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Thank You Doc Vernon
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26th May 2025, 09:42 AM
#1
Vivian John Squibbs
In response to your recent request for information about family members in the Merchant Navy during WW2, particularly around the time of V E Day. I think you may be interested in my father Vivian John Squibbs. He was 2nd Mate on the S. S. Kafiristan (2) 165816 and on the 8th May 1945 was on a voyage from Avonmouth via Cardiff and had arrived at his destination in St Johns in Newfoundland. The cargo was Timber for Wood Pulp & Pit Props and Steel.
It's interesting how this trip of my Dad's was a little different to the one he was on at the beginning of the war. On the 6th May 1939. Viv joined the Empress of Australia in Southampton (Ref Off No. 145300. Tonnage 12177 – HP 21000) and sailed to Canada and back to Southampton in June. She had sailed to Portsmouth to pick up the King and Queen, sailing to Quebec on May 6, 1939 and arrived two days late on the 17th May due to dense fog on the Atlantic. I believe that she continued on the Quebec run until the outbreak of War and became a troopship for the next 13 years.
Dad became 3rd Mate on this voyage. It was the year that my Mum and Dad got married. I have a very informative letter to Mum about the cruise and two large photographs. One of the king and queen and one of the King and my dad and 2 of the crew smoking in the bow of the ship. It was so exciting to find this but sad as it was when my Dad passed away.
I appreciate that this information isn't really relevant but thought you may be interested. I'm so proud of my Dad. On the 28th January 1929 he was an Apprentice on the Steam Ship Wimborne when he rescued J. Nicholas, a fireman who fell overboard while the vessel was in dock in Bahia Blanca, Argentina. Dad was awarded the Royal Humane Society Bronze medal for heroism in lifesaving. The article appeared in the local paper, the Tivyside, our local paper in Cardigan, South Wales. He also was awarded the Silver Gallantry Cross dated 18.3.31 by the Deep Sea Scout Organisation.
Trusting all is well with you and your team. Keep up the good work.
All the best
Pam
Kafiristan.jpg
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Last edited by Brian Probetts (Site Admin); 26th May 2025 at 11:36 PM.
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Re: Vivian John Squibbs
Hi Pam
Your post is very relevant to this site, and very welcome. Your Dad;s service to his country was one of the reasons we kept Hitler at bay and won the war, be very proud of what he did, he was a very brave man.
Des
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Lest We Forget
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