Stan.J
05-01-2008, 13:21
The following shows how seafarers of various nations accept friendship and become shipmates even at war or after.
On the 30th July 1943 A Halifax aircraft of Squadron 502/s bombed and hit the U-Boat 462 which was in the Bay of Biscay. The U-Boat was still on the surface when ships of the 2nd Escort Group (Captain F.Walkers Group) opened fire on the boat.The Sloops Wren ,Kite, Woodpecker, Wildgoose and Woodcock eventually sank her. One of the U-Boats crew was killed the other 64 were rescued and taken on board some of the Sloops.
Subsequently, H.M.S.Wildgoose, who had had quite a few survivers on board her, gained contact with the survivors in Germany after the war. In 1992 quite a few of the German crew attended a Wildgoose re-union in Portsmouth.and in the same year the invitation was reciprocated by the Germans inviting members of the Wildgoose members to Germany.For a number of years The German crew members were invited to The Annual Wildgoose re-unions. Many took the opportunity and came. Unfortunately they have all bar one now crossed the bar. Even Kurt and his Wife are too frail now. Being a Member myself, I remember one poignent moment in Portsmouth when a German Lady who had travelled to be there on her own, stood and said a few words. She thanked the Crew of the Wildgoose for giving her nearly 50 years of happiness with her Husband before he died.
The Comradeship between Seafarers can overcome all difficulties. If only others could be the same.
I wonder if any other ex Matelot has any story like that? I would like to see them, Cheers, Stan.
On the 30th July 1943 A Halifax aircraft of Squadron 502/s bombed and hit the U-Boat 462 which was in the Bay of Biscay. The U-Boat was still on the surface when ships of the 2nd Escort Group (Captain F.Walkers Group) opened fire on the boat.The Sloops Wren ,Kite, Woodpecker, Wildgoose and Woodcock eventually sank her. One of the U-Boats crew was killed the other 64 were rescued and taken on board some of the Sloops.
Subsequently, H.M.S.Wildgoose, who had had quite a few survivers on board her, gained contact with the survivors in Germany after the war. In 1992 quite a few of the German crew attended a Wildgoose re-union in Portsmouth.and in the same year the invitation was reciprocated by the Germans inviting members of the Wildgoose members to Germany.For a number of years The German crew members were invited to The Annual Wildgoose re-unions. Many took the opportunity and came. Unfortunately they have all bar one now crossed the bar. Even Kurt and his Wife are too frail now. Being a Member myself, I remember one poignent moment in Portsmouth when a German Lady who had travelled to be there on her own, stood and said a few words. She thanked the Crew of the Wildgoose for giving her nearly 50 years of happiness with her Husband before he died.
The Comradeship between Seafarers can overcome all difficulties. If only others could be the same.
I wonder if any other ex Matelot has any story like that? I would like to see them, Cheers, Stan.