221348 Gnr. Harry Knowles Royal Navy HMS Havock My father, Harry Knowles was a gunner but rarely spoke of his experiences. But, did say he was interned by the Vichey French, when the Havock run aground in 1942. He was slightly injured.
I know food was bad and he lost several teeth, as a result. I may be confused but I believe his injury was caused during the scutteling of the Havock. A leg wound scar just above his ankle stayed with him. I wish I knew more and who was with him.
He was serving on the Havock during the convoys and the clash with an Italian battleship that caused a lot of damage, and its limping in to Valetta, damage caused defied the fact it was still afloat and listing but not turning completly over as the list angle was very acute, is a memory he did impart to me.
I also seem to remember him saying when they were released by the British Forces, as they ran out the gate in excitement one of the guards lost it and fired in to the crowd of interns and I am told someone alongside my father was hit. I don't know anymore, died or wounded etc. Sorry it is so sparce but if anyone (maybe the New Zealander who was on board at same event may know him). Anyone who has further information or photos of the crew it would be great to hear.
He was in the navy 27 years and finished his tour as chief gunner at Ganges then took over the Bowlin Alley until Ganges closed.
He suffered ill health and died aged 67 in 1988. Buried at Shotley Church, close to Ganges and was a constant at all Remembrance Services at the naval war graves in the same cemetery.
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