Mediterranean and European waters

The story of a Cockleshell Hero’s raid — Marine Richard Ruff

Taking part in a Special Boat Section operation was Sergeant King and Marine R.N. Ruff who was an uncle to...

Mediterranean sinking

Whilst on duty in the Mediterranean the ship was torpedoed by a German U boat... The order to abandon ship...

A Medal for Valour at Elba, 1944

Beach Commando, received a ‘Mention’ for his part in facilitating the 1944 Allied troop...

Eye Witness on Firedrake

This book was dedicated “ To the Officers and Men of H.M.S. FIREDRAKE and The Eighth Flotilla. For...

My Memories

My first taste of action was landing on Pantelleria June 11th everything seemed very quite at first,...

How I Came to Start Smoking

During the 1942/3 Battle of The Atlantic, I was a Wren in Western Approaches, Liverpool, employed in the...

Ark Royal Torpedoed

I was in the fleet arm during the Second World War and was on board the Ark Royal when we were torpedoed....

My Fathers Story: Onboard the Lancastria

My father and his brother were both serving on the Lancastria and after taking survivors on board were...

Survival in a Dinghy

We were on what was known as a ‘slug patrol’ in the Bay of Biscay, which involved laying land...

EYE WITNESS ON FIREDRAKE, THE BOMBARDMENT OF GENOA—OPERATION RESULT.

The Firedrake took an unusual part in the Fleet action in bombarding the Italian port,. We were to stand...

H.M.S. Atherstone

While on patrol in a restricted channel cleared of mines the ship was attacked by enemy bombers and was hit...

Coastal Forces - World War II

Early in 1944, when my training was complete, I was sent on 'draft' to the 'Med' My 18th....

HMS SERAPH

My Great Grandad was a Scotsman who served in World War Two on board a submarine called the HMS SERAPH......

Journey into the Unknown - Part 48

These must have been taken from the Lagerfuhrer's headquarters after they had fled, One sentry had only...

Encounter in the Med..........

At 1745 lookout reported 2 aircraft flying low, bearing RED 90 at a distance of about 4000 yards, which...

My Grandfather's Years in the Merchant Navy

My Grandfather, Wilfred William Halliday, joined the Merchant Navy in 1912 as a Junior Officer. In 1943...

Aboard the Armada

We sailed for France from Portland harbour the night before, stopping 5 miles offshore waiting for dawn to...

Actions against Nazi Convoys: Onboard HMS Bellona

STAVANGER In january1944 Ships of the Home Fleet including Bellona and 3 Destroyers attacked and almost...

Naval Adventures

I was drafted to HMS Canton which is a armed merchant cruiser with 8 x 6 inch guns. We were sent up...

My Brother, Ron

Ron's first ship HMS York which he joined on 2 May 1940. Ron is "My brother who I can't...

Quick Decision by Naval Captain that Saved Many Lives

I was a Signalman onboard HMS Gorgan. Our role was to sweep the area around Cherbourg for mines during the...

All for a cuppa

When in Portsmouth I was looking after 20 - 30 British Naval prisoners, most prisoners were arrested for...

SUN Tug 5

My uncle had just returned from Dunkirk carrying out evacuation work, and was about to be relieved duties...

HM 'Talisman' Signalman, Lost at Sea

My cousin George Tolley a Leading Signalman was home on leave before going back to join his Submarine. We...

Able Seaman "Nelson Farr" Goes Down with Ship

When Nelson was a boy he saw his elder brother, Leonard Charles Farr go into the navy... Sadly,...

HM Cruiser Arethusa

The crippled British cruiser steamed 400 miles towards port with the crew fighting to prevent the flames...