen Emma and numerous craft and escorts, to approach the island late morning the following day.
At noon on the 11th Jun. The attack began with a bomber raid by the RAF, whilst 4 cruisers and 14 destroyers bombarded the port area. As our boats, with troops were lowered for the journey, American aircraft came in, in waves, in close formation, and when over the target on the island, we could see the bombs falling and the whole island became engulfed in smoke and dust. As the boats arrived at the shore, a white flag of surrender appeared above the smoke. If I remember the troops remained to take over the island from the Italian garrison.
All this time we were at action stations my station was forrard repair party and in this respect occupied a position on the focastle with the blacksmith. This was a good vantage point to have watched the operation unfold, there had been no sign of enemy action.
We returned to North Africa again visiting ports and beaches for various exercises. Visiting fifteen ports of call before arriiving at Sfax on 3.7.43.
8th July 1943.
At Sfax we embarked troops for Operation HUSKY this was the invasion of Sicily.
As a deviation for the troops on board the assault ships, the RN vessels in the harbour organised a regatta with standard sea-boats (whalers). The PB won the event and the chippy quickly cut out a cockerel and pinned it to a pole, painted it red, and in a Landing Craft with the winning crew and others, including myself sailed round the fleet in the harbour with hand klaxons kicking up a terrific noise and getting applause from each ship.
Some days later, a BBC news bulletin was released, and heard a report, regarding the regatta, which had taken place prior to sailing, with mention of the cockerel.
On July 8th we left Sfax and arrived off Sicily on the 10th July, having joined a massive fleet of ships. As we approached the SE point of Sicily the wind had got up and the sea was very rough. Concern was evident regarding the ability to drop the landing craft onto these waves.
However as the time approached and the troops embarked the sea had subsided sufficiently for a normal lowering of the craft. They headed for the designated beach Bark south(Pachino).
Paratroops were landed, but reports came that some airborne paratroops had been dropped short of the beach and with the weight of their equipment a number perished. One of our boats was lost which I thought was caused by a mortar shell, but years later learned that it had been the detonation of a hand grenade inside the craft. From the returning boats, a shipmate and I took the worst injured soldier on a stretcher to the sick bay. He had severe facial injuries. There were a number of walking wounded
Apart from the assault craft, 8 Battleships, 14 Cruisers and 96 Destroyers took part, a total of 2500 ships took part.
Americans landed on the west beaches, Canadian on the Centre and British to the east. The seabourne landing was a complete success.
We stayed off the Sicilian coast for some time, patrolling short of the front line. After the taking of the harbour of Augusta we entered the port on 16.7.43, and anchored together with the QE, just inside the boom defences. We were short on leave, so were allowed ashore into the vineyards. I gave a few hessian sacks out, but the anticipated grape harvest did not mature, as the locals had already taken the crop in. The few left were picked and taken back aboard. A single old peasant was encountered who offered us his wine, but it tasted awful.
As night approached, PB and QE having aboard commandos, came under heavy and sustained attack from aircraft, but in the dark their bombs missed their targets.
Douglas Green and shipmates in Malta
The following evening, the luftwaffe returned and a heavy attacks continued. It was in the early hours, when the QE was straddled by two sticks of bombs one on each of her port and starboard quarters, Shrapnel penetrated the thin hulls and exploded ammunition on board. As we had encountered near misses, in the dark we were not immediately aware of the situation on the QE until later after the attackers departed. About 30 men had been killed including the Medical Officer and approx. 60 more injured. Most of her landing craft had been damaged. She left under her own steam to Malta, burying her dead at sea outside the Sicilian harbour. The Princess Beatrix also left and arrived at Malta on the18.7.43
Malta was a pre-war haven for RN personnel. My first visit was surprising, As we entered port I went on deck saw how close we were moving to the quayside. It seamed that you could reach out and touch the houses. We tied up to a buoy and immediately dhysos (the local craft, single oarsman) came alongside and up the gangway. It appeared that in Malta, these chaps were allowed on board naval ships, but these were after all left over food, which they scooped into one tin for taking ashore to their families. There was a serious shortage of food on the island.
The incessant bombing that the Germans had carried out had caused much destruction.
During an earlier visit to the island, in the evening after dusk, we were alerted to action stations, and smoke was made around the harbour and in the local area. German aircraft attacked the harbour area, and possibly inland. A Cruiser in the dry dock of Grand Harbour had been reported damaged but believe that the damage was only superficial. We heard the following day that more civilians had died from the smoke, than any bombs.
The following night the guns crews closed up again, but no further action was experienced. The previous night attack, was the last the island was to experience, after years of sustained attacks.
I went ashore to Pallateria Wharf but found, as I had really expected, the stores had been flattened and empty. The timber office, took note of some timber requirements but said they could not see it being supplied, but come in another day. My next visit to the male Timber Official, resulted in a call down a corridor hes there and the coy appearance of a young heavenly female. I now realised that the (come another day) request was not to check the timber situation.
Leave ashore was given each day whilst at Malta, but not a single shop was open; there was nothing on the island.
On the 7.8.43 we sailed from Malta and arrived at Augusta in the evening. The Luftwaffe attacks continued as previously but not as intense or as regular. It still caused concern for our skipper, so Commander Brunton went ashore to see the military, and presumably RN staff, as with troops on board as well as the crew, we were sitting targets.
This resulted in our departure on the 15th Aug. sailing in the dark at slow speed, up the Sicilian coast towards the straits of Messina (operation Blackcock). Lights from both sides of the coasts indicated a short distance to either, but along the Messina coast road, faintly lit transport lorries indicated the German retreat.
Our boats with the commandos were lowered, and we waited offshore as they disappeared in the dark towards the shore. They must have deployed along the shore line after their arrival on the beach, as suddenly a whole line of explosions were seen along the coast road.
The commandos returned without casualties, and were hoisted back aboard. We departed southwards before dawn to Augusta For the next thirty six days we carried out exercises on the N.African coast, and taking inTripoli, Bizerta, Djidjelli, and Malta.
On the 6th September 1943 we left the harbour of Tripoli to take part in our role on OPERATION AVALANCHE, a landing on the mainland of Italy, being part of force S. The troops we embarked were American Rangers, with their K rations to put ashore. They had British RN food prior to their departure. The main force was predominately British.
The destination was revealed as Salerno, South of the Bay of Naples. Our boat crews together with the US rangers were briefed regarding the landing.
A large flotilla of landing craft with escorts deployed .A Tannoy announcement stating that the Italians had capitulated was met with immediate reaction from the whole ships company and the US Rangers alike, and I think we all were anticipating an fairly easy landing. We were not privy to information, senior officers must have known about.
As we crept along the Amalfi and Salerno coast and past Capri. In the darkness, we lowered our boats with the troops embarked. The craft proceeded to the beaches south of Salerno.
The boats could not have travelled far, before German starshells were fired into the night sky.
The whole area was lit up like daylight, each flare would last for about five to eight minutes, and there were quite a number in the sky at any one time. New shells continuously replenished the flares.
The assumption of this was that the assault had been anticipated and that opposition would be substantial. A known Panzer division was in the area.
As the troops landed with escort fire, we stayed in the area. Dawn arrived and the battle ashore was under way. Out to sea there were eight battleships on the horizon that were discharging huge shells over our position onto the beachhead, in support of the allied troops.
Our boats returned and were hoisted aboard, but we kept on this station for some days. Dive-bombers were active and this was the first time I had seen trails in the sky very high up. They were fighter- bombers and suddenly the trails disappeared, - they were descending rapidly and in no time were among the ships, discharging their loads, but then allied fighters appeared from nowhere, and started sorting the enemy aircraft out.
It appears that the Germans were holding high positions, and our troops were having difficulty in this situation. The reason for our continued presence was in case the operation had to be aborted, but with the resolution of the troops, a deep bridgehead was established. The main point of the operation was to connect with the Eighth Army pushing up from the south. It was some considerable time before this happened. The advance to Naples and beyond was delayed.
Some more of the Crew of HMS Princess Beatrix on the Forecastle
We sailed from the Salerno eventually to North Africa, to Ferryville beyond the coastal town of Bizerta. During October, we embarked American (mostly Negro) troops and took them to Taranto for reinforcements for the US divisions.
At Taranto, we heard that HMS Abdeile, a 45knot-minelaying cruiser, had been sunk by mine/s in the harbour. It was said that there had been substantial casualties
In the harbour was the HMS Roberts, (a Monitor), and the first time I had seen this type of craft. They were the shape of a Banbury cake flattened and squat, and from memory carried a single 16 fore and aft.
During Sept and Oct, the armies ( First and Eighth British and an US contingent) had after bitter fighting, and rough terrain conditions, had passed Naples.
On the 1.11.43, I picked up my Leading Rate, and took over the Naval Stores. PO Morgan left the ship, and a new SA came aboard as his relief. He was Harry Jarvis from Coventry, and 35 years of age. This revision had made me the senior of the focastle crew mess. This mess comprised a number of seamen, old enough to be my father. Retired time served men, called back off the reserve. They were OK with me, and only one had to be put back in line, trying to pull the wool over my eyes.
Later on the same day, we sailed from Malta for the Bay of Naples, arriving at Nsidi and on to Castellamare di Stabia.
Arriving in the dark, we had to plumb the depths of the seabed with handline, as the very feint outline of the top of the mountainous coast could be seen advancing, till it was seemingly coming over our heads, when we finally dropped anchor. In the morning Castelamare was still four to five hundred yards off our bow, with Mount Faito in its backdrop.
During our stay at Castellamare, we experienced a terrific storm on the evening and into the night. During this time we lost a forward anchor, and had to deploy a sheet anchor astern. Attempts to locate the lost hook the following day were fruitless.
Numerous ports were visited over the next month, Malta and Ferryville being the most frequent, as the allied troops advanced beyond Naples, the Bay of Naples became resident area, Castelamare and Naples our port areas for leave.
We embarked Commandos and on the 13th December 1943, made a trial landing north of Naples in the gulf of Gaeta, this was to test the enemy reaction in the area, and our men returned unchallenged, as far as I remember.
On the 29th December 43 the Commandos were landed on the north bank the Garigliano river mouth to assist land troops to cross the river. Another part of their objective was to disrupt enemy communications. On this assault a Birmingham commando who I often talked to when on board, trod on a mine onshore; he did not return to the ship. Later I was to hear that he was in a Naples hospital minus his legs, he must have been rescued by the troops and dealt with temporarily in field conditions and hospitalised in Naples; did not see him again.
We eventually sailed to North Africa and picked up boats and our crews from Djidjelli and returned to the Bay of Naples securing to buoys some way offshore. Numerous amphibious types of landing craft were in the bay.. One was LCF(L) 16, and knowing a Burton friend Bob Brown a RM corporal was aboard, told our boats coxswain who was taking libertymen ashore, to drop me off onto the LCF which he duly did. There was no watch on deck to report to and seeing a seaman asked about my Hoppo. Was told he was forrard on the Pom Pom deck playing darts. When I saw him he exclaimed, what are you doing here We are sealed. I reported to the Officer of the watch who asked the same question. A signal was later made to my ship and the duty boat came over and took me off. On getting on back on board I was told that we had now been sealed prior to some operation.
On Jan 21st 1944 we embarked US Rangers, for Operation shingles and sailed from Naples to Anzio were a combined operation was launched. The US Rangers task was to prevent harbour installations and quayside facilities from being demolished. One of our boats returning later in the operation had picked up, amongst others, a seaman who had lost his craft. On his tin hat he had Burton on Trent painted, he was Bill Smith from Dale Street, an AB.
We left for Naples and embarked troops to return to Anzio. During this trip we learned that a Hospital ship had been sunk off the beach-head, and on our arrival, saw the flotsam on the sea from this ship, and thought of the nurses who would have been on board, together with wounded, and many who would have been lost. We discharged our troops and left.
We made a further trip from the Naples area to Anzio on the 27.1.44.
The landing initially had been very successful but indecision later enabled the German troops to reinforce, and prevent an immediate advance towards Rome. Historians will later debate the inertia of this operation after a successful landing.
After a 10 day stint in Malta we returned to Ferryville in Tunisia. We had made two visits in August and October 1943.
The August 1943 visit proved fruitful. The US Air Force had saturation bombed the port area during the final stages of the N African campaign. The Chief Engineer had been scouting around, and found some Ford V8 spares still packaged, lying around the protected area. He came back on board and with myself and a couple of seaman, returned to the scene with Chief.
Our landing craft had Ford V8 engines, so the spares were ideal for our back-up store. These included boxes of 14mm spark plugs, which with distributors, carborettors etc. were brought back and deposited in the store. With a few spark plugs, I made a friend with the local garage proprietor. He did not seem bothered about the plugs, but as he was learning English, found me an ideal subject to practice on.
He was Monsier Rene Cinqueabre, about 50 years old, the Citreon agent for the area, with nothing to sell or do as far as I could see and nothing in the garage, His wife was a 20year old and good looking, Franco/Arabian. His brother Andre was a partner but spent his time in local wine hostelries. The family was well respected in the town. I ate regularly at his house. The meal was always duck and green peas, and it was only when I picked up his phrase book, that in all mealtime exercises, duck and green peas were part of the English language, so he must have thought that he should serve us with the same.. Rene would book a box at the local cinema, and after a meal, the three of us would go and see a film, and enjoy a wine back home.
We went into a dry-dock, for a bottom scrape, to clear fouling of the underside of the hull. German POWs were employed on this job, and I remember the ships radio, had picked up BBC forces programme, and Vera Lynn was singing Lili Marlene an original German song. The POWs stopped work and stood in amazement at the English words to their song.
This extended stay due to the dry-dock requirements and slight refits was welcome as with Renes open house, and towns amenities, it was a pleasant change from normal routine.
On July 22 1944, we subsequently sailed up into the Adriatic along the Italian East Coast to Bari, Barletta, and Brindisi. We went further up north to Ancona, which had been until recently in enemy hands. We landed dock-operating sappers and observed explosions in the dock area and smoke billowing into the sky; did not know or find out, specifically what had taken place.
After various ports of call on the N.African coast and Malta, we arrived back in the Bay of Naples.
On the 11th August 1944 we sailed from Agropoli (South of Salerno) with special service troops. On the 14th/15th, we had made rendezvous with Cruiser and approached the South coast of France. The main object was to disable gun emplacements on the island of the Levant (Cape Negri).
In the pitch darkness at slow speed, we suddenly heard two heavy salvos within two seconds of each other, and almost immediately a huge explosion occurred, and a glowing mushroom cloud rose into the air. Very soon, a ship could be seen blazing from stem to stern.
My immediate thought was that the Cruiser had been hit by shore batteries, and considered our position, - making a raid without any escort. We continued towards the coast in the dark, lowered our craft and men. As the troops were not returning, (a main assault was following), our craft prepared to return. One craft however, was stuck on rocks and the stern-sheetsman went over the side to try to ease the craft off the rocks. With the engines running and under machine gun fire the craft freed itself. The coxswain continued off shore, and the seaman who had gone over the side was lost. That the coxswain had not gone back to try and get his crewman, was a sore point back on board.
As the dawn appeared we were relieved to see the Cruiser still with us. We learned that what had happened in the early hours was that the Cruiser had picked up an enemy warship on its radar, sighted its guns on the given bearing and range and with two salvos had directly hit the vessel.
The main assault took place as we withdrew, it was then we had the task of picking up German survivors from the earlier incident. Many were severely burnt (which I will not describe) and there were about thirty altogether. The uninjured officers were lined up and all their diaries taken for intelligence purposes. As I passed this group, the interrogating Officer said Green, take these men to the after mess deck). My smattering of German was only Henda Hoch, and Forvaits Maich (Hands Up, and Forwards March). And I needed to impart to the prisoners, by gesticulating, what they were to do. They were reluctantly to move. I cannot remember exactly how I got them Aft, and down into the mess deck, but I did. A guard was posted to the approach ladder to the mess. Later we found that they expected to be taken aft. and shot if captured, as this is what they had been told during their training..
The injured were taken straight to the sick bay for treatment; subsequently the officers were found cabins, and the walking wounded went to join their more fortunate comrades.
We took the survivors to Ajaccio in Corsica, and put them ashore for internment. This trip meant a return passage through the straits of Bonifacio. The coast on both sides appeared deep red, with little sign of habitation, and the only white painted buildings seemed to be lighthouses. I do not remember the time of day but possibly the hue was enhanced by a red sunset.
During our time in the Mediterranean station we had been under the command of Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten. The Queen Emma and the Beatrix were possibly the fastest LSIS capable of 20 to 24 knots, and in this respect was a fast response to unexpected requirements.
At the end of August 1944, we were told that we were returning to the UK and left Algiers on the 28th August, destined for home. The crew in high spirits. We called at Gibraltar and bought some nylon stocking for my sister. We departed then to the Clyde.
Most of the foregoing is a history of what I remember. We were not allowed to keep diaries or take photographs. An electrician was given permission at one time to take group photos, but they had to pass the censor (The Doctor).
My memory of these days remains, although nearly 60 years ago. The names of all the crew that I knew at the time, are now difficult, if not impossible to recall, but I can visualize their faces.
I was now just twenty years old, on the Clyde and unaware what the future was to hold. (This was to be in the Far East and a continuing story).
TO THE JAPANESE CAPITULATION
THE FAR EAST
We had left the Mediterranean area, where we had taken part in many of the main landings and smaller assaults, and arrived in Scotland, were tied up to a buoy in the Clyde off Greenock.
Over the next few months, we were moving around different anchorages up the Lochs and Kyles of the Scottish West Coast. These included the Kyle of Lochalsh, Inverary and Lamlash
These were picturesque surroundings but with the cold weather, trips ashore were usually to the local pub. With half the ship's company going ashore at one time it meant that, first arrival was important otherwise, it would be time to return before you were served. The quay at Lamlash with green weed covering was to be my downfall on an early trip ashore. I was wearing a new top quality blue serge uniform, which my father had made up, and now almost heading the line running along the quay, tripped and skidded along the seaweed finally entered the hostelry at the back of a bustling mass of matalots, in my blue/green outfit.
At Inverary, I was going ashore, and the Captain's steward was taking the skipper's dog for a run. I joined him and no sooner ashore, than the spaniel ran off into the distance. The remainder of the time was spent searching, to no avail and the steward had the unpleasant task, of telling his owner of the loss. The dog did not return.
Occasionally, small naval units ashore, were mainly operated with Wren staff. They would often give an open invitation to the Ships Coy and arrange a dance. These were enjoyed more by the females in these remote areas, although pleasant diversions for our crew.
Greenock was a common billet anchored in the Clyde, and afforded the opportunity to get further afield. A bus trip to Paisley or the resort of Largs being a favourite.
At Largs I bumped into the shipwright Hopper who had recently left the Beatrix, and was stationed at HMS Warren. This was useful, as I was able to stay over at the "Warren", returning aboard in the morning. Here again there was a propondency of female Wrens, who arranged dances in the naval canteen. They sent out invitations, and if they knew the Beatrix was in the Clyde, would receive one.
In mid December 1944 we sailed up the Clyde, and went alongside in Glasgow for refitting for tropical conditions. Half of the remaining crew went on leave. I took the second period of leave, but the conditions aboard were cold and dismal. It was December, no heating or hot water supply, I believe the meals were bought aboard. We eventually obtained a combustion stove and coal, and set it up with a pipe going out through a porthole. Not much of an improvement.
I travelled down for leave to Burton on Trent, and was enjoying the local events, dances and meeting old friends. An ex colleague from my work, Mick Burton was also on leave from the eighth army, and had been in N Africa and Italy, we daily called in to the Dog in Lichfield Street.
Whilst still on leave in a late afternoon, my father came home from work, and suffered a stroke. He managed to get upstairs, but went into a coma. He was taken to Burton Infirmary, and remained in this unconscious situation. I was able to obtain a week extension of my leave on compassionate grounds, but father was not out of his coma, when I had to return to Glasgow. I had letters telling me he had survived, with slight problems in one leg; was relieved to hear this. We completed our refit, and after "swinging" the compass around the Queen Elizabeth (Trooper), anchored in the Clyde.
During our time in Scotland, we had various duties. We had picked new craft up after discharging the old ones at Portsmouth All our old seaman boats crews had been replaced with Royal Marines. Three-year plus men were drafted off and replaced. New messes were formed and I messed in a new Radar operators mess. These operators were all university undergraduates, about 19 years old. Their conversation was an improvement, and found them good company, if arguable at times.
The old boats crews, worked the "watches" whilst at sea, but the RM's flatly refused, as they were marines and not seaman. This caused some ill feeling towards them, the ships crew were required to take up watches more frequently whilst at sea.
On the l6th April 1945 I went ashore to Port Glasgow with four mates, the ship under sailing orders. Unfortunately with another rating Flanagan, we missed the Drifter back, which made our situation problematic, as the punishment was severe for missing a boat under sailing orders. I went to HMS Orlando in Greenock and reported the situation, and got a bed in the YMCA. An early rise and down to the docks, picked up a drifter back to our ship. Arriving at 0830, two kitbags complete with two hammocks were at the top of the companionway. We were subsequently charged "absent without leave, ship under sailing orders, aggravated offence".
Weighed anchor 0900 on the 17th April 1945 and sailed out of the Clyde. On First Lieutenant's Report at 0930. Given 7 days stoppage of leave, a mild sentence as we could be at sea all this time. Arrived at Gibraltar after a calm trip 23 April. Went ashore on duty, nothing available. Sailed the evening, for Port Said.
Picked up mail outside Bizerta and arrived at Port Said early morning 28th April. Went ashore along the palm and hotel lined streets. Many of our ship's company ashore, and plenty of things in the shops and souks.
Arriving back aboard we heard that the Germans had agreed to surrender to Britain and the USA, but this had been refused as Russia was excluded.
29th April we proceeded through the Suez Canal and "tied up" at Port Suez- A late night trip into the town. A pleasant evening. The next day set sail for Aden through the Red Sea. Sharks were visible in the water as we ploughed along. Many flying fish, coming out of our bow wave. Very hot, slept on the upper deck, deployed the Damage Control equipment around the ship. Porpoise followed us continuously.
Arrived at Aden on 3rd May 1945. Bananas issued. Fished later unsuccessfully. Went ashore into town, a most depressing place mud hutted, with camels leaving their dung all over the place. Left in the evening for Colombo, so hot that I slept down in the stores.
During this trip on the 7th May, news arrived that the Germans were accepting unconditional surrender, and this was confirmed the following day as we arrived at Bombay. Spliced the mainbrace. Went ashore and down Kalaba Causeway to Breach Kandy, a collection of fresh and salt-water swimming pools. Ate fresh food and fruit in restaurant opposite. On return put in demands for mosquito nets, which were to be made locally. We would land at the Gateway to India as it was known, a large pillared archway. Most visitors and tourists would have put foot ashore here in more peaceful times. The railway station was a massive Victorian building, ornately decorated, and the busiest part of the city.
10th May, we left Bombay for our original destination Colombo, and arrived on 13th May 1945.
Colombo was entirely different to Bombay. A good harbour and elegant British Victorian, and Celonese styles, with good roads.
Colonial middle aged ladies of the British Raj, would provide tea and sandwiches at numerous large houses, for all naval and service personnel on leave in the city. Sent a small box of tea home, to Mum.
The rum ration mix was changed from 1 in 1, to 2 in 1. Our old captain Brunton, allowed the stronger mix although it was not regulation rules. A few days were spent finding required stores and getting them back on board, on the 15th May 1945 left Colombo to return to Bombay. The following day news was received that details of the proposed demobilisation would mean that the Royal Navy would tag behind other services, as the Japanese war would be mainly a sea war. Crew were chokka" (fed up).
The cinema equipment on board came in useful. I had picked up this gear at Gibraltar during the Mad time. The time at sea now was in number of days, whereas in the Med, port to port was single or two days trips. The films were a boon, with quite up-to-date reels available at main ports.
On 17th May, arrived at Bombay in the forenoon and during the next few days obtained stores, including about 250 White mosquito nets, which were distributed to the Ships Company. I remember thinking that they should have been khaki, but white was what they would have made for the colonials in India.
Trips to Breach Kandy for swimming, indulging in fruit salads, taking in a local restaurant, and local cinema, was the "local run ashore". I do not remember any wine, spirits or beer available in Bombay.
We spent about three weeks at Bombay. Vaccines for yellow fever and injections for cholera. Went down with Prickly Heat, Chinese toe rot, and Sweat rash. The officers played the lower deck at football, the lower deck winning 1-0.
7th June 1945 after swinging the compass the previous day, we left Bombay, and on the 8th, encountered very heavy seas and monsoon rains. As the evening approached the storm subsided slightly the sunset was exceptional. All the colours imaginable were in the clouded sky.
10th June. We arrived at Trincomlee, entering the great harbour and went alongside oiling jetty and an LST.
We were now going to be engaged in ferrying duties of troops etc between India and Burma. The following are our trips until our return to Trincomlee on 15th July 1945 : -
11th June. Having shifted anchorage to alongside the QEliz. We finally left the harbour at 1700 hrs for the port of Akyab in Burma.
14th June. After encountering heavy seas in the Bay of Bengal we arrived at Akyab. Large breakers were breaking on the reefs and heavy mist covered the land. We took on members of the RAF Regiment, and departed the following day, leaving our craft and their crews behind.
17th June. We entered Madras harbour but could not get ashore as we had no craft. During our stay we obtained second hand khaki jungle kit for going ashore, this was to preclude any mosquito bites.
24th June 1945. Departed Madras for Vizagapatam on the NE India coast, a cool wind was blowing, which was a pleasant change from the humid conditions in Madras.
25th June 1945. Arrived at Vizak. And a football match was arranged, but found the ground unfit due to rain. Had a run into town including some very good steak with chips. We left the port the following day for Akyab
June 1945. Arrived at Akyab in heavy rain. Reunited with craft and crews.
29th June 1945. After taking on Indian troops, set sail for Madras.
1st July 1945. Arrived Madras in the forenoon, went ashore later and with Corporal Buckley had a meal at the Toc H
2nd July 1945. Ashore on duty in the forenoon, this was a routine which was a feature of my work when in port as obtaining replacement stores was difficult, and needed constant calls at the shore establishments to keep up our requirements. We left Madras in the afternoon for another trip to Akyab. Most of our operations were transporting men back and forth.
4th July 1945. Arrived Akyab and sailed back to Madras in the Dogwatches July 1945 Arrived Madras and again set sail back to Akyab.
7th July 1945. At sea, Richardson held a impromptu concert on the focastle playing his accordian. This finished when the ship started rolling and pitching in a heavy sea. Slept on the Quarter Deck. As my normal billet was on the focastle, slung under the 12pounder, but the rough seas were breaking over the bows of the ship. Was forced to go to below deck where water was coming down the vent shafts.
10th July 1945. Arrived Akyab in forenoon, left the next morning for Madras, arriving 13th.
14th July 1945. Left Madras for Trincomlee. US warships had bombarded the Japanese mainland.
15th July 1945. Arrived at Trincomlee early morning. Many ships in left about 1800 and steamed at about seven knots up the Ceylon coast, enjoyable trip with calm sea, taking our time to see the coastline.
16th July arrived at Mandapan about noon. Bathed over the ships side. The palm fringed coastline was strewn with husked coconuts, the day very pleasing. Later on we acquired two new LCM's which replaced two LCA's We were now as the ship was designed for - 6 LCAs and 2 LCM's. We left the following day for Trinco. Arriving about 1600 after another trip along the Coast.
19th July 1945. Completed demands during the forenoon, went ashore about teatime and met Jimmy Kennedy and Cyril Harcombe (Burton chaps), in the naval canteen. A Stapenhill fellow said Ray Collins and Maurice Edwards (friends of mine) were aboard his ship but Ray was with the Air Squadron at Colombo temporarily.
We stayed at Trincomlee for a month. Apart from storing ship, Leisure time was spent bathing over the side, playing football, trips to the naval canteen.
I had a bad toothache and on the 21st Went aboard HMS Wolfe The Dentist was not too skilled and left in as much pain as when I went. Came back in the Captains skimmer.
The 2nd August was my 21st Birthday, and was given "sippers" of rum from messmates. Went ashore with a few messmates and had a few beers.
On the 4th Aug. the Captains skimmer sank, whilst tied up astern. Had some diving equipment aboard but had no one qualified to use it. it was finally recovered.
On the 8th Aug. News was received that a completely new type of bomb had been dropped on Japan having tremendous power, and having caused the almost devastation of a whole city.
On 9th Aug. Russia declares war on Japan and was fighting on 2000mile front. Admiral spoke to us on board.
On 10th Japanese agree to terms of surrender in accordance with the Potsdam Treaty.
15th Aug. 1945. News of Official Japanese surrender received at 0730. "spliced the mainbrace" all ships in the harbour firing rockets and flares at night, the Nelson well illuminated with searchlights. High expectations aboard.
16th Aug. preparing to go ashore in the afternoon, when J. Kennedy and Cyril Harcombe came aboard. Fell in with our libertymen and went ashore to celebrate. Had a swim and thence to the Naval Canteen with plenty of beer chits. Had a very good evening.
17th Aug. 1945. Left Trinco to occupy Penang on the Malayan coast. Our Squadron was HMS's Nelson, Nigeria, Ceylon, London, Aircraft carriers Shah, Amia, Stalker, Attacker, Queen Emma and ourselves.
20th August 1945. Arrived and anchored off the Nicobar Islands. No signs of life ashore, jungle appears to be down to the shore. Japanese garrison reported here. Action stations in the morning, my assistant Harry lost end of two fingers on the forrard 12pounder Went ln closer to shore the following day.
Stayed at the Nicobars for six days, during which we closed up at action stations twice when unidentified aircraft were detected. Had the Daily HeraId reporter Emery Pearce aboard.
27th August 1945 Left our anchorage and proceeded with HMS Nelson, Queen Emma and ourselves to Penang, pretty rough sea.
28th August. A number of small islands, sticking out of the sea appeared forrard during the morning, and a high peak in the distance beyond-, on the mainland. With a heavy swell running, a British Destroyer flying a flag of truce, met a small drifter type of beat " the rising sun astern. The Japanese boat was pitching heavily in the swell but got alongside the Nelson and the Jap. Envoys were given a questionnaire. This was regarding the minefields and troop concentrations in the Malay and Singapore area. A RN Captain came aboard and told us we would have to take over and patrol Penang. All public services were said to be in running order, with a Japanese garrison of 2000, British troops to be approx. 500, these to be presumably of Marines from HMS's Nelson, Queen Emma and ourselves. Georgetown population 18000. Expect to move Monday 3rd Sept.
Meanwhile for a number of days the required information from the Japanese was forthcoming and further negotiations were being carried out on the Nelson.
2nd September 1945. After Sunday Divisions, Shore parties were detailed off.
3rd September 1945. Cable party weighed anchor at 0400hrs. Dress No 10s. Sailed into Penang, and was first ship to go alongside. Raised the Union Flag on the quay. Malayans thronged the quayside cheering and shouting. Japanese High ranking military and naval officers present on the Quayside and a symbolic handing over of their swords was made to British Naval Officers as a sign of surrender.
4th September 1945. Left Penang for Rangoon at 1300, RAF regiment requirement.
6th September 1945. Arrived at the mouth of the Irrawaddy around 1200 hours and proceeded up the river reaching Rangoon four hours later. Went ashore, but nothing ashore or any amenities.
7th September 1945. Went ashore with party off the ship and up to a Buddist temple. It contained, I believe, four 5ft images of the Buddha, in gold, and each studded with precious gems. It was said that this contained the greatest Buddist treasure collected in one place. The temple domes were also sheathed in gold.
8th September 1945. Left Rangoon, sailing down the river for our return to Penang.
10th September 1945. Arrived at Penang, and went ashore with Griffiths. Went a tour round the city and in the evening went to a cabaret. Tickets were issued for dances, which you gave to the hostesses of your choice, changing partners each dance as you thought fit. We arrived back on board on the last midnight boat.
In Penang I developed a high temperature on the 11th Sept 1945, I spent two days in the sickbay, but the receipt of mail and newspapers from home relieved the boredom.
We left harbour on the 13th Sept. I came out of the sickbay, and was told we were sailing to Sabang, and arrived the following afternoon, where we picked up four Marines. Shortly afterwards as I walked down the deck to go aft, when one of the four marines who were stretched out on the deck, called me by name, it was a friend from Burton, Geoff Swan and had a long chat. From memory, they had been landed to organise the local policing since the surrender. We left on the 15th bound for Trincomlee. Picked up further mail, and the Queen Emma's whaler, as we left harbour.
Arrived at Colombo 17th, Geoff disembarked; was busy collecting stores for the next few days. It was very different from the Mediterranean period when no stores were available. Was able to get most of the demands I had put in. Many new films had been obtained, which was the job of the postie, from my memory. The films were a loan and not a Naval Store item, unlike the projector. Deanna Durban in "Cant help singing" was one I remember.
Meals were readily available at the shore canteen and beer was to be obtained on ration, and I had quite a number of tickets.
On the 21st Sept. the first part of each watch were collected by RN transport, and we set off out of Trincomlee, loaded with provisions, to a rest camp for two days. We arrived at an isolated site, on the shoreline of white sand, amid a coconut fringe. The accommodation was a long open sided hut with a roof of coconut "thatch". Cooking facilities reminded me of my scouting days, but with the tropical weather it was an ideal spot. The large husked coconuts strewed the beach, but none of them appeared to be holding viable coconuts, they must have been in the sea for years.
We went straight into the sea for a swim down the narrow beach and played football on the sand afterwards. As the evening approached a full moon lit the strand and football continued into the nigh
We did not see a single local inhabitant that day and as we collected on the beach after the last kick-around, we built a fire and had a rousing sing-along. Musing with my mates I said that the only thing missing was music and female companions Shortly afterwards, a light was seen bobbing offshore and a small craft appeared to anchor. Within minutes the big band sound of American and British orchestras was heard flowing across the breakers. Almost everyone stayed up until early hours when the records ceased. An enjoyable start to our two days rest camp. We retired to our low, reedwoven beds with the heavy sea breakers sounding along the shore.
I was early to rise, and got the fire going in the end of the hut. There did not seem to be any specific cooking arrangements and do not remember any cooks being in the party. There were numerous tins of US bacon, so went ahead opening these and putting into the frying pan. To my consternation they would not crisp but produced a large amount of fat. As others arose and washed, they took the flabby bacon put bread into the "dip" and with a helping of hot baked beans settled down to breakfast. The cooking arrangements took on a more organised role subsequently. My role was making the fire and brewing the tea for breakfast, I also learned that the bacon was US parboiled, which would not fry, but this duty was given someone else.
The craft that had been anchored overnight was a RN motor launch flying the white ensign. She weighed anchor and left quite early.
As we relaxed on the beach and in the sea, a local man appeared with his son of about eight or nine years, and seemed quite agitated. Not understanding what he was saying, he took a stick and proceeded to jab at the hut roof. Out slithered a snake about five feet long, and by the reluctance of the man to get any nearer, realised that it could have been dangerous. We duly despatched the reptile to the afterworld, but concern was felt, that we had been sleeping beneath this creature during the night. Inspection of the roof was carried out the next night prior to retiring, but still caused a certain amount of consternation. A number of us had tried to scale the tall palms to no avail, as we had no ropes. The arrival of the young lad put us to shame, as he, with agile toes scrambled up to the tops towards the coconuts, but was not able to bring any down. I wondered later if he had instructions from dad, as I assumed that the lack of good nuts on the beach was a result of they're "harvesting". We saw no other local person during our stay, except the man and his son on this one occasion.
The coast formed a sweeping arc and along the beach about four miles away an outpost could be seen, which was flying a RAF ensign. Idecided to walk down the beach towards it, possibly meeting some of the chaps there. I walked along the shore with just my shorts on, as that was "dress of the day", but soon became aware that my shoulders were becoming, burnt by the sun. I had to get into the shade under the palms. Three quarters of walk was behind me and there was palm fronds strewn on the ground beneath the trees, making progress difficult especially with the probability of serpents lurking in the undergrowth. I returned under the tree canopy, taking about three times the time it took me along the sandy beach
I had the impression that the area may have been restricted for war reasons, as I am sure there would have been many more people about and the ground cleared for cooking fuel.
Our time was spent swimming lying on the beach beneath the palms. The white sands, coconut strewn, with rolling breakers, blue sea and sky, had been my most enjoyable day in the navy, to this time.
On the 23rd Sept we returned to Trincomlee and normal routine on board.
27th Sept 1945 saw our embarkation of French Colonial troops causing speculation about our next assignment. At about 17.00 hours, we left our berth together with the Queen Emma and joined the French warships, battleship Richlieu, and destroyer Triomphe. Our destination, the French- Indo-Chinese port and capital Saigon, a weeks journey I guessed.
Passing Sabang and Penang en route, we called into Singapore on the 1st Oct leaving the same night, and into the South China Sea. In daylight, yellow sea snakes were observed on the surface of the ocean, the sea being quite placid.
On the morning of the 2nd Oct. 1945, arrived at the mouths of the Saigon River and with QE and the two French warships, sailed 50 miles up river to Saigon. During passage Richleau activated a mine but the warship was not disabled.
Approaching Saigon I again experienced a French Colonial aspect of the waterfront buildings, to that previously seen when arriving at Algiers earlier.
We went alongside the quay, where plenty of the French population greeted our arrival. They must have experienced internment under the Japanese, but with the fall of France, had received harsh but less traumatic treatment than other Cot".
We disembarked our French troops, noting that the Japanese were policing the city. There were no immediate problems at this point. The following day, leave was granted, and I went ashore and bought two pairs of good sandals. The city seemed calm in the area local to the port. The Japanese, bowing as we passed, a lorry with Japanese troops aboard proffered the same respect, and this was to continue throughout our time in the Far East.
Returning to the ship we heard explosions in the city, and a certain tension among the populace. Some fires had broken out, as smoke was visible over the buildings. We arrived back on board early evening, and on enquiry were informed the disturbances were local communists who did not want the French back. In retrospect this was the start of the conflict that was to follow between the French and communists, ending with the defeat of the French much later, at Dien Bien Phu.
The following day 5th Oct., with our sister Queen Emma, We prepared to leave harbour. An engineer officer came down to my office reporting that "the anchor winch casing had broken on forrard port side". With this, and trouble ashore, we left harbour together with QE. and down river for the 50 miles to open sea. Before reaching the mouth however the QE hit or activated a mine which stoved in her stern and incapacitated her engines. We went alongside and tied up to her. Luckily only minor injuries were sustained. Across the handrailing of the disabled ship, I talked to a Burton man named Docksey (Ken) I believe, and also a chap Edwards from Tutbury, who also came aft for a chat.
The QE. was unable to move end was towed to Singapore. We continued under our own steam to the same destination, arriving on the 7th Oct. tying up the next day to the quayside at Keppal.
Ordered transport to take me to the naval stores on other side of island, arriving at the causeway, across which the advancing Japanese had taken Singapore earlier in the war. The naval stores were alongside the causeway and was able to obtain the gas cylinders I had ordered. Japanese prisoners were employed concreting quayside areas. The delay in the arrival of dockyard personnel to load lorry, made me get a group of Japanese to load up. As they finished their task dockyard maties arrived and threatened to unload the lorry. The dockyard went on strike. I got on the truck and told my driver to get out of the area as soon as possible, which he did, I told him they could sort themselves out.
The Raffles club and sports ground were open to all servicemen. The club was typically Colonial English with large wicker chairs and veranda out side. Spent quite a time here.
Ashore one late afternoon, in whites, the heavens opened and were drenched in seconds. The amount of rain was unbelievable with roads flooded with muddy water. An Army sergeant pulled up in a jeep offering us a lift back. On the way he turned and his rear wheel dropped in a ditch. The four wheeled independent drive vehicle stalled. Wet through, I got out and went toward the offending wheel. The pool was in fact drainage channel about three feet deep and I duly dropped into the dirty water. Undeterred I with a mate attempted to lift the back of the vehicle, unaware, as sailors the operation of four wheel drives. Sergeant then engaged the engine and the only free wheel in the water spun round and a further deluge of dirty water showered in all directions.
At this stage, and closer to the docks, we walked dishevelled back to the ship, arriving amidst some confusion aboard, as a contingent of the RM Band had been embarked. This was further compounded when going below to my messdeck and locker, dozens of cased musical instruments had been dumped on the messdeck and in front of my locker. The duty PO however arranged with his RM opposite "number" to get my locker accessed, by the marines moving their gear away.
After a shower and change I retired to my small cabin, and thought of ways to stow my gear in the small area available without recourse to a messdeck locker.
The buzz around the ship was that the Marines were going back to UK, causing anticipated expectations amongst the crew.0
Our anticipation however was quickly dispelled, when on the 11th Oct. the Marine Band were taken off, and we were to sail to Java. We left the wall in a hurry, oiled, and left for Port Dixon. Mention was made on the BBC of forces going to Java.
The following day we arrived at Port Dixon, and picked up the 3rd Ghurkha Rifles, leaving for Batvia at midnight. Passing through the Mallacar Straits and on to Batavia arriving in the morning of the 15th Oct. where we discharged our Ghurkha troops. During the afternoon news was received that the Java nationalist had declared war on Dutch Netherlands Government. Left the same evening for Singapore, arrived 1st Oct. and left early the next day for Port Dixon, arriving same day in the "dogs watch".
Expected Indian troops were delayed until their arrival, with British Officers on the 22nd Oct. we left Port Dixon 22.00 hours. Severe storm blew up during the night. Arrived Singapore on 23rd Oct., berthed in incorrect billet. It had been reserved for US battleships and destroyers. We set off, earlier than expected for Batavie, but destination was amended during the trip and diverted to Surabaya, which we reached in afternoon of 25th Oct. Nationalist Slogans were pasted all round the quayside, but no signs of life but felt that the nationalists were about. Unable to get a handline ashore, the whaler was lowered and a small group rowed to the quay, to take a line ashore. On arrival onshore the bollards had a pole and steel plate painted red and white poked into the bollard top hole. This was in the way of the line, which had to be secured, so a member of the whaler picked the offending item out of the hole and slung it unceremoniously to the ground. At this angry faces starting appearing at the warehouse doors - this item on the ground was the nationalist flag. As soon as the ship had been made secure and gangways lowered, the Indian troops who had been kept out of sight, were given the order to disembark at the double, and streamed down the gangways, the nationalists running off like scalded rats
We stayed overnight Cases of cigars and sugar appeared on the messdecks, as the warehouse contents were "sampled ". The cigars were being lit up and dispensed with over the side as the men became fed up with them: The sugar was a pleasant addition to our rations.
We left in the afternoon for Singapore arriving afternoon on 28th Oct. 1945. And had the usual trips ashore. The "rate of exchange" was a tin of 50 cigarettes for a substantial amount of Straits Dollars, which would last number of runs ashore normally. I was late for the boat back by half an hour so caught the POs boat, but landed on Captains report, being half hour adrift. Cannot remember coming up before the Skipper, but must have done.
We embarked troops of the East Yorks Regiment on the 31st Oct. and set sail for Java the following day. There was a Stapenhill man amongst the troops, but do not remember his name.
Arriving at Surabaya on the 3rd Nov. Dutch Internees were walking hesitantly to the ship and were taken aboard. They were greatly emaciated, some not surviving the walk. They had been interned by the Japanese in poor conditions, and on the armistice had been kept confined by the nationalists, who had no time for them. After our troops disembarked, we set sail for Singapore with our charges.
Many of the internees were placed under the doctor, and on arrival at our port of destination on the 5th Nov, were taken to hospital in ambulances.
Storing ship. Two trips to Depot ship "Hong Siang". Embarked British officers and Indian troops on 8th Nov. and set sail for Surabaya and Batavia. In the Java Sea we passed, as usual Billiton and Bangka, two islands. An old "salt" aboard referred to them, from his past, as the Milestones.
As we entered Surabaya harbour in the late afternoon, we heard that the ultimatum given by the Dutch in response to the nationalist war declaration had expired at 1200 hrs.
There was a prison camp in the area and the nationalists were still interning Dutch Colonials. Our troops kept a low profile below the gunnels. Two RAF fighter-bombers screamed overhead and discharged rockets at a target, out of our sight. The targets were however, the walls of the prison camp. Immediately the Indian troops disembarked at the double, and were ordered to get to the prison camp and release the prisoners. This was duly completed during the evening and night. The poor, dishevelled internees came walking to the ship. They were in e similar condition as those we had taken previously taken aboard. In this case a couple had been injured, presumably from the destruction of the wall.
Two of the refugees died on the jetty, and another on board. We left in the morning for Batavia arriving on 12th Nov. and discharged our live cargo, then anchored outside the harbour, prior leaving late the same evening for Singapore.
Arriving at Singapore, I was surprised to find that a replacement had come aboard for my supply assistant Harry Jarvis. The new rating was Andrew Brown a Scotch lad from Dundee. Took Andrew ashore for his first trip into Singapore. Went to the "New World" a place of sideshows and eastern entertainment, finishing off at a dance.
Spent some days alongside, Harry left the ship on 18th presumably for demobilisation.
I had cause to have to go ashore to see the naval dentists. The first chap tried to extract my offending tooth to no effect, and as his wrist was aching, and the anaesthetic was wearing off, called on another dentist to finish the job. I don't know if he thought of the pain that I was enduring. A disaster of a job I was told to return the following morning for an inspection. The two dentists being Sub lieutenants, I was not in a position to make any complaint.
On the 17th Nov. went into dry dock for nine days, tying up at Keppel on 26th Nov. During this period our skipper was replaced. Had to return to "Albert" dry dock 7th Dec. for another five days Took Chinese cooks and stewards on board.
12th Dec. 1945. Out on trials until evening, came back and anchored Midstream. Paratroopers of the 13th Regiment were embarked and set sail for Batavia, passing "Duke of York" and our sister ship "Queen Emma"
Went alongside in Batavia disembarking the paratroopers on the 17th Dec. and left for Semerang the following day.
The 19th Dec, Arrived off Semerang early morning, Destroyer R25 shelling onshore. The volcanic mountains were silhouetted against the sky, and after a terrific sunset, the peaks were shown off in sharp relief, as we left for Singapore.
Arrived Singapore 21st Dec and left on the 22nd having embarked Indian troops and headed for Batavia where we arrived and discharged troops on the 24th Dec. 1945. Being Christmas Eve, Lieutenants Van de Bruik, and Stratton, invited me up to the wardroom lounge for a few Xmas gins.
25th Dec.1945. A memorable Christmas Day. After the neat rum ration, and Christmas dinner, was invited to Wardroom Paymaster (my new superior officer) and Lt. Comm. Eccles, Chief Engineer. Whilst enjoying a drink, it was learnt that the Jimmy (First Lieutenant) who had stopped any shore leave, had cleared lower deck, to establish if and who had broken ship. It was found that men were missing, one an AB "Big Ginger" forgotten his name), and I think, three "T124" cooks/stewards.
In the meantime, the commanding officer of the army personnel whom we had previously put ashore had learned that our ships company were being denied leave. He came to the ship and asked to take a small party from the ship by armoured personal carriers to the army base, to which our captain agreed.
I was still enjoying the company of "Pay" and Eccles, when the Tannoy announced the crewmembers who had been picked out of the hat, to attend the army hospitality, and my name was one. I remember Eccles saying, your lucky, "drink up" and join the party. We were about a dozen. The trucks arrived and we travelled some miles out to a great house, which had been commandeered by the army. As we approached the steps to the mansion, Japanese were on duty as sentries, and in we went. The great hall was laid out army fashion, Wicker chairs and tables laid out with crates of local beer, and large bottles of wines and spirits and nuts on each. It soon became apparent that amongst the troops, were a few white uniforms, the few who had broken ship. We told Big Ginger, that Jimmy had determined who was missing and was for the "high jump" when he returned.
I could not say what time it was when we departed, I was somewhat the worse for wear, but possibly the most sober, and was the first to be escorted out by two "pongoes". I remember seeing some properties, which the nationalists must have ignited, going up in flames. I was dumped into the truck. More bodies followed as I recall, but being at the bottom of the heap could not do much about it. It was probably about ten oclock.
Arriving back to the ship I got up the gangway, full of high spirits literally and the First Lieutenant was at the top, awaiting the return of the "deserters". He said I was improperly dressed, and realised I had lost my shirt and cap, but I was not his main concern.
I cut through the mess decks and realised that there had been a bit of a party aboard (possibly rum had been put by for Christmas). A rating was fast asleep face down, nude, on a messdeck table and some wag had drawn a face in boot polish on his backside and red paint on his "cheeks". Quite a commotion was heard as I got back to my cabin and crashed down till morning.
The following morning, when I had recovered my shirt and cap from the belongings, left on the gangway by the army drivers, I learned what had happened during the commotion earlier.
Big Ginger had arrived at the top of the gangway and was hit over the head with a RN torch by the First Lieutenant. Ginger had retaliated, resulting in First Lieut. Being put into the adjacent Sick Bay. A signal to the Cruiser Norfolk was sent by the First Lieut. that he had a mutiny on board. The Norfolk replied asking what the Marines on our ship were doing about it. Meantime the offenders rampaged through the officers quarters, creating mayhem. Ginger finally spending the night in the cell "chokie". After that, some semblance of peace had been restored.
26th Dec. 1945. Boxing Day. The First Lieutenant went ashore to hospital. The Skipper went aboard the Norfolk where he was given a dressing down, so we believe, and given sailing orders for Semerang. Left early evening.
27th Dec. 1945. A new name had been given to the civilian refugees, which was "Repatriated Allied Prisoners of War Internees" (RAPWI). We had duly arrived at Semerang on the 27th Dec. to pick up RAPWI who were delayed. The following day they were finally embarked and left for Colombo, calling at Singapore en route. A couple of dances were arranged on board for the RAPWI but it was a bit of a damp squid. They were undernourished thin, and somewhat emaciated - no enthusiasm to party.
Arrived Colombo 4th Jan 1945 discharged the RAPWI. Believe that this trip was partly to do with the Xmas day fiasco, and a court martial was held. The First Lieut RNR. was cashiered, and Big Ginger was given 90 days detention (The maximum)
5 Jan. We had been replenishing stores during this stay, and completed by 1830 hrs when we sailed for Singapore. Everyone was suddenly in high spirits when it was announced that the C in C had signalled that we would be returning to the UK at the end of the month
9th Jan. Arrived at Singapore 1500 hrs and stayed there for eleven days. During this spell, plenty of time was spent ashore both on shore leave and duty, although did not persue my demands on weakened shore bases as normal, as we were going to UK. Had another tooth out. Met Stenners brother. Made a store trip across the island to Johore.
18th Jan. 1945. Finally left Singapore in the morning with UK draft including a SA who worked in the store. After rum and mid day meal, feeling a little tired, I crashed down in the shade of the forrard 12pounder gun platform and nodded off. I only had a pair of trunks on as usual. Going up the Mallacca strait the ship had slewed round and I was in the full tropic sun. When I roused, I was blistered from head to toe, except my midriff. We were on our way home and I was concerned that the sores would still be with me at home.
21st Jan. arrived at Colombo and tied up in harbour alongside the Newcastle with floating fenders between vessels. A short ladder across enabled me to visit my opposite number on Newcastle, but on return the two vessels had slightly parted and my ladder was about forty yards downstream. Had to get back, red faced, by boat.
25th Jan. left for Aden where my sunburn had cleared up, leaving only new white patches in a tanned skin.
Our return journey via Aden, Suez and Gibraltar, finally reaching Portsmouth on the 15th February 1946, thence to the Clyde were, after de-storing and paying off in RN Service, and as part of the skeleton crew, set sail for Vlissingen (Flushing), in Holland.
We arrived at the Dutch port amid a crowd of the population of this town, cheering and shouting. The ship and crew were treated like a lost relation returning home. She had been built here. Directors of the owners came aboard, including a chief engineer of the company, who made immediate friends with me.
The directors announced that all the crew would be able to travel to the continent on a free ticket when the cross channel route was established. I never took up this offer, as it was many years before I had reason to go to the continent.
We stayed for about two weeks, with plenty of the time ashore. During this period, rations quickly reduced is minimum food had been left on board, and handouts were given to the local people.
A final evening was spent with all the crew and officers in a licensed hall with fairground type organ playing all the time, and a rollocking good evening was had by all, including the locals who had managed to get in the "shindig".
The following day as the senior leading hand, I was in charge of the party to return to Devonport, via London As some of the party were Londoners, I gave them two hours if they wished to call at their homes, on the understanding that if they were picked up by naval patrol, they had broken from the draft and would Id be subject to be disciplined. They all returned on time, but the RTO at barracks wanted to know, why we had not arrived earlier. I made a good excuse, which he accepted grudgingly
At this time I felt a logs at not seeing the ship again, as it had been my home for three years, and had seen and had many experiences during this time, which were afforded few young men during their lifetime.
Soon after entering HMS Drake at Devonport however, I received a draft chit to HMS Valkyrie, based as Douglas IOM. Having been in a mess of Radar operators who had pasted through this base for training, felt I knew the place before I arrived.
I travelled up to Liverpool and then the ferry to Douglas, were a PO directed me to an ex hotel on the front, and was installed in a room on the first floor Through the bay window ware promenade and bay, a wonderful view. Being "ships company" as against being trainees Vie had a special mess was a few doors away. The food was great as there was no rationing on the IOM. I couldn't believe that such postings were to be had in the RN.
My first duty was the Naval Stores at a building behind the "front" opposite the Palais de Dance, and a pie shop. The stores had been a bottling store for a local brewery previously, and my staff included three SA's one a wren named Mary. A PO Wren With other wrens, occupied some adjacent offices, and looked after other established stores on the island.
The two young SA's had got things organised with the young ladies in the pie shop opposite, and when the fresh pork pies arrived, they had an excuse to pop over for pies and make a date, if they so desired for the Palais that evening.
It was a different world here. The entertainment was attempting to get back to post war conditions, Joe Loss nightly At the Villa Marina, Top bands at the Palace, and free entry for naval personnel to both, and the best music. The Palais de Dance was small but more intimate.
The Naafi operated a rebate to ships company funds, and from this we would organise coaches out for a day round the island calling at watering holes, and places of interest. On one occasion we took the local train to Port Soderik, the wrens organised picnic hampers, and had an enjoyable day by the sea.
The last trainees were CPOs who were now required to get an additional substantive rate, and had opted for radar qualification. This was the start of the decommissioning of the base, and as I had a history of Radar stores and their decommissioning was transferred to the school on Douglas head and housed in the Douglas Head Hotel. This was an even better billet than, on the promenade. The whole of the head was barbed wired off and had security police continuously on its perimeter. We were able to stroll within the wire as we liked, as the police new the few personnel who occupied the rooms. A rock face in the store had a walk in strong room and cabinets, from where plans of all the radar sets with their modifications were kept, these were issued to radar mechanics, and returned prior to completing their duties daily.
I started decommissioning on the contents of an old lodge inside the perimeter, and on entering saw a Heath Robinson array of equipment, lying all over the place. This building had been a boffins experimental lab. There was not much to be reclaimed here no one knew "what was what".
The main sets were housed in individual classrooms, and filled almost half of the rooms. Some of the valves were the size of fire extinguishers, and were all hand made of glass, elements and terminals, reminiscent of Frankenstein films. The care taken in their removal was not warranted, as everything was outdated and eventually dumped.
The five months spent at Douglas IOM were the most enjoyable of my time spent in the Royal Navy. On the evening prior to leaving, I went into the regulating office, I had said my goodbyes to friends in the old store, and was leaving in the morning. My four years in the navy were coming to a close, and had a feeling of deep depression. It had not all been easy, but the comradeship I had encountered during my service time, could never be matched in civvy street.
The following morning Oct 14th 1946 I caught the ferry to Liverpool, picked up my Demobilisation gear from an air force base in Lancashire and returned home to Burton.
After my leave I was officially discharged from the Royal Navy on the 19th December 1946
If you have any further information or Questions feel free to contact us - @ntlworld.com preceded by - peter.lee47