John Hogg
talks to Eric 'Doc' Wyatt

John Hogg was the Coxswain of HMS ST Brides Bay May 1947 to 1949. He joined the ship at Gibraltar which joined the 5th Frigate Flotilla at Malta. In those days the ship did not change crews in one go but was based on length of foreign service. The ship spent a long period of time on blockade duty detering illegal Jewish immigrants from entering Palestine covering areas around Cyprus Haifa etc. The Jews were not popular, apart from the trouble they gave to the boarding parties, 4 Marines were apparently killed ashore in an orange grove. Also a fuel jetty was blown up as the Brides Bay was going alongside to oil at Haifa.

In 1948 the ship went to Massawa so that the ship's company could go to a leave centre at Asmara (Eritrea) travelling by train between the two destinations. They were split in to two parties each having about 5 days at the centre. The ship also visited Trieste (a good run ashore) also Venice (not so good).

2nd Commission
May 1947 to July 1949

Now aged 86 John has lots of memories of his time as Coxswain onboard HMS St Brides Bay. The ship didn't always have sick berth staff or a doctor on board, and on those ocassions what he couldn't deal with himself (after consultation with First Lieutenant) was referred to the nearest Port Medical Officer if there were no other ships in the area.

He recalls a doctor in Eritrea who had to give a series of injections to ratings who had been bitten by dogs; and of a Maltese steward who died in his arms. John was very concerned as he was buried at Asmara and his wife was in Malta.

He remembers someone who'd broken into the ships canteen and was sentenced by the Captain to six strokes of the cane. He had to go to HMS Berwick (a cruiser) to borrow a cane as none were held on board. He was given the choice of six of varying thickness and chose the thinnest but for no particular reason. The Master at Arms of that ship offered to do the punishment but John declined. The punishment was carried out In the tiller flat with the First Lieutenant and a doctor from the Berwick present. This type of punishment was stopped later, and it was the only time he had ever had to carry it out.

John said he feels at his age he has no wish to join the Association but is happy to share his memories, and wishes the Association well.

He was pleased to see someone who could talk about the ship, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the lamp swinging sessions with him and will remain in contact. If anyone who served with John wants his details I have them.

Port Said, 1949

Harry Alton (top left) was an AB whose main task was looking after 4" gun deck. Watch stokers used to go to the gun deck for a breathe of fresh aire after being in the engine or boiler rooms. Harry enjoyed their company but the GI was not so keen on them being there. (Cook bottom right)

Christmas Day, 1949

Youngest crew member in background traditionally wearing the Captain's cap for the day, next to the Leading Seaman with arms folded.

 

Jewish immigrant ship
Boarding Party, including Harry, amidships

Before the ship went to Palestine, Harry Alton was one of a group that were sent ashore in Malta for a 'toughening-up course with the Royal Marines in preparation for the task to come.

Cliff Connelly and Harry Alton

Harry Alton rembers well there bing no medical staff onboard. Once he fell ill and the ship went into Aden and a doctor was brought onboard. From there Harry was transferred all the way to a military hospital in Trieste for further treatment, and it was a while before he rejoined the ship.

From left to right:
Jock Rushford, Henry Grieve, Harry Alton, ?? Stevens,
?? ?? Bill Rankin, Taff Davies and ?? Kieman