John Mears

[Des Taff Jenkins]

Hi All
Another wartime hero has crossed the bar. John Mears 1925 to 2012 John was a Vindi boy in 41, was torpedoed on the Windsor Castle, on board was another Vindi boy who had been there with him, but it would be fifty odd years before they discovered this, meeting in the 80s when setting up the NSW Vindi association in Sydney.
John flew to Germany a few years ago to meet one of the crew of the U/Boat that had sunk his ship.
He was co editor of our news letters and will be sorely missed.
Des.
Lest We Forget redc.gif

[Evan Lewis]

One of the Best! Des.
Had the pleasure of meeting him a few times.

During the Vindi Monument , reunion week-end at Sharpness.
In Sydney ,with one of the Harbour jaunts on the James Craig.

And no doubt at one or other of the Qld. Vindi Association's Do's

R.I.P.

[Captain Kong]

Des, Thanks for the Sad news of John, I used to know him quite well met him several times at Sharpness at the Re unions, and we kept in touch by email, and I have his Book about his wartime exploits, "BOTH SIDES OF THE PERISCOPE" he did meet his German counterpart, the origin of his book. He signed his book for me,
"To Brian, My best regards, I hope you enjoy the read, John, 14.10.2003"
John was a Gentleman. RIP John.
Cheers
Brian.
.

[Lou Barron]

Yes another old ex war time MN guy as crossed thebar not many left now

[Des Taff Jenkins]

Hi Evan.
I must have met you on the James Craig trip as I think we only went on her once, the other times was on the Bounty.
Thanks Brian and Charles for your sympathy. John was one of the best.
Des
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[Evan Lewis]

Think it may have been a 2nd .Trip ,Des. as recall It.
Drove down from Tweed, with another ,Seaman, Mike Taylor. .Ex Manchester.

Know the Sydney ,Vindi Branch, had been very instumental in its restoration , from a rotting away hulk, lanquishing in some Back -water in Tasmania. To its now pristine state. In Sydney Harbour.

Had a particular interest ,n the name James Craig. As He, was the reason .my parents met .
Human interest story ,Suppose one could call it. His name was mentioned over the years,in reminiscing. .
Started the story now.So just as well continue.

Started in Glasgow, 1916.my Mother waitressed at this Restaurant in Glasgow , Patrons included . Prince of Wales, and Sir James Craig. Later Prime Minister of Northern Ireland .Belfast, shipowning family.

Her mother had sugested She ,look for a job, Dressmaking, considered then ,a good Trade Returns home from trying ,to be met in the

Close(tenement Playing Area) by the Young kids, . "Sir James Craig, has been here, looking for Our Jeannie"

Turns out ,He'd just acquired a Canteen ,on the Clydeside, to do with War work.
.She duly accepted. Going to work one evening, in the same compartment ,was My father, (17 yrs,old Sgt. )accompanying three others,on a Machine-gun Corp. Course.Reading her Mail ,on the way . As She alighted ,He snatched the envelope.
Duly he corresponded ,having now her address.

result ,Married in Wales ,1918.
Five children.

Some would say "Good OnYa ,james Craig. " others would say "F. Him." [only joking!