HMS
Diadem
the diary of signalman John Emrys Williams
John
Phillips
Sally
Phillips wrote on
22 May 2014:
"Thank
you so much for posting your grandfather's diaries and for all the
other info. on your site.
"Three days ago I received my late father's Arctic Convoy medal
from the MoD, but I really had no idea about what he had done during
the war. My mother had mentioned the Convoys, but my father never
mentioned them - though we were always aware of Diadem. Your website
confirms what little I have learned about the Convoys - the atrocious
conditions and the incredible courage of those who served in them.
Thank you so much.
"My father was RNVR Lieutenant Allen Thomas ("John")
Phillips, of Finchley, North London, born 19.10.16 and sadly died
too young in 1980. He met my mother just after the war ended, and
married her in December 1945. They toasted their future with Luftwaffe
Reserve champagne, and my father was given an engraved cigarette
box from his fellow officers on Diadem. There is a picture of my
mother in early 1946, in a crepe dress with a little marcasite Diadem
brooch pinned to it.
"My
parents met, aptly enough, in a pub called the Blue Anchor! My father
was on a few days' shore leave at the time.
"Please
do feel free to put up whatever you wish as and when you wish to
do so. You never know, it just might trigger a reminiscence - or
a coincidence! - from someone who remembers my father. I will have
to see what I can find in terms of photos - I'm the only one left
in the family now, and I've been a bit ruthless in tidying up.
"I wish I had more detail to share with you and your page,
but thank you again for putting up your grandfather's story.
With every good wish."
^top
Puzzles solved and input from the online community of WWII naval experts.
HMS Diadem home...
|