264942 Bernard "Stevo" Stephenson Royal Navy HMS Black Swan My Dad, Bernard Stephenson, was called up at 19 years of age, and went to serve in the Royal Navy on board HMS Black Swan.
He had some amazing stories about the things he saw and experienced. But one that always sends a shiver was when one day, they were in a battle with a German ship, Dad was on deck with his comrades firing guns. Suddenly they saw a dome in the water that could only mean one thing, a torpedo heading straight for them. He said he remembered putting his hand on his pocket to make sure he had his papers there so his mum would be notified of his death.
The whole crew just paused and waited, he closed his eyes, then suddenly there was a huge explosion. He turned to look at his friend next to him who was also looking at him. They were not sure what was happening until they turned around and saw the torpedo had dipped under them and blown up an American ship which was behind them! I can't imagine the fear they must've had at that moment.
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