SUBSIM Radio Room Forums - The Ugly Duckling

http://www.americanheritage.com/arti...969_1_22.shtml

Some may like this article and further reading on the merchantmen who rode the convoys and lone deliveries. I worked on a project nearly 2 decades ago where we had to insert a ROV at great depth into a Liberty ship sunk by the German submarine U-859 so I visited one of our last remaining vessels to inspect the layout and where we could navigate safely inside. I met a elderly gentleman who lived aboard as a caretaker and was a merchantman who had 3 ships sunk from under him during the war. A one day inspection turned into 4 days as I was rivited by his stories and given first hand details on every inch of the vessel. I imagined what it could have been like hit by a sub or strafed. I sat in the armed guard positions, the bridge, down in the engine room, checked the life saving boats, and what armor protection (almost nil) she had. I visited every section where life and work once was vibrant. The gentleman's merchant life who was my escort was interesting. I am sure he is gone. He spent his last days aboard in a small bunk. Alone, and with his memories.