www.tinyurl.com/hmsfiji www.tinyurl.com/hmsfijiassociation _____________________________________________________________________________ \\\\\___H.M.S. FIJI ASSOCIATION___\"-._ /////~~~ we will remember them ~~~/.-' _____________________________________________________________________________ Survivor's Story - R.M. Musician - Norman Lewis _____________________________________________________________________________ Read "My Life As A Band Boy" (1936-40) by Norman Lewis by simply copying and pasting the following URL into your browser's location box: http://www.angelfire.com/ri/georgev/bandboy.gif _____________________________________________________________________________ Read "ONE DAY- IN MAY 1941" by Norman Lewis by simply copying and pasting the following URL into your browser's location box: http://www.angelfire.com/ri/georgev/normanlewis3.txt Note: We have posted another excellent March 2015 narrative from Norman Lewis, entitled: "A PINPRICK OF LIGHT" on the same URL above. _____________________________________________________________________________ Update: June 11, 2013 "THREE TIMES LUCKY! and More" March 30th, 1940, was my 18th birthday-- in the services that made me-officially, a man and, my name is Norman-- believe that if you can? The name derives from the North of France---the Normans who, I believe in days gone by, lead the Brits a merry dance. I had joined the school of music-just meant for me and resulted in my going to sea -- in wartime- on the cruiser, HMS Fiji. We spent some time in the north, practising our skills in all sorts of weather and,for those for those who were sea-sick there were no pills.One just had to get on with one's job as best one could--if it were possible to leap ashore-- many would. Fiji was escorting a convoy to Dakar-Operation Menace--France had given in and it was a French colony-- we did not want the Germnas in. The convoy was of troop ships, supplies and all that, with escort vessels and, at that time, the sea was flat. Some 90 miles west of Rockall, on a sunlit 1ST September eve-- the U Boat 32 lurking beneath, not believing what could be seen.Here was a convoy-- a sitting duck and, she had just one torpedo left-- perhaps, she would be in luck? The skipper of the U Boat was Lt,H.Jenisch-- this was his chance, as he spotted what he thought was a troop- ship and fired that torpedo hoping to see a blast.His hopes were rewarded-- a blast he did see but not on the troopship Sobieski-- it was my ship, HMS Fiji. Those of Fiji not on watch, were assembling on the upper deck for evening Quarters--- sort of roll-call when the tin-fish (torpedo) struck-- a mighty explosion and, we there were covered in muck, wondering for a moment what had happened-- we soon knew as the Damage Control lads were quick on the job and, knew just what to do. A boiler room - below the waterline had been blown to bits killing the five lads working there and, later the ships company gathered on the upper deck to offer up a prayer. These five men are buried in a cemetary in Scotland, their final resting place and, if one wanted to visit,not difficult to trace. The damage had been contained--sealed off after a very restless night as Fiji limped back to the Clyde--- to be repaired and return again to fight. Fiji was escorted until she reached the Hebrides when she made her way, if very slowly through the water-ways-- very close to shore--the beauty was there to see and, if one wanted to walk around-- -easy-- just step ashore and, see more The journey back to the river Clyde took three days and, those lads who saved the ship from sinking, earned our praise. The Fiji docked at Govan-- she was to be repaired and, the surprise at the enormous hole in the ship's side-- we were not prepared. It was like a great cavern, carved out of twisted steel and, to think a double- decker bus could drive through-- it doesn't seem real. Repaired and looking like new, in March 41' Fiji was put through her paces making sure she was able to do what she had to do, starting again where she had begun. Her first task was in the Denmark Straits, that stretch of water between Greenland and Iceland where the Atlantic meets the Arctic sea and,in rough weather, this is not the place one would chose to be. The seas can be mountainous,carving great canyons below and, to make matters worse, often clothed in thick icing and snow. Whilst Fiji was repaired, we had two weeks leave- a chance to experience air-raids-- not very nice-- which, in my home-town area, were rife. Spent several nights in the shelter-- so very new to me but, the family seemed to take it for granted and, enjoyed their cup of tea. Being home was a chance to spend time with my then, girl-friend and to the cinema one afternoon we go and, afterwards were talking with friends saying it was a very good show. Turning, we started to walk the long, straight road to home, when there was machine gunning-- out of the clouds dropped a German plane-- alone!!!. We threw ourselves into a cycle-shop doorway --- that was a very near miss- the second of my lives-- what a life this is???? April arrived and Fiji was to join H Force based at Gibraltar--a different kettle of fish, by far, as we escaped from the ice and snow and, this was to be quite different, you know.German heavy ships were at large-- able to attack convoys at will and our job was to seek them out--until!! Fiji then joined a convoy taking supplies to Malta-- a dangerous run as there were constant air attacks from the Italians and Huns. She sailed on to Alexandria to join the cruiser squadron there and, where we going we knew not where. Soldiers embarked-- we were to head for Crete-- there lads were of the York and Lancs-- elite. The ship returned to Alex --she needed more fuel and, as things developed, she would need it-- she was in for a duel. The ship returned to the waters around Crete-- at times fighting off planes until she joined the fleet when life was calmer- easily explained. May 22nd arrived-- 1941 and, this is where all Fiji's troubles really begun. HMS Fiji and Gloucester were detached from the fleet to aid HMS Greyhound in trouble North of Crete, dodging the bombs on the way, in a hurry to meet. The air attacks were intense-- the air, black with planes-- and, both Fiji and Gloucester, were soon to feel pain as, both were short of ammunition which, is easily explained. HMS Gloucester was first-- she was hit several times-- set alight so, she would not see the night. Her crew were brave men--heroes, every one but, most would be dead by the time of the setting sun. They were machine gunned whilst in the water- bombed,too. A dangerous situation- what would you,do? She sank about Five-- in sight of land and, no one around to lend a hand. Fiji dropped her life-rafts- that's all she could do-- sailing away south, hoping to save her crew. Off the SW of Crete, when all seemed well, a lone German bomber attacked with a yell-- Fiji was helpless-- no guns to fire and, soon, she too, was crippled and on fire. A bomb had ripped open her bottom-- she was going to sink and,in our position,there was no time to think. We were working right near the bottom-- had a long way to climb-- up sloping ladders and, in this situation, a difficult time. Waiting for the word to get out and on deck was nerve wrecking -- i remember it well--I do by heck. Climbing those ladders was so difficult as,at an angle they were-- give me something easier- that is preferred. My mate, Doug and I, reached the upper deck--it was a long, slow climb and, we reckoned about 2015-- that was the time.The deck was like a battlefied--there was carnage everywhere--- most of those manning positions on the upper deck had left this earth and gone up There.For us to witness this--something we had never seen before really brought home to us,the horrors of war. The ship was at an acute angle--- we had to walk down its side wondering if it were safe to jump---difficult to decide. We both jumped together-- that water was cold and there were no rafts to hang on to-- nothing to hold. We were, of course, wearing a life-belt-- that was a must and, the only thing we could trust. Doug and I watched the Fiji as she lay, almost on her side -- how long she had before she disappeared, we could not decide-- a lone German bomber came low, out of the sky - we in the water had nowhere to hide--it dropped three bombs- one blew in the ship's side and, that was the end as, to Davy Jone's locker, she began to slide. Another, exploded near us-- we both had a hearing problem for some time after that- the blast hit us on the side of the head-- we were so lucky - we could have been dead!!! The night was so long and cold--by far, the longest swim I've had and I'm 91 years old. We floated around in that water-- miles from anywhere- and, nobody there help us, as thou they didn't care. The destroyers had left us and, would return when the danger had gone away--when would that be--there was no one to say? It grew dark--we were lost in the gloom and with the night-time getting colder, we hoped it would be soon?. That mighty ocean was the loneliest of places to be-- so dark,so quiet--Doug and I alone in this unhappy sea. There was no one around us-- where had they all gone-- no one talking, not even a song.In the distance, we saw what seemed pin-pricks of light- was this our imagination or, were we right? We were both so tired after what seemed hours in that sea and, it needed to be a great effort to swim for both Doug and, for me. The destroyers had returned--it was their torch lights we saw and they had returned to rescue us-- of that we were sure.They were HMS Kingston and Kandahar-two gallant crews and, if it meant they put themselves in danger--that they would do. There is a brotherly love between shipmates out there and- it is for all-- no matter who-- to share. We reached the ship's side but, could not climb up so, a rope was dropped with a lasso end- this was the answer--it became a friend. With the loop over the head and under the arms we were hoisted aboard-- it worked like a charm. Doug was first-- then my turn when we both colapsed-- both completely, worn.We came to our senses- made to down a tot of rum--- it was to warm us. down to the tum. There were hundreds of men on that ship, that morn- and, they searched the sea until dawn-- it was too dangerous to stay when daylight arrived and we were all thankful so far, we had survived and there amongst the lads, were some of our own-- there were five. Our rescue ship was the Kandahar-she had done a grand job -- Kingston was there, too-- she had the same job to do - we hoped the other eight of our group were aboard and, if this were so, it would be a just reward. The two heavily laden ships rejoined the fleet, badly battered -- bruised and, because of the shortage of fuel they simply cruised. The Germans attacked several times without much success and, those of us who had survived one sinking were so nervous, as you might guess? So many ships were lost at Crete- more importantly, men and boys, too-- if you take Fiji's losses alone, they number Two Hundred and Forty Two. Gloucester lost Eight Hundred on that fateful day but, that, we are told, is what war is all about-- that's what folk say. 1942 saw me on the Russian Convoy run-- that lasted for two and a half years and, like others, I must admit, at times, the coldest cold, brought tears. That coldness could be painful-- difficult to describe so, perhaps, this explains why grown men,cried! Come 1945 I found myself in the Pacific-- like jumping from the frying pan-- and, it was so hot at times---into the fire!! The war out there finished rather abruptly--it was the Atomic Bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima which brought it to an end. I was priviledged to visit Hiroshima soon after the bomb and, this, you may not understand but,it gave me the oportunity to see the worst kind of Man's Inhumaniy to Man and, having seen the destruction, have found it so difficult to understand. I have written a narative about my visit there-- it is one all should read as it explains what I saw there and, what I didn't see, indeed.It was complete and utter distruction of a city and its people within-- surely in God's eyes-a Sin!!! I have tried to come to terms with that I saw over the many years and, must admit come August- the anniversary, I have, at times,been close to tears.In more recent times I have, at last received a answer to my question- Why??--and this I find, goes part way, to satisfy. This, then, ends my story of Three lives and more--I hope you are able to find them, as you read through this score? Of course, my life did not end there-- the years have passed so quickly-- there would be lots more to come and, would you you believe that I am now----91!!!!!! I write this in memory of the eight dear friends on HMS Fiji who did not return home after May 22nd 1941. June 2013 NORM _____________________________________________________________________________ Update: May 28, 2012 It doesn't seem like a year ago that I sent an account of the Remembrance service for HMS Gloucester on Plymouth Hoe but, time moves at a pace and this year's service was yesterday May 27th. I received an invitation some time ago and hoped I would be able to attend. Luckily, I made my way there arriving about 1030 and, sat in the car admiring the beauty of the seascape in front of me. The weather forecast suggested there would be showers and my hope was, they would hold off until after the service. I made my way to the memorial where the service would take place, to be greeted as always,by so many folk from all corners. Last year it was the Royals and, this year, it was me!! How lucky can they be? The service started and so did the rain but, luckily, I and many others had brollies so all was well. We adjourned to the near hotel after the service to enjoy a buffet lunch and the opportunity to meet again, friends and those visitors who had come for the first time. One such group from Virginia in the USA and I was fortunate to sit with them and enjoy their company for an hour or so. We exchanged email addresses, so will keep in touch. That special relationship between the "Fighting G Club" and Fiji remains as strong as ever and that was proved again by the reception I received yesterday. Long may it last! _____________________________________________________________________________ January 17, 2011 Update “MY MUSIC IN A NUTSHELL” _____________________________________________________________________________ This shell is for the opening, but I can’t guarantee that the inside will be worth looking at, so, if there should be parts missing you will have to excuse Norm, as he has reached that delicate age of almost 90 years and has those senior moments. I was born on the 30th March 1922 and, in time, was one of seven children. We did not enjoy the material things of life but, something more precious, the loving care of our parents. For them, the caring for seven children must have caused many problems not the least being clothing and feeding those seven hungry mouths. Dad earned something like £2 a week and worked for Chaplins, who were carriers and he drove a horse and wagon. Later, when they became mechanised, he drove a lorry and later still, Chaplins became Pickfords who are still in business today. We moved when I was about seven and lived only about 10 minutes walk from HMS St Vincent, the boy's Naval training establishment in Forton Road, Gosport. Dad had a good singing voice as did my late brother, George. Brother Den proved to be an excellent all round musician and Stan sings with the Solent Male voice choir, so it would seem the male side of the family, were destined to make music. The band of the Royal Naval School of Music, at St Vincent, paraded often, and I would stand transfixed as they delivered the military band music. Two of the band were members of one of the churches we attended and I had many chats about their life as bandsmen and this gave me more enthusiasm to make music. I was about 8 years old when my aunt offered to give me piano lessons and, of course, I jumped at the opportunity. My weekly lesson consisted of sitting, listening and trying to get my awkward fingers to move across the keyboard as I was presented with scaleS of C etc. Unfortunately, we, at home were not blessed with the luxury of a Piano and, after about a year I gave up but those things I learnt i.e. rudiments etc, stood me in good stead in later years. It was, at this time, I was pursuaded to try a brass instrument at my church and this I really fancied so, I tried the cornet, flugel horn, tenor horn and finally found myself with the baritone which was almost as big as myself. This seemed to suit me and, as I was able to take this home, practice was no problem, but what the neighbours thought, I shall never know or probably would never want to know. I seemed to progress quite quickly and it wasn’t too long before I was invited to join the senior band as they marched along the street, heading for Gosport Hard on a Summer’s evening. Now sitting whilst playing an instrument, is quite comfy but marching and playing is quite different and it took a while to adjust. About the age of 13 I knew what I wanted to do and I was not persuaded one way or the other by my parents. It was my choice and mine alone. I wanted to join The Royal Naval School of Music. There was, however, some confusion here as the musicians wore a Marine’s uniform and were of the Royal Navy. That never sounded right to me and never has. I took the necessary tests and waited rather impatiently. On July 6th 1936 I left home for the first time at the age of 14 years and 4 months and travelled to Deal, in Kent, with another Gosport lad. We arrived at East Barracks and were taken to room P3 where there were some 16 or so beds looking like peas in a pod as everything around each looked exactly the same. The room was spotless and the floor shone like a mirror. I was soon to know the reason why! The next day saw us at the clothing store where we were issued with two kit bags, one large and the second somewhat smaller. As we were kitted out we stowed each item in the bags and each of these would be stamped with our personal number. Mine was RMBX961 and this would remain with me throughout my service. On the third day we were marched to the Musical Director's office and interviewed one at a time. My turn and as I entered, I was beckoned to stand behind the piano. I was almost hidden as I stood at some 4-9" quite a midget. He invited me to sing the notes he struck on the piano - that went ok and then two different notes which seemed ok too. Then it was intervals-two notes. He paused for a few moments and then said "I think you will make a good Solo Clarinetist" and, at this I was floored as I had never heard of or seen a clarinet. Having played the baritone, hoped that is what would follow, but no!!!!!!! The following day to the instrument store we went to be given the instruments chosen for us and I collected my b flat clart--- liquorice stick!-- The following afternoon I found my way to room M3 and there presented myself along with others to Bandmaster Carter and there we were shown how to assemble our instrument. Really, quite simple when you know how. We were told to be very careful with the reed which is clipped onto the mouthpiece as they are quite delicate. The following morning, practice began in earnest and the first 10 minutes of each day were spent exercising the fingers, some of which were not easy and could be quite painful if one overdid it. Then would follow scales, endless scales, up and down and inside out but practice these we did every day. First the major scales and then the minor and chromatic. We practised in the morning from 9-12 and 2-4 in the afternoons. I also practiced in the evenings which, after some time, paid dividends and it wasn’t too long before I found myself in the boy's band. As time progressed, I found myself playing more and more with senior bands who usually got together in the afternoons. I had, by my third year become a competent instrumentalist and really proud I had done so. Come 1940 I reached the age of 18 and it was soon after that important stage in life that I found my name on a list of those detailed for the band of HMS Fiji which was to be my first ship. We joined her on the Clyde, and there began a time of trying to come to terms with this new environment. All the more experienced chaps in the band were very helpful, showing us how to sling the hammock and how to lash it up in the morning and where it should be stowed. There were many questions asked and answered for which, we were very thankful. We practised on the messdeck having no special room provided but there was a band room where our instruments were stored when not in use. There was room there for two or three chaps at one time so that is where I and others practiced on the instructions of the BM. This only applied to the young, first timers, but it became clear to me that some of the older, more experienced men could have done practise too. I spent hours in the cubby hole but never regretted a single moment. One of the problems faced as a clarinetist was to get reeds that suited. Those supplied were often like wooden planks so I sent to a music shop I knew in Deal, and they provided me with Vandoren reeds, but at a price. Four pence each! And so the musical routine went on from day to day with Colours in the morning and then practice on the messdeck or perhaps an event ashore if we were dockside. Individual practice for the young ones and perhaps a programme of music for the officers in the evening when they were having dinner. Sometimes, when we were lucky, an officer would buy us a drink. It did happen from time to time and very acceptable too. The most rewarding music played was that for pure entertainment of the lads and we were able to rustle up a small dance band which the lads always enjoyed. I can’t say the music provided was top notch-- far from it but the lads didn’t care. We also performed with the military band and orchestra and I’m pretty sure there were many lads who enjoyed that too. Our second series of trials were undertaken in the West Indies and we also kept an eye open for commerce raiders. We did move south to the French Island of Martinique as the French were about to capitulate. Trials completed, Fiji was recalled and joined the cruiser squadron protecting convoys in the NW Approaches. She then found herself escorting a convoy to Dakar in West Africa and it was during this that, when about 90 miles west of the Hebrides the ship was torpedoed. She was hit in one of the forward boiler rooms below the Marine’s messdeck so that we had to camp out, as it were in one of the hangers. Luckily, the ship, although listing heavily, stayed afloat and made her way, escorted by HMS Antelope and Sunderland aircraft back to Greenock on the Clyde. During this passage, Mark Edwards, a brilliant pianist, entertained the lads though most of the time. Fiji was to be in dock for about 6 months so we, the band were deployed to HMS Dolphin the submarine base. Here, we entertained endlessly for those lads whose job was so dangerous. Repaired and back to duty we joined H Force based at Gibraltar. Here we were engaged mostly on escort duties. This, sometimes, was very tedious as convoys at times could be slow moving and the longest I can recall was 26 days. When the band were able, we would entertain the lads off watch and if part of the band were watch keeping there was usually a film to see. Our time with H force was short lived as we, with others, escorted a convoy to Malta and it was on this run we experienced the first air attacks by, firstly Italian and then by both Italian and German planes. The Convoy arrived at Malta slightly damaged but Fiji was intact. Together, with numerous ships, we proceeded to Alexandria to join the 18th cruiser squadron and, as soon as the ship had the stores and ammunition replenished she was deployed to Heraklion in N. Crete carrying 100 men of Leicester Regiment who found the ride most uncomfortable as they were billeted near the bow where at speed, the vibration was very uncomfortable and, most were very sea-sick. As many said, they were soldiers and would prefer to be in the desert. They were landed in Northern Crete and we left to return to Alex to refuel etc. It was a quick turn around as we were soon on our way back to Crete keeping a watchful eye on any aircraft detected as Fiji was blessed with short range Radar. The first of the RN ships to be so equipped and was to prove very useful. On the 20th May, we joined the fleet to the SW of Greece and, on May 22nd, were sent to aid HMS Kandahar and HMS Kingston who were attempting to rescue men of HMS Greyhound which was in trouble. She was deployed seeking out German troop carrying barges and attacked by Stuka dive bombers, hit, and in need of assistance. Fiji and HMS Gloucester were detached from the fleet to aid HMS Kingston and Kandahar who were picking up who were picking up survivors but, as the air attacks were so intense, they had to retire and turned to rejoin the fleet as Greyhound sank SE of Kythira Island. As both ships had, over the past days been constantly defending against aircraft attacks ammunition, as predicted, was very low and it wasn’t long before both ships were in trouble. They had received upper deck damage but the Stuka’s concentrated firstly on Gloucester. She received several direct hits which brought her to a halt. She was on fire, took on a severe list and eventually went down to the SW of Kythira and in sight of land. Her crew, now in the sea, were machined gunned as they swam and some 800 of her crew died. Those few who survived spent four long years in a POW camp. Meanwhile, Fiji was twisting and turning, endeavouring to escape the bombs as they fell and the Gunnery Officer was on top of the bridge directing the helmsman which way to turn. A very brave man!!!!!!! As Gloucester sank, Fiji steamed passed and dropped all her life saving rafts in the hope this would save more lives and this act was seen to be one of unselfishness and brotherly love for those with whom we served. Fiji turned south towards Crete in the hope of escaping the incessant bombing and, when to the SW of that island, thought she had, certainly from the Stuka dive bombers but, how wrong can one be, for out of the clouds, a lone German bomber came swooping low, dropped three bombs, two of which hit Fiji and the third dropped alongside, splitting open the ship’s side. She immediately took on a heavy list to port and Abandon Ship was ordered. We bandsmen in the TS had been waiting with baited breath for this, and proceeded to climb the four ladders to reach the upper deck. This proved very difficult as the ship was at an acute angle. We made it, one by one and were thankful each of the hatch- covers opened without problems. Once upstairs, as we called it, my mate Doug and I made our way aft (to the back end) and were devastated by the damage and the sight of so many lad lying around, never, never to return home. Other sights were heart rending but which I couldn’t possibly describe and will leave to the reader's imagination. The ship at such an angle, also created problems for going over the side. It is always over the high side for what must be obvious reasons and we walked down the slope as far as we thought necessary before we jumped and, thankfully landed in the water and not on the steel side of the ship which one would do if not judged correctly. We swam away from the ship’s side and waited for whatever was to happen. The accompanying destroyers had left. Had they stayed, there would have been more bombing and machine gunning with obvious results. There were no rafts available as they had been thrown to the lads of Gloucester but we all had to wear life belts when at action stations. These must have saved many lives, mine included. The sun set, darkness fell and I don’t recommend swimming in the dark. Strangely, there were few chaps around us so it was very lonely out there and cold. After what seemed a lifetime, we saw what looked like a torch light to which we swam. We were tired and cold so the swim seemed to last forever but, eventually, we did make the ship’s side and on the raft alongside, was a lifeless figure. The rope which was dropped for one of us, we put around this chap who was hoisted aboard but sadly, he had gone to meet his maker. Doug was hauled up and on to the deck and I followed. What a wonderful feeling it was to feel a steel deck under one’s feet?!!!!! Once aboard, we were given a tot of neat rum which we had to down and were escorted below. Here there seemed to be hundreds of bodies lying everywhere, at all sorts of angles just trying to sleep or rest but, at the same time, very quiet-- unusual for so many sailors!! By morning, HMS Kandahar was with the fleet so, I guess it was a question of "Safety in Numbers"- we chaps certainly felt more at ease although the fleet came under attack from high flying bombers. Finally, out of range of most attacks, we arrived alongside at Alexandria and into a large building which, as I remember, was just an empty space except tables and chairs. Here were sat several navy types who took names, rank, home address etc and we were told we could send one telegram to our dependant at home and it would have to be briefly worded. The next morning we had a brief medical at which both Doug and I mentioned we were deaf in the left ear. This occurred from the blast of a near miss while we were in the sea near Fiji before she sank and were told to expect the deafness to last for about a month but, we would probably have trouble in later life, and that proved to be so for us both. The following day, we were issued with clothing such as it was. 0ne shirt, one pair of trousers, one set of underwear and a pair of canvas slippers. On the third day we were issued with a water container and boarded a train late that night to make the journey across the desert--- hence the water and were on our way to Port Suez to pick up the SS Strathmore, a Troopship which would take us to Durban in East Africa where we would join The SS Empress of Australia. We reached Port Tewfik and spent two days there to rest up. We were told it was safe to swim if so desired. That, surely must have been a joke!!? On to join the Strathmore and what a ship she was. This was to be her first troop carrying exercise and she was like a five star hotel. Luxurious indeed and once aboard we were soon off south to Durban. We arrived safely and were able to spend time ashore for a couple of days. Soon, it was transfer day to the Empress of Australia and she proved to be the exact opposite to the Hotel we had shared for a few days. Dirty, well used -- she was an old ship--and had lots of cockroaches everywhere. Not very pleasant. From Durban, we sailed on to Cape Town with Table Mountain and were to remain there for about a month allowing us to recuperate. Local people came to the ship's side as we came ashore each day offering to take individuals, twos or threes out for the day and Doug and I accepted. The day was full of sight-seeing and gorgeous meals with our new found friends. We were invited the next day and so it went on with both of us being up-homers-- there every day--during our stay and were treated like sons. They even bought us clothes in which to change upon our arrival each day. Wonderful caring people indeed. The time soon arrived when it was time to make for home and, we were informed that the ship would not have an escort. This was really disturbing as we were, as you may imagine, still a little jumpy about being at sea. However, we were assured that the speed of the ship was sufficient to escape any threat. We had heard stories like that before and were not really reassured. The ship sailed with the quay thronged with folk saying goodbye and we left with very happy memories of The Cape and that beautiful mountain in the background. Eventually, we arrived at Liverpool and were told to expect to leave the ship within two days and this we did. Our immediate thought was that we would go to our depot in Burford, Oxfordshire but were informed we were en-route to Plymouth and the Royal Marines Barracks. Now we had never considered ourselves as Marines as we were of the RNS of M so, why Plymouth? We never found out but arrive we did, one evening at about 1600 at the Guard room. Here, we were greeted by the Sergeant of the Guard and he wasn’t a happy man to see us dressed as we were in rather unmilitary clothing, obviously dressed in that provided after the sinking. He ranted and raved about being improperly dressed and a disgrace to the Marines and simply would not accept the story we offered. Obviously, the man had never seen action and had so much to learn. We asked if it were possible to go to the pub along the road and his answer you will already have guessed. An emphatic NO!!!!! Later that evening, in an air-raid, that very pub was hit!! Another very lucky escape! From Burford, the school moved to Scarborough on the East coast and, after a settling in period, practice began in earnest and, often we would use the large Winter Garden building opposite. This allowed large orchestras and military bands and the like. Practice was paramount most of the time but space was somewhat limited. I found myself in Norbreck Hotel at one time and making one's way to the Clifton Hotel, which was the main accommodation, in the midst of winter was no joke. It was freezing and that is where the meals were served so, walk in the cold or go hungry. Again, my name appeared on the band list for HMS Anson, a 45000 ton battleship and quite the opposite to Fiji which was just 8ooo tons, and a different kettle of fish. She was built at Newcastle on the Tyne. It was quite breathtaking to see her for the first time and that armour plating of some 6" or 8" was so reassuring. It took some time to become familiar with all the nooks and crannies the first, of course, was the band mess which consisted of two long tables, side by side, and it was here we were to spend the next four years. This was 1942 and my story takes us to Scapa Flow, North of Scotland, where the ship was to go on trials-- working up--- period, it is called and was necessary as there was much to learn about this new ship and this meant going regularly to sea to practise all those skills required and eventually, Anson was ready for active service. We were destined to spend almost three years on the Russian Convoy run and used mostly, the Fiords in Iceland as our base. The convoy would sail and would be escorted by smaller ships—destroyers, corvettes etc and we, the largest ship, cover the convoy standing off about 10 miles or so in case it was attacked by surface vessels. The convoy run would last about 10 days and in summer time, it was sometimes quite pleasant but the story in wintertime was quite different. It was so Cold-- and I use a capital letter here!--, it was painful at times. My action station was on Starshell control which was on the bridge and up there, without adequate thermal clothes, it could be agonisingly cold. I had to wear my service greatcoat and gloves, that’s was it, no more. Now when on a four hour watch up there, we spent one hour outside and one hour inside, so two hours on watch and two hours off. Also, the ships and their crews had to contend with extreme seas which brought back my days on a sinking HMS Fiji but, that is a different story. In these tremendous seas, the small escort vessel’s would rarely be seen as they would be hidden by the huge waves and I have always taken my hat off those who served aboard these boats for the way in which they went about their work in these terrible conditions. There were, of course, times when things were quieter and really quite breathtaking. That period of the year when there was almost 24 hours of daylight just separated by a short period of twilight and the sky would brighten again. Those strange Northern Lights as they lit up the sky seemed almost as though they were nervous as they moved about the sky. The snow covered landscapes as we entered the fiords, the iced up ships every morning glittering sometimes in the sun and the steam hoses which had to be used to de-ice the 14" guns shining in the sun as they were cleared of ice. The upper deck was not the place to be if one was off duty, particularly in heavy weather but, we had a passageway which was sheltered and it was there many would gather just looking and marvelling at the scenes out there, in that, sometimes, wild ocean. Apart from the occasional submarine scare and aircraft warnings, we did not meet any real problems but, one Christmas time, on Boxing Day I was on leave and a report arrived to say that The Prince of Wales, a sister ship to Anson, had been in action against a German ship which I believe was the Scharnhorst-- spelling??--- During these convoy runs, the band were engaged in the TS and split into three groups each of which would be on watch for a period in the TS so there was little music but there were a couple of small groups and we would practise in the chapel and also entertain the lads when possible. Once we had returned to the fiord or Scapa Flow, the music would take over and we would perform ashore for the troops etc and for the arrival of dignitaries who arrived on board and, of course ashore. The band on Anson was blessed with some HO’s (HOSTILITIES ONLY)and really first class music makers too. One, Si Davis, was a cornet player from the Munn and Felton brass band and when busking, he would close his eyes and the music he made came out like milk from a churn---- beautiful! Another, who became a very good friend was Bill (Jock) Graham, who played Alto sax, clarinet, violin and trumpet. He was brilliant and, after the war, formed his own dance band who played the halls around Fife in Scotland. After the war, Bill returned home and we lost touch but, met up again some 50 years later, again in Scotland. Sadly, soon afterwards, he passed away. Our dance band was really quite good and we enjoyed so much playing the music of the Bands of the time and this went down well with the lads. When there were sufficient ships in Scapa the fleet orchestra would perform ashore in the concert hall adjacent to the canteen and, the audience at times left much to be desired. Also, Ensa would send shows to Scapa and I was privileged to be in the orchestra for several, including that of Gracie Fields and Tommy Handley. Great people!! We were also privileged to play under the baton of Charles Shadwell, the BBC conductor and a real gentleman. Other personalities were Mrs Mop, Kim Peacock who played Dick Barton, special agent, the renowned radio programme, and many more. Also, from time to time, the dance band would play for a dance at the Wren’s quarters and that, as you readers will imagine, was a real treat as there were no other females around and, at Scapa, the island was treeless, making it a dreary place to stay for long. Our dance band sounded good and we loved to play the Big band music as often this was the case. On one occasion whilst in one of the fiords, the dance band were asked to entertain American troops ashore which we gladly accepted and the Yanks certainly showed their appreciation. At half-time, the lads were offered neat rum which several accepted and, the music of the second half did not compare with that of the first. "In the Mood" has never sounded like that before or since and, I do know that a bottle of rum was brought aboard in the bass drum! For those on the convoy run, the days, months and years were difficult at the best of times and, to enjoy music wasn’t always easy as so many things interrupted that, but those Fleet concerts, Ensa and the big band music certainly helped to entertain all those lads who spent time at Scapa or Iceland. The war in Europe over and Anson was on her way to the Pacific Zone. She stopped over at various ports of call during our passage there and we, the band, were called upon to perform at several functions both on board and ashore which is the usual routine until we reached Perth in Western Australia. Lots of music there but the most enjoyable, at least for me, was playing in King’s Park at lunchtime for the office workers who would sit eating lunch whilst being entertained. The applause was an indication of the enjoyment of the occasion. The ship finally made her way across the Southern Ocean to Sydney and we tied up at the quayside at Woolloomooloo. The band was in great demand here and we attended many local functions and civil events and, of course, the ship’s dance. That was a great event in the Town Hall and packed with dancers. The ship left Sydney to visit many places during her tour and returned again to Sydney just in time for Japan’s surrender. The celebrations started in the morning and of course we all joined in. The next thing I remember was, I think, about around 1700 in Central Park, so what happened during that long interval I have no idea but, we did decide to go to a local old-time dance that evening and there I met Tooey, a lovely Aussie girl and was then up- homers for the rest of my time in Sydney. From Sydney, we sailed south to Hobart in Tasmania where again our music was in great demand at both civil and public functions. The icing on the cake here was the Ship’s Dance. A great occasion. Time came to move on as Anson sailed for Hong Kong where we, together with the Marines were to land, and release the lads from the POW camp in Kowloon. We were greeted with delight by the Chinese folk and made our base at the Police Station. To write about that POW camp is difficult as it brings back memories best forgotten, but they still linger on, so I leave the reader, to use their imagination. The lads in there were like scarecrows, all bone and little flesh and in every physical state one could imagine but they received us with tears, laughter, handshakes etc and there were many unable to walk so they attempted to crawl-- unbelievable scenes!!!!!!!! A group were invited on to Anson so that they could be entertained in every way possible and the lads of Anson certainly made them more than welcome. From Hong Kong we sailed to Tokio and entertained the General in Command and his guests at dinner and on a couple of occasions played around the roads of the capital. Then, on to Yokohama to entertain the American garrison there who showed their appreciation in the usual American style---- very loud, almost boisterous! We also paraded along some of the roads here too, and I've wondered what the locals must have thought??? From Yokohama on to Kobe, the naval base and here, as we entered, there were many ships sunk in the harbour. Lots of them obviously by American bombing and whilst there, my mate, Bill Parks and I decided to visit Hiroshima to see what had happened after the Atom bomb was dropped, more out of curiosity than anything else. We travelled by train to some place near the city and outside the station were offered a lift by an American Soldier wanting to know where we were heading and upon hearing it was Hiroshima we were attempting to visit, offered us a lift in his Jeep. We were dropped I know not where, but close to what I assume was the city centre and all we could do was to stare open mouthed at the complete and utter desolation. We were not ready for what we saw. This was, surely, the worst example of "Man’s inhumanity to Man" that had ever been allowed to happen. Try to imagine your nearest city completely and utterly destroyed. You could see from East to West and North to South and barely a stone standing. Yes, there were structures still standing, if that’s the right word to use, but nothing recognisable, nothing!!! There were shacks around the place but no humans to be seen. There used to be a bridge over the river but the bridge had all its main structures burnt away except some steel girders and it was across these that we gingerly made our way across what use to be a river. Where had the water gone? We walked along that road which, I guess, was once a main thoroughfare and on some of the walls, we did see the shadows of people who had been vaporised onto the stone. It was like a ghost town of massive proportions and that scene has remained with me through the years and it will remain so until I make my exit. Perhaps the one sobering thought coming out of this heart rending action by the Allies is, that Japan did respond very quickly and surrendered, thus saving many thousands of lives, both Japanese and Allies. "Food for thought?" Back to Sydney to continue the many musical treats we offered and to prepare for what we hoped would be the journey back to the UK. Firstly, there were the HO’s and they were the first to make their way home. My good friend Bill Graham was one and we had become firm friends so he was a great loss. However, we did meet again some 50 years later in Crief, Scotland but, sadly, he passed away shortly afterwards. Anson did receive the call to return home and we sailed from port to port and sea to sea. Again, another sad moment for me as we reached the Red Sea when I received a telegram to inform me that my Dad had passed away. Bless them both! Anson sailed into Portsmouth harbour I believe on August the 15th 1946 which meant we had served on Anson for almost FOUR years. Today’s Navy complain if they are away FOUR months!!!!! She tied up alongside the jetty when families were able to embark and the joyous scenes were everywhere with kisses, embraces, tears and cuddles. A wonderful, wonderful sight as they reflected the love that abounded on that special day. My home coming was somewhat dulled by the recent loss of dad but, nevertheless, we were all happy to be together again. We retuned to Deal, our headquarters but it wasn’t long before I was on the move again to the West Country. To Plymouth. We were, musically speaking, kept active and when playing for a RAFA dance in the GYM one Saturday, I espied a young lady and when I had the chance, asked for a dance. We were married on June 29th 1949 and spent the next 59 years together. My next ship was HMS Ocean and away to Hong Kong to spent an interesting time there. I again met one Dougie Elmer, who was my mate as band boys and we had served on Fiji and elsewhere. He had transferred to the Royal Marines as a chef so we had lost touch. Home from the Far East to Portsmouth for anther late homecoming and my brother, Stan, one of the local telegraph boys, was waiting until we arrived to deliver telegrams. I believe he had a telling off for being late!!!!!!! Home again to move to HMS Glory for a short time and back to Drake in Plymouth. HMS Devonshire was my next ship but I only remained on board for a few days as the lad I was to relieve didn’t want to leave the ship. Then back to Drake before finally being recalled to Deal as my service time was drawing to a close and I, with others, awaited that special day which soon arrived and four of us stood outside the Musical Director’s office in South Barracks. Soon we were marched in to face the man. We had served our time and two extra years for the Korean War, surviving what had been for most, five long and difficult years of war and his remark almost floored us as we couldn’t believe what we were hearing. "You four are traitors for leaving the service" and with that, we were marched out. I will not mention the man’s name as he has long since left us, but, he did write many military marches which are played to this day. His comment was a disgrace to the corps, his uniform, to we four and to all those chaps who never came home to enjoy the love of family and friends. Being now a civilian my chosen future career had been made several years ago as I attended school on board the ships when available and when I was at HMS Drake. This paid dividends as I made application to St Lukes College, the Teacher’s training college in Exeter and was accepted for a two year course. It proved to be both interesting and at times, difficult, as my youth was more inclined to sport rather than study but, I passed with a credit and that, to me was a just reward for all the effort I had made and the support received. My good friend at St Luke’s was one, Richard and a good pianist, so we used our musical skills to entertain at Youth Clubs in the area. I also had a Youth Club choir to work with, so college life was indeed, very busy. My teaching career started at Hyde Park Junior School in Plymouth in September 1955, the year my son, Neville was born and I taught there for some 27 years. I was Head of Maths, senior Teacher with several responsibilities. Music was a highlight as the Head was a man of music and taught violin plus oversaw the work of the school choir which usually consisted of 22 girls and just four boys which seemed to be the right balance. We won the Primary School section of the local Music Festival some 7 or 8 years running and, finally decided to drop out giving other schools the encouragement to go forward and compete. I was also fortunate enough to have a large recorder group with an advanced section which always accompanied the hymns at morning assembly and occasionally they would join the choir to give a concert to family and friends. I retired from the profession in 1982, some five years earlier than planned as, by this time, our Headmaster had also retired and his replacement was a misfit--- certainly in that school--- discipline went, the standard of work declined and our beloved music becoming a thing of the past, so it was time to move on. During the years following my retirement I gave private lessons to some of the recorder group who wished to move on -—duty free!!!!!--. I played with the Palace Theatre pit orchestra and the Penzance Philharmonic orchestra so my interest continued as it does still today. My musical tastes are broad minded but that of the youth of today leaves me cold but, they enjoy the repetition and the screaming and, perhaps, if I were their age, that would be my cup of tea, too? I WONDER! Today, as I near my 90th year I often ask myself, "Has it all been worth it?" and my answer is, "Most certainly” and the only change I would make is to delete those war years. Now, if you should walk pass No 12 and hear some croaky voice attempting Sinatra or Matt Munroe it would be almost with certainly be me, Norm! In conclusion it has occurred to me that this Shell is of an enormous size so, my hope is, that the nut inside has been worth the reading? God bless you all! Norman Lewis (RNSof M/RMBx961) _____________________________________________________________________________ December 10, 2011 Update "The Demise of HMS Fiji" _____________________________________________________________________________ Fiji was laid down in 1938, the first of nine such ships of that class and launched on May 31st 1939 by the Countess Spencer, a relation of Princess Dianna and, entered service on May 17th 1940. She was built at John Brown’, yard, on the Clyde, in Scotland and the memory of Fiji is remembered every year in that area by the children of The Holy Redeemer Catholic Primary School as some of their forbearers would have worked on the building of the ship. Her weight was--- 8000 tons--- Armament- 12x 6" guns 8x 4" guns and other smaller armaments such as pom- poms etc 6x 21" torpedo tubes. The ship carried about 750 crew which did vary from time to time. Her length was 556'-- Beam 62'-- Draught 16 1/2'. New built ships always have a series of practices ( this is know as working up!) and this is to ensure all the crew know what to do and become efficient- that is always so important-- and, of course, to make sure all the parts of the ship function as they should. Some of these trials were conducted outside the mouth of the Clyde but, after some time Fiji found herself enroute to the West Indies to complete the second phase. Whilst there she kept a watchful eye open for surface raiders and was deployed on one occasion to Martinique as France was about to capitulate--- the island, of course, being French! Second series of trials over, Fiji returned to home waters and found herself on convoy defence in August. About the 30th she was detached to join Force M for escort of convoys in the NW approaches Troopships and other transports were heading to Dakar in West Africa to protect that area as France threw in the towel when some 90 or so miles west of the Hebrides, Fiji was torpedoed by the U Boat U32 which blew in the ship’s side at one of the boiler rooms. This being below the Marine’s messdeck meant we had to camp out in the hanger as the ship made her way, and with an escort of HMS Antelope and Sunderland aircraft overhead we made it back to Greenock , if slowly, through the Hebridean Islands so that, if she foundered, she could be beached. She was taken into dry dock and, as the water subsided, we were invited to view the damage to the ship's side, which my mate, Doug and I did. The hole was enormous and I'm pretty sure one could have driven a double-decker bus through without touching the sides. During this repair period, we, the band, were deployed on other duties but before leaving, were asked if we, as a whole would return to the ship. The reasoning for this was, that we were now conversant with the Transmitting Station which was the band's Action station and, a new band would have to start from scratch. We decided to return except the Bandmaster who wasn't very comfortable at sea--- who was?!!!!!!!!! The repairs were completed within 6 months and, again, it was necessary for and again on convoy protection against commerce raiders. The end of March was approaching and Fiji in company with Nigeria found themselves in the Denmark Strait ( not the area to be in rough weather) to the West of Iceland to intercept raiders attempting to attack Atlantic convoys. As March 28th arrived, Fiji was diverted to join HMS Hood and two cruisers to intercept the German ship Admiral Scheer reported on passage to the Atlantic and, at the end of March, Fiji found herself in company with HMS Hood and Nigeria to cover a passage of a convoy from Gibraltar to the UK from attack by German warships. Again, on convoy protection, Fiji with HMS Argus, escorted a convoy on passage to Gibraltar with aircraft bound for Malta which would be delivered by the Ark Royal (operation Winch) April 3rd saw Fiji together with HMS Renown from H Force, again at Gibraltar, and searched for the German ships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau following attacks on Atlantic convoys in the Bay of Biscay. ( Operation Dunlop) April proved to be a very active month for H force and Fiji remained with that force until being moved to Alexandria to become one of the 15th cruiser squadron there On the 6th she joined Force F a huge gathering of HM Ships were to protect a convoy of tanks and aircraft destined for the Middle East. Making its way Eastward, the convoy passed through the Sicilian Narrows -- a dangerous area for all allied ships--- and was joined by the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable and the cruisers from Malta. The convoy came under air attack on several occasions but the aircraft from the Carrier and the fleet's AA fire repelled each and the convoy moved on safely arriving at Alexandria on May 12th. We next transported 100 men of the Leicester Regiment to Crete And they were billeted in the fore part of the ship. Now, when Travelling at speed, the ship vibates and many of these lads were violently sick so, I leave the reader to imagine the comments made!!!!!!!!!!!! These soldiers were landed at Heraklion on the North coast of the Island at Night not realising what their fate would be. Many will have died in combat or taken prisoner to spend the rest of the war is a POW camp. Moving on, Fiji joined with HMS Gloucester and destroyers from Force B and this force joined with other ships to give cover to destroyers carrying out patrols to intercept invasion craft on passage to Crete.The fleet was to the SW of Greece and in the early morning of the 22nd May Fiji and Gloucester joined the Battleships Warspite and Valiant to form Force H. In the meanwhile, the destroyers Kingston and Kandahar were endeavouring to rescue men from HMS Greyhound which had received crippling damage and was sinking Throughout those days in and around the Karithra channel all all ships were under air attack but, with the fleet there was reasonable safety but, those ships operating in ones or twos would be pounced upon as the aircraft would be like "Bees round a honey-pot" and greyhound was one example. Fiji and Gloucester were detached from the fleet to go to the assistance of Kingston and Kandahar but, arriving found the air attacks were so intense that they were withdrawn and turned to make their way back to the fleet. Many mf the ships which had been in he area now for several days under attack were running short of ammunition and both Fiji and Gloucesterwere two of those. This info did not reach the right ears and that mistake made itself felt soon after the ships turned to sail West to rejoin the fleet. Gloucester received hits and was slowed down upon which, the Stuka Dive bombers pounced and she was doomed. She was hit several times, brought to halt, crippled and on fire. She went down about 1700 on that day May 22nd, 41 with the loss of some 8oo of her crew, many being machine-gunned whilst in the sea. Fiji steamed by her and threw over side her carley rafts (life saving) hoping this would ensure lads survived. Some of those survivors spent the rest of the war in a POW camp.The intensity of the air attacks was such that Fiji and the two destroyers were forced to leave the area and turned to head south towards Crete. Fiji, herself, was battered and bruised and out of ammunition and began to think all was well but, out of the clouds came a lone aircraft which dropped its bomb and this blew in the ship's side causing her to list some 25 degrees to port and slowed the ship down. A further loan raider, again out of the clouds, came in low, dropped three bombs all of which hit the ship causing severe upper-deck damage including one of the masts and started fires. Abandon shp came about 2000 hrs and it was time for all, if they could, to make for the sea, The list became more severe and the last I saw before she finally said her "Goodbye" she was over at about 40 degrees. Darkness fell, and the destroyers returned to pick up survivors and that day they rescued over 500 men. HMS Fiji died on May 22nd 1941 but her memory is kept alive by the Association, relatives of those from the ship and both Robin Owen and myself who are the sole survivors of Fiji. There is a plaque in Portsmouth Cathedral in memory of those who did not return home and, whenever I am given the opportunity, my relatives take me there to pay our respects. I dedicate this story to all those of HMS Fiji who gave their lives so that we may enjoy the freedom of today. May the Good Lord Bless them all! Norman Lewis PS Note:- Both cruisers were low on ammunition and the judgement to send them to provide defense during rescue is one of the many criticisms made after WW2 in respect of the disastrous operation off Crete in 1941. The casualties from these two ships alone, totaled more than 1000 men ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Received today (Nov 18, 2011) from Norman Lewis: "A Musician and a Steel Box" _________________________________________________________________________________ I celebrated my 18th birthday quietly in North Barracks, Deal, Kent, the Headquarters of the Royal Naval School of Music, a branch of the services not known by many folk and, because we were dressed as Royal Marines, we were accepted as Marines. This was most confusing and often, those who should have known bette, addressed us as such. The Royal Marine Bands were mainly shore based, and rarely served on RN Ships. The RNSofM served on all the major ships from Battleships to cruisers and it is recognised that, percentage wise, this small, music making unit, lost more men than any other branch of the services. The Steel Box played another very important part of a bandsman's life aboard ship and was largely responsible for the loss of so many men, some of whom were my friends. This box, to which I refer, was the Transmitting Station situated in the bowels of the ship and usually surrounded by fuel tanks. To get to the upper deck from this box, meant climbing three, four, five ladders at the top of which, was a hatch cover. This had to be opened and sometimes this cover would jam and I leave the reader to imagine-- if you can, what this meant?!!!!!!!!!!!!! "The box" was the bands Action Station and consisted what must have been very, very early computers. Largebox-like structures on which all information for the guns was caculated as it was received, and entered on to the calculators. When this info was complete, it would be sent to the guns and, when ready, the Gunnery Officer would signal Fire!!!!!!!!!. Not much later than my birthday, my name appeared on the notice-board with fourteen others who were to form the band for HMS Fiji which was launched by a relative of Princess Diana, in 1939, at John Brown's yard on the Clyde. She was commisioned in February of the following year and after a short period doing trials, she made her way to the West Indies to continue this " Working up" as it was called. At the same time keeping a watchful eye out for surface raiders. This meant the band spent hours in that steel box assuring we knew everything necessary to operate the TS correctly if and when the time arose to go into action.We sailed south to patrol around the French Island of Martinique, should the French capitulate. Back in England, and now ready to join the fleet, Fiji was given the task of escorting troopships to Dakar in East Africa and, when well out in the Atlantic, was hit by a torpedo in the boiler room beneath the Marine's messdeck.This meant we could not return to the mess and had to use the hanger for the trip back to the Clyde. Luckily, she stayed afloat and during those three days Mark Edwards, a brilliant music maker, did a wonderful job entertaining the lads. This event was, indeed, a close shave!!!!!!!! On leave and leaving the cinema one late afternoon with my then girl friend, we stopped to chat with friends about the film and moved to walk the rather long and straight road home, when out of the clouds came the plane, swooping low and machine gunning as he came towards us.We both threw ourselves into a shop doorway,unscathed! The second lucky escape!! We were asked if the band would return to Fiji after the repairs had been completed. The reason was, that we were competent in the TS and another band would have to start from scratch. With the exception of the bandmaster, we returned in February 1941. During our time away from Fiji, the band was deployed to HMS Dolphin, the submarine base in Gosport and, as this was my home town, I was uphomers--living mostly at home-- and my mate, Doug Elmer was made welcome.too. Here, at Dolphin, we entertained the submariners almost every day It was richly deserved and. I would not wish to change places. Back aboard Fiji with our New Bandmaster, Ron Wenham, a real gentleman and our first task was to escort convoys half-way to the UK when other escorts took over and we returned to our base at Gibraltar where our stay was short lived as Fiji was to find herself entering a dangerous war-zone as she joined a convoy, with others to Malta, and it was on this trip we experienced our first air attacks, by Italians and then by both Italians and Germans. On this occasion the TS was to be our home for most of the time with short breaks to wash and eat and perhaps,if one was lucky, have a breath of fresh air. The convoy reached Malta having received some damage. Fiji continued East, onward to Alexandria at the head of the Suez canal. We refueled etc and soon were on our way to Suda Bay N. Crete travelling at speed which causes the bow-- the front-- to vibrate - very uncomfortable and that is where the soldiers we were carrying, were billeted. Many were very sea-sick and said they were land-based and not sailors. They wished, I'm sure, that they were still in the desert . Little did they know what lay ahead. Fiji arrived at the Bay late at night.The troops disembarked and we sailed away to search for German troop barges which were attempting to land in N.Crete. Other ships were also patrolling the channel between Greece and Crete with some success. Fiji was recalled to join the fleet to the SW of Greece and this gave the lads of the band, the chance to have a break from the TS, enjoy the luxury of a decent meal and shower. Unfortunately, these luxuries were short lived. Early on the morning of May 22nd, Fiji and then Gloucester were dispatched to go to the assistance of HMS Greyhound in trouble to the SE of Greece whilst hunting down those barges. She had received severe damage and we were going to help but, by the time we arrived, she was sinking and went down very quickly. We were recalled to rejoin the fleet but, as we had been fighting off continous air attacks all that day, both ships were in deep trouble as their ammuniton was almost exhausted. Stuka dive bombers were like bees round a honey pot and at about 1700 when we were off the SW coast of Greece, Gloucester received serious damage, came to a halt and disappeared about 1700. Her crew, being machine gunned as they swam and consequently her casualties numbered more than 800. The few who survived were POW for some four years As Gloucester was going down, Fiji steamed close by, dropping her life rafts, with the hope lives would be saved and, this action has been recognised as an act of true unselfishness and brotherly love for ones mates, as we were all in this together. Fiji turned south towards the SW of Crete with the hope of escaping the incessant air attacks and thought she had succeeded. Cetainly, she was out of range of the Stuka bombers and we thought our luck was in and that we were safe, at last... but, how wrong can one be? Out of the clouds, and swooping low, came a loan German bomber which dropped three bombs, two of which hit Fiji whilst the third blew in the ship's side causing a dramatic list to Port. We, in the Steel box, were waiting with some anxiety for the Abandon Ship! and at about 1910 it came. The climb up those ladders, by now at a very steep angle, made climbing difficult but, we all made the upper deck thankful those hatch covers opened without problems. My mate, Doug and I made our way aft --the back end-- seeing for the first time the devastation up there and many of our ship-mates who would not return home again to be with their love ones. Other pictures of human destruction I could not possibly describe.!!! To reach the water, one had to walk down the sloping side of the ship and when one thought it safe to do so, jump!! This we did and swam away from the ship. The rafts had been thrown to the crew of Gloucester so nothing to hang on to. We did wear life belts and they proved to be life savers. The sun went down, so we were left in the dark and I don,t recommend this time of day to swim. Eventually, we saw what we thought was a torch light and it proved to be that of the destroyer HMS Kandahar which had returned to pick up survivors. We two were hoisted aboard just after o1oo having spent some five hours in the by now, chill waters some 20 miles SW of Crete We were given a tot of neat rum which we had to drink, then taken down to the mess deck where there were bodies everywhere trying to sleep and very, very quiet. We only had what we were wearing that day and it was soaking, but the rum helped to warm us through In total, that day, Fiji and Gloucester lost over 1000 men and boys which could have been avoided if those in Whitehall had listened to the Admiral's advice This was ignored and, as a result, many families would receive that dreaded telegram,"We beg to inform you!" Our days in the Steel Box and our music making were over until we arrived home in mid August as we sailed into Liverpool aboard the SS Empress of Australia. Some days later, clad only in shirt, trousers and canvas slippers we arrived at the RM Barracks in Plymouth to be confronted by the Sergeant of the guard who went beserk when he saw us, and raved about being improperly dressed and didn't want to listen to our reasons for our dress. Asking if we could go to the pub along the road to celebrate our safe return home his answer, "Certainly not, dressed like that!" That pub, during an air raid that evening received a direct hit. Another close shave for which we should give thanks and, believe me, we did!!!! I'm sure someone up there was watching over us! Thank you! Some have asked if I would have chosen a different life, given the chance? I chose to spend those years making music with the RNS of M and thoroughly enjoyed every musical moment. I met and made many lifelong friends some still going strong today. One lived almost on my doorstep and some of you oldies out there may remember the late Jan Hine--percussionist--good mates for 50 years and now Jean, his wife, who has been, also, a lifelong friend and we see each other regularly to this day The down side obviously was the war, but even that had its blessings as we faced each day together, showing there is a brotherly love out there when faced with adversity. This was certain aboard all other ships on which I served. My next ship in 1942, was HMS Anson, where we did the Russian Convoy run for three years and where much of the time was spent in that Steel Box, but that is another story. This story I Dedicate to all those men of the RNS of M who did not return home to their loved ones. May the Good Lord watch over and bless them all! Norman Lewis Email: lewis_norman@sky.com PS. My apologies for any spelling and/or grammactical errors which would have occurred during Senior Moments.... "God bless you all" _____________________________________________________________________________ June 20, 2011 UPDATE Robin Owen wrote 19 June 2011 to Norman Lewis: "Well! It all happened ! Amazing ! The school lies deep in the Glasgow suburbs and the weather as drab as I remembered it often was. With the shipyards and heavy industry gone, there was none of the old fog that used to linger along the Clyde valley. Our Holy Redeemer Primary School has about 300 pupils and 15 staff, housed in a very old fashioned concrete single story building that looks about due for rebuilding. But inside, things could not have been more different. The Head Teacher Margaret Reilly received us most warmly , saying how honoured they all felt at my being there to share such a memorable occasion with the school. In the Assembly Hall we were introduced to the Lord Provost of Clydebank whose father had been Leadingg Seaman Agnew in the ship. Many other guests were evidently connected in some way, some as shipbuilders at John Brown's Yard which was close to the site of the present school. Also present was Michael Gregory, H.M. Lord-Lieutenant of Dumbartonshire. He is a retired Rear Admiral and a former submariner. Dressed in his ceremonial uniform, he obviously made quite an impression on the children as he explained who he was and what he did to represent the Queen on important national occasions, such as this one. I was also introduced and managed, on the spur of the moment, to cobble together what I hoped were a few appropriate remarks, like how fortunate and grateful I felt to be there on such a totally unexpected occasion. We were served tea and cakes and there followed a programme by the children to illustrate the life of the ship in sketches, songs, dance and music. All the performers had made his or her own hat, many having a sailor's cap complete with gold HMS Fiji cap badge. The story began with the laying down of the ship in March 1938 and her launch (by the Countess Spencer, future grandmother of Diana Princess of Wales) on 31 May 1939, the arrival of the crew, with Captain W.G.Benn played by a small girl. Then came the war and the Battle for Crete and loss of the ship, complete with sounds of gunfire, the roar of aircraft engines, the scream of bombs and explosions as they struck the ship. The players ducked behind whatever protection they could find, just as we had done 70 years ago. I was glad not to be asked to join them on the floor! Finally there came the Captain's order to Abandon Ship and the eventual rescue of the survivors. They then sang some of the old WW2 Vera Lynn songs, there was a guitar recital and two very able young tap dancers. It was hard to believe all this had been prepared in a few weeks but obviously the staff of the school and above all the very dynamic head teacher had made almost anything seem possible. Amazing ! The original of the carved wooden plaque had been re-polished for the occasion and hangs in a prominent place in the school with a good potted history of the ship near it. I was presented with a mounted and framed copy of the HMSFA Certificate and it will hang beside my desk. Later I was invited to plant an apple tree close to the school front door. By now it was raining harder than ever, the site of the tree a muddy patch with a paving stone for me to stand on. Thankfully the tree was already in the ground but I was able to pose beside it with a shiny new spade, the thoughtfully provided umbrella being whisked away at the last moment." -End of message to Norman Lewis- Please Note: Copy & Paste the following URL into your Browser's Location Box to read an article (June 22, 2011) from the Clydebank Post about the above mentioned event. http://www.angelfire.com/ri/georgev/clydebankarticle.jpg _________________________________________________________________________________ Update June 1, 2011 Received today from Norman Lewis: The memorial service on Plymouth Hoe on Sunday May 8th during which I met so many people showing so much friendliness and warmth towards HMS Fiji and her crew, will always remain as one of those special moments in my life and I came away thinking that the day is over and I had done what was intended, represent all of those of our dear ship who did not make the journey home after May 22nd 1941 and that was it for 2011. How wrong can one be!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have just returned from visiting family in Portsmouth and one surprise after another. In general conversation,I discovered a neighbour of brother Stan and Cherie, who, you may remember clean the plaque in the cathedral every month, lives just two doors away and her dad was on Fiji and sadly, did'nt make it home, She was three years old at the time and her brother, new born, never saw his dad. Secondly, visiting a favourite cafe one morning and chatting, found another daughter, Jeanette, whose dad was on Fiji but not at the time of Crete. When in Portsmouth I join Stan and Cherie at church on Sunday mornings at St Mary's in Warsash and on my first vist spoke to the Rev Andrew Norris, re Sunday May 22nd and , gave him brief details. Knowing now about Thelma, she was invited to join us at church on the 22nd, and this, she gladly accepted. The service began and some 10 minutes into it ,there began a special memorial service to those lost on Fiji. The usual three bells were tolled and we sang Eternal Father and prayers were said. At the back of the church was a scroll bearing the names of many of those lost and this with poppies along the base. As you may imagine, this special service came as a complete surprise, and was very moving. I must admit to a tear or two as I thought about my mates and so many friends who lie in those waters off Crete. So, May, 2011, has been a very emotional month for me and not easily forgotten. The order of service contained a photograph of HMS Fiji and read as follows-- HMS Fiji , 70 years today, May 22nd 1941 The Battle of Crete. Today with Norman Lewis, we honour the 272 men whose lives were lost. Rather a long screed, Tom, but I hope I have given you all the news of that day. All best wishes to you and all those out there who read this account. Take care and God bless, Norman Lewis PS: Copy and paste the following URL into your browser's location box, to view the service sheet for the above mentioned event: http://www.angelfire.com/ri/georgev/servicesheet.jpg _____________________________________________________________________________ UPDATE MAY 11, 2011 Received today from Norman Lewis: I promised a report following the Memorial Service re the "Fighting G Club" which took place On Sunday May 8th. in the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. I had pulled a muscle in my back the previous Friday so was doubtful as to whether I would make it but come Sunday morning, decided not to let the Fiji lads down and made the effort albeit, not very comfortably. I arrived on a windswept, but sunny Plymouth Hoe about 1030, and made my way to the Naval Memorial at 1045 and there was greeted by club members and others like a lost son. The reception was some- what overwhelming and showed clearly there is so much gratitude and thanks to the Fiji for that act of unselfishness and brotherly love shown on May 22nd 1941. The dignitaries arrived by helicopter from London and landed at the Citadel close by and arrived by car to take their place at the memorial shaking hands with Myself, Ken and Michael from the Gloucester, the principle guests. The service was shortish but moving and, following that, we made our way to the Holiday Inn for the reception. I had been allocated two carers, a young lady and her dad and they were to care for me during the rest of the day. The young lady took my arm and escorted me to the Hotel. We were sat at 8 tables with ten to a table and an extra chair for the Duke or Duchess who were to visit each group in turn to chat, which they did. We three were waiting at the entrance as they arrived and were introduced to each in turn. The Duke, Duchess, lady - in waiting, Lord Lieutenant and his wife. I spent some time speaking with the Duchess who was obviously interested and also the Lieutenant,s wife who suggested sitting so that we could chat which we did for about ten minutes. Both were lovely ladys, elegantly dressed and obviously eager to listen to our stories. We three were sat at the Lord Mayor,s table so lots of chat there and much more as I circled around again, finding such warmth for the Fiji from folk I never knew. One such family from Perth in Australia who were so pleased to meet one of Fiji's crew.. I left the reception at about 1400 absolutely knackered and was pleased to be home with a cuppa and feet up but, I shall not forget that day and the warmth shown by the "Fighting G Club " I hope that this will give you some idea of depth of feeling for the Fiji amongst many folk out there and of this, I, certainly was not aware. Sincerely, Norman Lewis ( RM Band Service) ________________________________________________________________________________ From: "Norm" Date: January 24, 2006 3:24:27 PM EST I joined Fiji, my first ship at the age of 18 in Glasgow on the Clyde in Scotland where she was built by John Browns. My first adventure was to the West Indies where the ship patrolled for subs and surface vessels. Then, back to England to head the convoy of troop ships heading for Dakar in Africa to protect the French ships there . It was during this operation that Fiji was torpedoed way out in the Atlantic and was, fortunately, able to make her way, if slowly, back to the Clyde for repairs. This occurred in August 1940 and it wasn't until February of 1941 that she was ready for the fray again. She attached to "H" Force at Gibraltar for a while and then proceeded to the East Med Fleet at Alexandria in May. The first job was to take troops of the York and Lancashire Regiment to Crete - Suva Bay - and it was at that time that Fiji was directed with HMS Gloucester to attack landing barges making their way to the island. The attack was successful. It was at this time that the cruisers were spotted by German aircraft and it was on the afternoon of the 22nd of May that Gloucester went down. Fiji threw most of her life rafts over the side for those in the water and fought on until running out of ammunition. She was hit by three bombs which brought her to a stop and the rest we know. I, with my mate, went over the side at about 2230 and was eventually picked up by HMS Kandahar at about 0030. We both had to be hoisted aboard as we were exhausted but not so much.. ..we refused a tot of rum which, believe it or not, we were ordered to down. The ship's band comprised The Bandmaster, corporal and thirteen musicians each of whom would play at least two instruments, one string and and one millitary band instrument. So the line-up would be:- four violins, viola, cello double bass, Clarinet, oboe, flute, three trumpets, trombone and tuba. The band was kept very busy entertaining the crew and performing at the many functions both aboard and ashore. The action station, as I've mentioned, was in the T.S where all the calculations relating to the guns were calculated on what was then the computer of its time - a very complex piece of machinery. The transmitting station was situated in the bowels of the ship and scores of bandsmen lost their lives being trapped down below suffering what must have been a terrible end. It is said that in proportion to its size, the band service lost more men than any other service.. Sincerely, Norman Lewis _____________________________________________________________________________ ADDENDA HMS Gloucester RM family Hi Tom, A charming email you might like to forward on. I have replied to Susan and referred her to Norm Lewis who has contacted her but it appears her research has gleaned all she can. We are battening down the hatches here so to speak for some very hot weather coming. Best wishes Brian and Mari. (ps. *dad has been taken to hospital twice in recent days so we have some concerns for his general well being.) *Note from HMSFA Web Admin: Brian is referring to his father, Clem Walker, HMS Fiji Survivor. More info about him here: http://www.warlinks.com/memories/walker.html ----- Original Message ----- From: Susan Belcher To: marbri@chariot.net.au Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 7:07 AM Subject: HMS Gloucester RM family Hello My name is Susan Belcher and my uncle, Frank Pritchard, was a Royal Marine aboard the Gloucester (the fighting ‘G’). He was one of the 83 Marines who died on the 22 May 1941, there were 92 on board at the time of the sinking - 9 survived, one died on Kythera, one died in a prisoner of war camp, 7 came home. It has taken me over ten year to piece together the little I know together. My Mum was ten when Frank died. I have wanted to do this for a long time - From a member of the ‘G’s family to a member of the Fiji’s family - thank you for the *support you showed to the ‘G’ and its crew. Though it didn’t benefit us, it benefited some and that means a lot. Yours, Susan. _____________________________________________________________________________ *Note from HMSFA Web Admin: The WWII Cruisers website has an interesting page on HMS Gloucester, where the generosity of Capt. Powlett is mentioned, in connection with the large carley floats thrown into the water. Here is a quote from URL: http://www.world-war.co.uk/index.php3 "Those who could swim, jumped into the water and struck out boldly for the large carley floats which the cruiser Fiji had thrown over the side as she steamed past us. This was an exceedingly generous gesture on the part of H.M.S. Fiji because she was herself destroyed by a concentrated bombing attack later in the day." -again- "The thirty-three men of the Gloucester's ship's company who were eventually picked up by a German rescue boat, owe their survival to the carley floats which the Fiji so unselfishly placed at their disposal. Seventeen years have passed since that fateful day but we have not forgotten the great debt of gratitude that we owe to Captain W. William-Powlett, R.N., who was in command of H.M.S. Fiji at the time." ________________________________________________________________________________ Read "My Life As A Band Boy" (1936-40) by Norman Lewis by simply copying and pasting the following URL into your browser's location box: http://www.angelfire.com/ri/georgev/bandboy.gif _____________________________________________________________________________