History & Learning

Contributed by Teresa Millar (daughter)

“At the age of 17 years I decided on the Royal Navy at Edgware and passed a test of acceptance.

From 2nd September 1942 I was Ord-Seaman.

13th November 1943 – 16th April 1944 Tyne – HMS Serapis S Class Destroyer – Arctic Convoys

17th April 1944 – 23rd August 1944 HMS Walker V & W Class Destroyer – Arctic Convoys

Passage to Milford Haven for escort of military. Convoy EZR27 nominated for duty in support of Normandy landings. Detached RA59 experiencing weather condition with U boat attacks lasting two days.

I was not sorry to see the end of the Walker (First World War Destroyer). I found it very old, freezing cold, sleeping where you can when you have your duty to concentrate on such as look outs, never knowing when it was our turn for a torpedo. Was constantly on your mind in treacherous conditions – rough seas. It just threw up every which way and would rise up and come down on another wave with a loud bang and a shudder – it would last for ages.

With the mountaneous seas and the full icy killer conditions you could not put enough clothing on. I remember wearing 2 vests, longjohns, pullover, 2 sets sea boot socks, grey issued coat and duffle coat on top, 2 balaclavas and 2 pairs of gloves – all at the same time, and you would wear your clothes constantly. You could not take any chance of removing your gloves as the cold still would take your skin off.

Our duty was to knock the ice off the guard rails and the guns which was a frequent occurence.

The memories I do have left is the ship’s company photo taken on board. I often think of the lads and to the veterans that are not with us now.”

Bert Glazebrook

Photograph – The crew of HMS Walker

Bert passed away on 29th April 2014

Click to expand photos