Thanks Dad.

There are so many brave people to think about and pay tribute to today, and whilst my father survived the second world war, my mind has gone back to think about him and all he went through.
This photograph shows him in 1939. He had been in the Merchant Navy, but decided to change to the Royal Navy, on submarines as an engineer.
14 years he served under the sea, suffering all the hazards and discomforts submarines brought. The smells of food(steadily going off), fuel oil, musty clothing, bilge, sewage etc. Eating only at dawn before they dived, and at night on resurfacing. Fresh food lasted only a very short time. Bread was stored in every crevice on the boat, but would be mildewed within days, but I think the worst thing must have been the lack of space.
Dad was based at Alexandria, and whilst on passage for Haifa and Beirut the submarine was torpedoed and lost 30 of the crew. He survived and was immediately sent to join another.
He ended his Naval career as a Chief Petty Officer,was mentioned in Dispatches for distinguished service by the King's Order, and was awarded the British Empire Medal for zeal and wholehearted devotion to duty.
I am immensely proud. Thanks Dad.