Family Memories War

Greenock

At about midday we reached Greenock and straightaway were put on the tender awaiting to take us out to the transport ship anchored off-shore. The tender to me appeared so large I almost wondered if we were to be taken to some other port, but it turned out to be only the short journey to the “Highland Monarch” an ex-refrigeration boat converted for troop carrying. It had been one of a fleet used on the S. American trade for meat imports. We were anchored for three days and one of the nights a storm blew up. Then there was the noise of the wind, the crew shouting, the rattling of chains. All this made us apprehensive of possible storms at sea with the rolling of the ship and the commotion taking place when we were only anchored in a reasonably sheltered place.

But we were to learn next morning that our boat had dragged its anchors and almost went aground off Dunoon. There might have been awkward consequences.

It was a sobering sight at Greenock to see long files of Navy lads who had been rounded up after their revels in port. All young lads handcuffed together singing, laughing, joking and larking about not at all dejected. Who could blame them for their respite from the strict discipline and rigours of life at sea. We had to keep in mind that it was due to them that the life of the country itself was assured. In spite of their onshore abandonment’s they were looked upon with pride. Many would not return and to make the most of these free occasions could be understood.

During our three days off Greenock, a more serious aspect was brought home to us by the issue of survival rations, a red battery operated light and an inflatable life belt. There were always to be carried or immediately available. It was quite a time before we found our way around the boat. Staircases and corridors everywhere. The Army personnel were allocated three tier bunks. The navy had hammocks. My place was at the bottom of a staircase which I at first thought good but turned out different as the nearby ventilation fan was always working making sleep difficult. The smell of diesel oil pervaded throughout. In my ramblings I found what I thought was a quiet place but was again thwarted on being told my quiet corner was outside the ships mortuary. We were closely quartered but comfortable. Food rations were good with bread baked on board. Luxuries from the ship's shop were available, cigarettes (100 for 1/6 - one shilling and sixpence) sweets, pipes, fountain pens and so on. Cleaning up was done each day with the captain and colonel's inspection. Rifles deposited in the armoury were cleaned by those on that duty rosta. No letters could be despatched until our destination was reached.

More detailed memories are given in the following pages in Leonard Knight’s Diary Extracts.

Diary Extracts – Greenock

Saturday 4 Nov 1944

Still in harbour, very rough, cold wind, rain and choppy sea. More shipping collecting together. Final inspection and checking up. Ship' s library open 3-4 pm. Newspapers whilst in harbour. Boat drill with preservers and water bottles. Radio inter-com, throughout boat. Ship about 14,000 tons and top speed 14 knots.

Sunday 5 Nov 1944

Three days aboard. View of mountains with snow. Ben Lomond, Loch Long, Dunoon. Many troops and navy at sea for first time. Four years today in Army completed. Rat and cockroaches reported to be in lower parts. Book from Library “The Hideous Dummy” by Gerald Kersh. Spoke to a Medical Corps orderly who had been a repatriated prisoner with service Matla, Trepoli, Cairo, Haifa, Heros. Captured at Leros, intercepted by Navy, t aken to Brindisc and repatriated to England. Now going out again after volunteering.

Monday 6 Nov 1944

Still in harbour. The “Stirling Castle” lying astern. Exercise on boat deck. One loaf each day and butter. Apple yesterday, bacon, egg, porridge for breakfast, Shipping agent put ashore. Most troops in bed in afternoon. Cup of tea at 4.00 pm. Safety lights on rafts come on when raft is in water. No port holes on our deck, very stuffy.

Tuesday 7 Nov 1944

6^th day on boat. No date for sailing. Popular tune being hummed or whistled “All day and far away”. On mess orderly duty. Wait with Jixies for meals, take and dish out and waash up. Fresh and salt water on board. Fresh water limited to certain times, salt water any time. Steam pipes in mess for heating water. Still more snow on mountains. F.F.I. inspection. Queues for everything, library, barber, shop, soft drinks, cards in evening. Difficult to get sight of a newspaper.

Wednesday 8 Nov 1944

7^th day on boat. Wintry weather. Three meals a day and bed. All sorts of tales as to where we are going. Haircut after ½ hour in queue. Sea much calmer. One week since coming on board.