Henry Victor "Twink" Richardson
Royal Marines
Harry Richardson was my dad, and was aged only 14 yrs and 9 months when the Lancastria was hit. He passed me a piece of paper one day with writing on (SS Lancastria) and said one day I would understand it but at the time he was forbidden to speak about the circumstances. The only other thing I remember was the date, 17th June 1940, also my sisters birthday. We knew that at some point in the war Dad heard angels singing (he was drowning), he mentioned that often. According to other family members he was washed ashore and revived. When I think about this, he was just a boy, not an easy man to live with as a father, the war destroyed his legs (shrapnel), and tormented his mind. I am in the process of applying for his records, although because he was a Royal Marine Commando, I may have to wait a while.
He served in Malaysia and Burma. He was also very artistic and would draw pictures for his mates to send home. I remember him mentioning that his unit had to line the steps to the building for the Japanese surrender. He would also sometimes have to be driver for Mountbatten (who liked the gin). I wonder if anyone remembers him?
