Guestbook

Hello Hugh, As promised just read your website.I am amazed, humbled,and astonished at your ability to do the truly terrific work that you put out. What experiences your father had and how he must have admired you.

My own are not so terrible although many were scary. I happened to be sailing down to Walvis Bay in the "Fort McMurray" independent at the similar date.

Keep up the good work Hugh, Ancient Mariners like me are very grateful for people like you to remember people like us. Regards Eric Fisher

Admin reply: Hello Eric,
It is me who is humbled to receive such kind words from a gentleman like you who served during these times. Thank you Sir.

I loved this book when I read it many years ago, what a fantastic tale. Would love to see this terrific story and piece of history on the big screen.

R.I.P Ralph Barker.

So impressed Hugh by reading about your father and all that is on your website.
They are remembered.

Dear Hugh,
What a great website. My father, Francis was a survivor of the City of Cairo. Unfortunately of the four Almond children only Susan now survives:my uncle David having sadly died earlier this year.
I think my Mum still has some objects relating to the sinking - including an article written in the Sunday Express describing the sinking by my Grandmother.
Next time I see her I will see what I can find and let you know what we have.
Best wishes
Philip Almond

A long time ago (1959-67) I was an officer with Ellerman Lines and sailed with many senior officers who served in the company's ships during WW2. These included former prisoners of the Japanese and others who had survived being torpedoed, bombed, days in open boats and the loss of shipmates. Though some were clearly damaged by their experiences like most MN men they seldom spoke of the war. We young seamen held them in awe.

Truly fascinating and moving- I came to this because I've started to look at the meaning of 'global war' in November 1942 -the City of Cairo gives this a very human dimension. I have a two year old son and the accounts of mothers and children in the boats were quite harrowing. Thank you for all the hard work and for creating such an effective tribute.

Hello there,

My father, Ralph Barker, was the author of Goodnight, Sorry for Sinking You. I'm sorry to say that he died last week, aged 93.

He was enthusiastic about all his stories but particularly enjoyed researching and writing Goodnight... because it involved so many different people and their experiences - his real passion in life and the basis of all his books. I have a feeling it was one of the manuscripts I typed for him (in the days before computers!).

There was an announcement in the D Telegraph today, and I'm writing full obituaries for the nationals and locals - I hope they'll print them, I think he deserves recognition.

Thought some of your members would be interested.

Sarah Duncanson

Admin reply: Sarah, my condolences to you and your family at this very sad time.
Your father told the story of the 'CITY OF CAIRO' we will never forget him for that.

Ralph Barker, RIP.

Hi Hugh, came across your fabulous site whilst looking for info on MV Oil Endeavour, where i spent time aboard from may until sept 84 as a gunner looking after the javelin/blowpipe missiles, i have been looking for a picture of her, the one of her on your site comes out a little "grainy" maybe you could help if you have others? so i can add her to my collection of pics of past floating homes! most that have passed over to the scrap yards now! thankyou,
Nelie Neligan

My Great Uncle John Wesley Walker was one of the soldiers that died on ss City of Cairo and I got through my father his medal. I have been researching family history and came across this site. I had always thought he perished at sea Thank you nice site

My mother's first husband, Jack Fisher, was Chief on a turbine out of convoy when carrying important stuff to El Almain(SP)in (I think) '41.They were torpedoed but got off to the boats. The sub surfaced and deck gunned the survivors. Murder.
My mother's second hudband( married in '53) was Jack's 2nd. They had all met in Montreal 'caus my Grandfather was a Lancashire man and would happily billet Merchant and RN. His son Bert Ward was sunk on the Vallyfield, off Cape Race by Captain Zimerman( only kill registered) in '43. Salutations to all. I'm 56 and in a sick way I owe the Nazis my life.

Admin reply: Thanks for your comments. There is only one documented case of war crimes attributed to the U-boat arm during WW2. Kapitänleutnant Heinz Eck of U-852 holds the distinction of being the only U- boat captain tried, convicted and executed for war crimes at the end of World War II.