Hello

[Sheila Merritt]

Hi my name is Sheila, I have joined this group because my father was in the Merchant Navy during ww2, he was on Lightships I think, I do have his log book of ships he was on and I have a newspaper cutting, though very well worn, of when he was on a boat and got attacked, I think, near Goodwin sands. Don't have it to hand at the moment, as got it all packed away, as we are moving soon. But would like to see if I could find out more about it.

[Keith at Tregenna]

Hello Sheila,

When you can, please furnish more details and we will
take a look and try to assist.

Any and all information would assist greatly.

Any official numbers / discharge number, full name, dates of birth / death, place of birth / death,
plus anything on spouse, siblings etc would help to get
us started.

Regards,

Keith.

.

[Ron B Manderson]

Welcome to the site Sheila.
Standby by for the info that will come shooting at you .
Enjoy
Ron the batcave

[Frederick Lacey]

Just a query Sheila was your father Derek adopted ? as his birth was re-registered in 1935.
Derek J Drew, Born 1935 mmn.Maull. Re=registration year 1935 District. Shepton Mallet. Vol 5c. Page.468.

??? Marriage. Albert J Drew....Mildred M Maull. Oct-Nov-Dec. 1933. District. Shepton Mallet. Vol.5c.Page.1052.

[Keith at Tregenna]

Hi Fred,

I had just posted something similar at: http://www.merchant-navy.net/forum/l...e-service.html

Now finding your post above wonder if I am getting something confused ?

Regards,

Keith.

[Keith at Tregenna]

Hi my name is Sheila, I have joined this group because my father was in the Merchant Navy during ww2, he was on Lightships I think, I do have his log book of ships he was on and I have a newspaper cutting, though very well worn, of when he was on a boat and got attacked, I think, near Goodwin sands. Don't have it to hand at the moment, as got it all packed away, as we are moving soon. But would like to see if I could find out more about it.

East Goodwin Lightvessel

On 25 October 1940, the South Goodwin Lightship was bombed by the Germans and sunk.

His discharge (log book) may confirm this or not.

RE: his log book of ships he was on and I have a newspaper cutting, though very well worn.

All of this information should help us to assist you further.

Regards,

Keith.

[Doc Vernon]

Is this of any link to the Lightship you speak of Sheila
Cheers

On 16th January 1940 lightship no. 38 was hit by the ‘Ernani’. The vessel was towed stern first to Harwich where it was repaired. It was then placed on the Mouse station near Maplin sands in the Thames estuary. Here it was attacked by the Dorniers and Stukas of the Luftwaffe during the second World War. In 1941 it was replaced and towed to Gorleston where it was laid up for the remainder of the War.

[Sheila Merritt]

Hi Frederick, no his name wasn't Derek, he is Charles William Farley born 28th May 1913 in Norfolk

[Sheila Merritt]

Hi Doc, I don't think so, think his ship maybe survived any real damage, as the newspaper cutting I have gives a photo of all the crew sitting eating a meal on the same ship, article mentions something about avoiding any damage the day before, unfortunately until I can unpack boxes, I can't remember the full details. I have a book I bought as well,( which is also packed away at the moment) written by one of the crew, can't remember his name off the top of my head, but it is about his time on ships and one of the stories is about that incident. The gentleman in question came from Suffolk.
Will have to get back to you all, when I have moved and can get to it all.

- - - Updated - - -

I don't think this is the one, I am thinking that his ship didn't sink and they were still on it the next day, I might be wrong though.
Yes when I can get my hands on his discharge book and clipping, I will be able to give you more info, sorry.

- - - Updated - - -

Thank you Ron.

[Sheila Merritt]

I can give you what I can remember.
CHARLES WILLIAM FARLEY, born 28th May 1913 in Great Yarmouth Norfolk, died 22nd January 1972 in London. Spouse DAPHNE JOSEPHINE FARLEY nee LAND, born 31st August 1920 Norwich Norfolk, died 21st January 1997 Ashford Kent.

Siblings: James Reginald Farley born 1915 Norfolk, was also in the Merchant Navy I think. John Albert Farley, Millicent Farley.
can give you official numbers after I move and unpacked.