Paterson, Gordon Mellish (Oral history)

British rating served aboard HMS Vanquisher in North Atlantic, 1941-1942; as officer served aboard HMS Calder operating in North Atlantic, Mediterranean and Western Approaches, 1943-1945

REEL 1 Recollections of background in Ilford and Edinburgh, 1917-1940: murder of father whilst serving with Royal Navy, 1917; social circumstances on move to Edinburgh; education; training as chartered accountant, 1935-1939; minimal German air raids; call up, 10/1940. Training as seaman at HMS Raleigh Shore Station, Devonport, 10/1940-1/1941: question of selection and loss of place as CW officer cadet; seamanship training; drill; relationship with recruits and instructors. Period at Lysen, Hay, Orkneys, 1/1941-10/1941: role establishing defensive positions; shortage of rifles and issue of clubs; wet weather conditions; application for sea service.; story of officers playing bridge; train journey to Devonport. Period as ordinary seaman aboard HMS Vanquisher based at Liverpool and Halifax, Canada, 10/1941-10/1942: state of ship; minimal washing facilities; wet conditions below decks; watch system; lookout duties; action stations on pom-pom; cleaning and painting duties; seagoing capabilities and effects of storms; convoy escort role and question of lack of contacts with U Boats; pay; recreations at Lyness and Halifax; visits to St Johns. Training as cadet at HMS King Alfred at Lancing and Hove, 10/1942-1/1943: organisation of courses. REEL 2 Continues: seamanship; relationship with instructors; course in behaviour expected of officers at Greenwich; naval tradition; asdic course. Voyage aboard HMS Andes to New York, 1/1943. Period at Barbazon Plaza Hotel, New York, ca 2/1943. Period posted to HMS Mallabar Shore Station, Bermuda, ca 3/1943-9/1943: role in pool of replacement officers; accommodation; anti-submarine training; trip on US submarine; short attachment to HMS Blackwood. Recollections of initial service aboard HMS Calder, 9/1943: cabins and bunks; question of all welded construction; rolling characteristics of ship; question of seasickness; training for certificate as officer of watch; clothes; opinion of Lieutenant Commander White and story of his loss of nerve in glider bomb attack, 10/1943; opinion of First Lieutenant Davidson, Navigating Officer Lieutenant Chris Eason, Midshipman John Huckle and Gunnery Officer Lieutenant Gibson; nature of officers' wardroom and drinking habits; food; opinion of Engineering Officer Sydney Leach. REEL 3 Continues: escorting HMS Victorious back to GB; party at Reykjavik, Iceland. Recollections of period based at Pollock Dock, Belfast, Northern Ireland, 9/1943-10/1945: action stations supervising depth charges on quarterdeck; visits ashore; inexperience of crew during operations in Bay of Biscay, 11/1943; opinion of Commander Chevasse; effects of fatigue; reputation of Captain Johnny Walker; nature of role escorting KMF Convoys through Mediterranean to Naples, 12/1943-10/1944; increasing confidence and competence of crew; naval regatta, 14/10/1944; visits to opera at Naples; relationship with Italians; opinion of Lieutenant Commander Playne; opinion of 3" armament, gunnery control system, Bofors and Hedgehog mortar; role as gunnery officer; change to hunter/killer anti-submairne role around Northern Scotland and Ireland; bade weather conditions; story of relief at cancellation of orders to lead submarine boarding party following HMS Hesperus ramming and sinking of U 1051, 36/1/1945; opinion of Lieutenant Adams; sinking of U 774 off Cape Clear, 8/4/1945; opinion of Commander Playne; personal morale; opinion of Lieutenant McBride Swayne. REEL 4 Continues: VE Day, 8/5/1945; refit for service in Far East; crew attitude to dockyard personnel; voyage back to US, 10/1945; story of arrangements to dispose of excess wardroom drinks on handing over ship at Brooklyn Naval Yard, New York; return to GB aboard Queen Elizabeth, 11/1945. Period of leave prior to demobilisation, 3/1946. Post-war career: return to chartered accountancy; story illustrating effects of war service; membership of HMS Calder Association.