Random Opinions

Taranaki Daily News, 22 March 1943, Page 2

Random Opinions

get in the target area.—Nicholas Monsarrat in "H.M. Corvette."

Realities Of Convoy But the tension for us (in a corvette) is really nothing compared with what it must be for the ships in convoy, and the amount of selfdiscipline and nerve needed to remain in station after another ship has been torpedoed. We at least have the relief— and possibly the safety— of action; we can crack on a few revs, fling ourselves about a bit, strike back formidably if the opportunity arises; but they have to wallow along as if nothing had happened — same course' and station, same inadequate speed, same helpless target. Imagine being on the bridge of a tanker loaded deep with benzine that a spark might send sky-high and seeing the ship alongside struck by a torpedo, or another torpedo slipping past your stern, and doing nothing at all about it. Imagine being a stoker, working half-naked many feet below the water-line, hearing the crack of explosions. knowing exactly what they mean, and staying down there on the job — shovelling coal or turning wheels, concentrating, • making no mistakes, disregarding what you know may be only a few yards away and pointing straight at you. No amount of publicity, no colourful write-ups, no guff about "the little silver badge," above all, no medals, can do honour to men like these. Buy them a drink ashore if you like, but don't attempt an adequate recompense. You won't