Written by Paul Sefton (great nephew), edited by Natasha Ellakirk.
Assistant Steward Albert Ernest Pinkney
Naval Auxilary Personnel ( MN) serving with RN on HMS Avenger
Albert served on HMS Avenger, an escort carrier, which took part in Russian Convoys PQ18 and QP14 I believe. Prior to this he had taken part in the Dunkirk evacuations, though I am unsure on which ship. Following the Operation Torch landings in North Africa in November 1942, he was coming home to get married when the ship was torpedoed and sunk and he was KIA with most of the ship’s crew. He is remembered on the Naval monument at Liverpool’s Pier Head. My late mother remembers him being the life and soul of the party on his leave in Liverpool, with Albert and friends gathered around the piano playing and singing songs! I remember vividly, from being a toddler up into my teens, his photo at my Gt Grandads house taking pride of place and looking over us! It aided my interest in everything nautical and I, followed by my twin brother, both joined the RN aged 16 years of age and travelled extensively with them.
