WEALTHY MAN ACTS AS GUNNER

Southland Times, Issue 24113, 30 April 1940, Page 2

WEALTHY MAN ACTS AS GUNNER

SERVING ON NORTH SEA TRAWLER Serving on a North Sea trawler is a seaman who employs a valet. He is the big-game hunter Harold Anselm Vernon, retired commissioner in India, where he spent 30 years. He has given up servants, except his valet, and has taken lodgings on the sea front near Lowestoft fishermen’s homes. The man with an income of £3O a week is a gunner on a trawler “to get at the Germans” While his London flat stands empty, and “for sale” notices are posted at his country house, he is hauling in trawl nets in the North Sea, gutting fish, or waiting for a chance to use a machinegun on a German aeroplane. “I want to be like the other fellows, doing the things they do, wear the same sort of clothes. That is why I bought this hat and this sixpenny pipe here,” he said when he arrived home after his first trip. “I’m an old man—theoretically I’m 50 —and this is the only thing I could get into. I didn’t join for fun. It was to do something useful. I’ve two sons in the services. I thought it was time to do my bit.” And meanwhile he allows himself a valet. “Couldn’t take Owen to sea,” he said with a smile. “What would ’ the other fellows think?” Said neat little Owen: “I cannot help worrying about the master. He would not listen to anyone. I’m afraid he must miss so many little luxuries, such as his hot drink at night.”