207033 Able Sea. Gerrard "Ginger" Walsh Royal Navy HMS Hargood from:Pendlebury, Manchester My Father, Gerrard Walsh, served on board HMS Hargood 1944-45 and was the youngest sailor on the ship. He is still alive and well, and often tells stories of his times at sea. Including soaking tobacco in rum and wrapping it in cord to take home as presents. Painting the chequer pattern on the funnel and then knocking a tin of bitumen over the still wet paintwork which the CPO was just admiring at the time! He says he heard swear words that day that still make him blush now!
He also recalls pulling along side the sinking Empire Javelin, which had been torpedoed off the French coast. It was being used as an American troopship at the time. He remembers praying that the boilers wouldn't
blow as they were dragging the last survivors on board.
My Dad had already survived the Manchester Blitz when his house had been destroyed by a land mine, which dropped by his family home in Pendlebury. His sister Winnie 19 was killed in the blast along with her best friend, but my Dad survived as he was sitting on the arm of the settee which blew over on top of him and protected him. He still suffered extensive injuries and recalls hearing his sister praying near him as they were trapped in the rubble. As he drifted in and out of consciousness he says she got quieter and quieter till he couldn't hear her any more.
If you have relatives who served on HMS Hargood please get in touch
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