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Dead Livestock and Dysentery

Mr. Bruce describes the impact of dead livestock on local water supplies, and speculates that this carnage was responsible to some extent for the dysentery experienced by many of the troops.

The Treatment of Collaborators

Mr. Bruce discusses the treatment of collaborators and expresses some sympathy for them as oppressed civilians were faced with starvation.

The Art of Deception

Mr. Bruce describes strategies used by the British to convince the Germans that an invasion would take place in the Calais area of France.

Air Raid Deterrents

Mr. Bruce describes blackouts, in England, to deter air raids. He also describes the use of cable secured balloons used to entangle low-flying German aircraft.

Reliving the Past

Mr. Colcomb recalls visiting Halifax and showing his wife and friends exactly where his ship had positioned itself for a convoy leaving the Bedford Basin. He also recalls that the weather conditions were remarkably similar.

London Rubble and Pubs

Mr. Colcomb describes shore leave in London and seeing St. Paul's Cathedral standing unscathed and surrounded by rubble. He also describes visiting a pub nearby and being surprised to see a clergyman sharing a pint with the locals.

Firing the Boilers

Mr. Colcomb describes in detail the make up of an engine room watch, and goes on to describe synchronism required among the crew to keep the boilers properly fired.

Foul Weather and Risks

Mr. Colcomb describes forming up a convoy in the fog-shrouded St. Lawrence River and being nervous because his ship was loaded with munitions. He also describes an incident during that crossing in which a tank lashed to the deck breaks loose and is re-secured without any damage occurring.

First Voyage

Mr. Colcomb describes joining the SS Oak Island Park in Halifax harbour as part of a convoy. He describes seeing a freighter converted to a miniature aircraft carrier, a late edition to the Allies effort to thwart German U-boats.

Enlistment and Training Profile

Mr. Colcomb describes receiving gunnery instruction and boiler theory, but no practical instruction, before qualifying for engine room duty.

The Value of Military Service

Mr. Matheos discusses how his naval service shaped his sense of self-discipline.

Fine Captain and Officers

Mr. Matheos discusses having what he felt were a fine captain and group of officers, and attributes his success, and that of many others, to their ability to motivate their crews.

Date modified:: 2019-02-19