Dear John,
Came across this exchange of messages by chance. I was a Benline man joining as a cadet in 1953, and so we all knew the tragic story of your brother. Another connection was that I was a pupil at Portobello High School when your father was Head of French Department. He took a special interest in us as we were in a Nautical Class and he told us about your brother going to sea as a cadet. Another connection was that I served later with Allan Crombie when he was 3rd Mate, and saw scars of the wounds he suffered and which almost ended his life. I mention all this in a book I publishe last year "Memories of a Ben Line Man". It has sold well and can be bought online at
Memories of a Ben Line Man | Bassman Books More, did you know that Prof Gordon Milne petitioned the Trustees of the Scottish National War Memorial to get Chris's name added to MN Roll of Honour. I am trying to find out if he was successful.
Hope you and Maggie made contact
Good Wishes
Stuart Edmond