I was a Signalman aboard H.M.S. Watchman - destroyer - Russian Convoy Feb/March 1944. After 4 days at Action-Stations I had time at last go aft to inspect our White Ensign on our jackstay. Three-quarters of its length had flapped away in the Arctic wind. This is all that was left - a grim reminder of all we suffered. Aboard our 1917-vintage ship we were given one shilling per day "hard-lying money". We earned it. A friend of mine said that in view of my experiences, I should be premanently excused Lent!
RUSSIA CONVOY WHITE ENSIGN
Contributed by Ralph Hill
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2010
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- W:
- 65cm
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- 25cm
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Comments
My father served on board HMS Onslow on the 'Russian Run, from May 1944 until they finished in 1945 with Convoy RA67. Onslow's Captain Sherbrooke was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery in the action against Hipper and Lutzow in the Battle of the Barents Sea in December 1942 and Bess McCoy Captained her duringthe Battle of the North Cape against Scharnhorst in December 1943. She was Flotilla Leader of the 17th Destroyer Flotilla, known as the 'O Boats'. If anyone has information on HMS Onslow I'd be very appreciative to hear it.