The convoy system a brief look at its history

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by Kapitan

Sorry to hear about your late father Jim I take it he took part in the convoys ?

Lied about his age and went gun running in the Spanish Civil War where his ship was the first Brit to be bombed in Barcelona Harbour.

Took the boys over and then brought them back from Dunkirk.

Last ship to leave Marseille at the fall of France, taking aboard some French Admiral.

Was on the only convoy that sailed to Murmansk without an escort.

Landed the Canadians in the first wave at Normandy.

Plus a few more 'exploits' as he used to call them.

I blame him for my lifelong interest in military warfare, especially the WWII era.

Rather shockingly imho he was awarded a medal in the mid eighties by the then Russian ambassador to London, not receiving any similar recognition until almost a decade later after I approached the Foreign Secretary who was at the time an associate of mine.

A pathetically small enamel badge of the Red Duster.

[Kapitan]

Sounds like your dad had some great adventures and stories to tell would have been nice to sit down for a afternoon and have a chat.

I don't know why but the Russians have always seemed more forward when it came to awarding the merchant navy convoy veterans we just seem to put them in foot notes and brush off their achievements.

After all Churchill did say it was the worst journey in the world, they should be recognised by the UK too.

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by Kapitan

Sounds like your dad had some great adventures and stories to tell would have been nice to sit down for a afternoon and have a chat.

I don't know why but the Russians have always seemed more forward when it came to awarding the merchant navy convoy veterans we just seem to put them in foot notes and brush off their achievements.

After all Churchill did say it was the worst journey in the world, they should be recognised by the UK too.

When he spoke about his 'exploits' he always did it with an element of pride but he was equally quick to admit that he and everyone around him "we were just boys and all as equally scared as one another".

[Kapitan]

WOW What a collection !

to your Dad and I am very impressed with those awards something to keep in the family for sure !

[Jimbuna]

Appreciated Blair and both awards are safely tucked away in my study, waiting to be passed on to my lad who just happened to pass his first Pilot qualification yesterday.

[Commander Wallace]

Originally Posted by Kapitan

Thankyou guys sorry its so brief and yes missed out quite a bit unfortunately I have to write to a rough limit.
There is so much more id have liked to put in like as Aktungbby said with his post plus convoys into the arctic and operation pedestal etc

Sorry to hear about your late father Jim I take it he took part in the convoys ?

Great write up as usual, Blair. The convoy system may become particularly relevant If the Ukrainian war broadens and escalates. I expect it to broaden.

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

Lied about his age and went gun running in the Spanish Civil War where his ship was the first Brit to be bombed in Barcelona Harbour.

Took the boys over and then brought them back from Dunkirk.

Last ship to leave Marseille at the fall of France, taking aboard some French Admiral.

Was on the only convoy that sailed to Murmansk without an escort.

Landed the Canadians in the first wave at Normandy.

Plus a few more 'exploits' as he used to call them.

I blame him for my lifelong interest in military warfare, especially the WWII era.

Rather shockingly imho he was awarded a medal in the mid eighties by the then Russian ambassador to London, not receiving any similar recognition until almost a decade later after I approached the Foreign Secretary who was at the time an associate of mine.

A pathetically small enamel badge of the Red Duster.

I had family in WW2 that lied about their age to get into the service then, as well. I think there were a good number that lied about their young ages as well to get into the fight. I believe they coined the phrase in the U.S calling those allies in WW2, The Greatest Generation. I certainly believe that applies to the lads in the U.K, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the U.S and many other countries. They were all " boys " then but I believe they were all very special.

A great uncle had a steel plate in his forehead as the result of a head injury he received close to the Ardennes mountains as part of Siege of Bastogne and battle of the Bulge. He never spoke of his experiences and has since passed away. He was a good man. Others in my family battled in the Pacific as part of the Island hopping and fighting under Macarthur.

It's great you have the Keepsakes, Jim. I doubt you needed them however, to know your dad was special too.
Btw, Congratulations to young Jim on his passing his qualifications.

[Jimbuna]

God Bless em all CW

[Kapitan]

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

Appreciated Blair and both awards are safely tucked away in my study, waiting to be passed on to my lad who just happened to pass his first Pilot qualification yesterday.

My warmest congratulations to your son on passing his test yesterday and may any other endeavors he undertakes be fruitful.

[Kapitan]

Great write up as usual, Blair. The convoy system may become particularly relevant If the Ukrainian war broadens and escalates. I expect it to broaden.

Thankyou CW it is much appreciated.

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by Kapitan

My warmest congratulations to your son on passing his test yesterday and may any other endeavors he undertakes be fruitful.

Cheers but I was a little shocked when he rang me with the news because he went on to inform me that despite the fact he is already a fully qualified Master (a prerequisite of the Pilot job) he has a further three exams to pass over the next four years.