During WWII Bob sailed in the merchant navy working in radio signals and gunnery. After crossing the Atlantic in convoys his ships were allowed to continue their voyages to the Caribbean unprotected because they were classified as DEMS: Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships.

Bob sailed in a number of ships, several of which were Norwegian:

Hingar,

Bestik,

Stadlardigan,

Delfdyke,

Ena and the

Clancampbell.

Bob sailed for two years in the Clancampbell, sailing from the UK via the Mediterranean to supply the British soldiers (Chindits) in Burma with supplies.

At the end of the war Bob spent two years in the Empire Rival, ferrying illegal Jewish migrants to Palestine back from Haifa to Cyprus

He received the following medals, badges and awards:

Burma Star                  1939-1945 Star Atlantic Star                 1939-1945 War Medal   1945-1948 Palestine Medal  Palestine was classed as a war zone 1945-48,  entitled Bob to the Naval GSM with Palestine clasp - see right.   Approx. cost would be £125 (2004).  The medal is very different from the Palestine medal received by his brother Tommy.   Veterans 1939-1945 Badge Red Ensign Badge                 Click here to see Medal Page for WWII   Click here for a description of the role of Royal Navy and the attempted prevention of Jewish Migration to Palestine  – see film EXODUS about Palestine 1947-1950.

After hBob left the Merchant Navy, he wanted to get a corporation (Council) house. To get a house he ticked the various ‘points’ that applied. He was married, had children and had served in the services. When he checked why he hadn’t been given a house, Bob found that his Merchant Navy service was not recognised by the Council as ‘Forces experience’!