SS Scottish Heather - PhotographsOne of the Merchant Ships Torpedoed in Convoy ONS154 |
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We would welcome additional
photographs for this or any other photo gallery on this website. |
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Chief Officer John Flockart, Second Officer Dougie Crook, and Third Officer Tom Gorst |
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Photographs supplied by Captain Stan Waldron, of the Athelian Apprentices Association. |
SS Scottish Heather, a postwar photograph of the ship. The three mates ex SS Scottish Heather (in 1942), in later years: Third Officer Tom Gorst, Second Officer Dougie Crook , and Chief Officer John Flockart. |
For more information on
Second Officer Dougie Crook, |
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Ernest Bainbridge, BEMErnie was one of the volunteers who stayed aboard the Scottish Heather. Information was provided by his daughter Sonia, who also provided newspaper cuttings. The family photograph was provided by Ernest P. Bainbridge (Ernie's son) |
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Ernest Bainbridge (1913-1973) was the cook who was aboard when the
Scottish Heather was torpedoed. He was immensely proud of being
awarded the BEM for his part in the saving of the crew and the ship. Over the years he barely mentioned the events of the night they were torpedoed but on one occasion we managed to elicit some information. He described the flashes in the distance as other ships in the convoy were hit by torpedoes and were blowing up. He mentioned his own fear as his own ship was torpedoed, not knowing how badly she had been damaged and whether it was about to sink. He described how the crew had to live with the knowledge that another U Boat could be lining them up in its sights as they limped back to the UK alone. My father was one of the lucky ones to survive the remainder of the war. I'd like to add my tribute to all those Merchant Seamen who risked their lives in appalling conditions to bring supplies to our beleaguered nation. |
Photo (taken on 11 November 1944) shows Ernie and wife Sadie with, left to right - daughter Sonia and sons Kenneth and Ernest. |
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Updated on
November 1, 2008
