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Hi David,
There were no pubs as Nova Scotia was 'dry'.
I think we got tickets from an office and we then bought
a limited amount of beer in a special shop -my memory
is a bit hazy,maybe a member can verify.
Of course there was a Flying Angel and a Seamen's Mission.
And riots there - yes quite often,so many Allied seamen ashore and
for some reason there was always trouble with some of them..
Sometimes there were in excess of a hundred ships in Bedford Basin.
There were no pubs as Nova Scotia was 'dry'.
I think we got tickets from an office and we then bought
a limited amount of beer in a special shop -my memory
is a bit hazy,maybe a member can verify.
Of course there was a Flying Angel and a Seamen's Mission.
And riots there - yes quite often,so many Allied seamen ashore and
for some reason there was always trouble with some of them..
Sometimes there were in excess of a hundred ships in Bedford Basin.
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1,511 Posts
Donmac,
Prior to sailing all Masters attended a conference ashore where they were given
instructions.Their ships also received a convoy position number.
ie - 63 would be ( from port side of convoy) 6th column 3rd ship.
After clearing Halifax the ships would take up these positions.
Occasionally the ships sailed from Halifax during foggy conditions and I can remember
the sound of whistle blasts going on for a long time.
A very tense time for Masters.
Stan
Prior to sailing all Masters attended a conference ashore where they were given
instructions.Their ships also received a convoy position number.
ie - 63 would be ( from port side of convoy) 6th column 3rd ship.
After clearing Halifax the ships would take up these positions.
Occasionally the ships sailed from Halifax during foggy conditions and I can remember
the sound of whistle blasts going on for a long time.
A very tense time for Masters.
Stan
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1,511 Posts
Another memory of convoys was to see all ships hoisting flag signals when
a change of course was indicated,especially if there was a report of U boats
being ahead.The signals would originate from the Commodore ship which
was usually positioned as the lead ship of column 5 or column 6.
The Commodore carried a staff of six.
Also flag signals would be hoisted before dusk to inform ships that a change
of course would be made at a certain time during the dark hours.
This was another tense time for Masters as the only light on the ship you were
behind in the column was a dull blue stern light -or none at all if there was moonlight.
Stan
a change of course was indicated,especially if there was a report of U boats
being ahead.The signals would originate from the Commodore ship which
was usually positioned as the lead ship of column 5 or column 6.
The Commodore carried a staff of six.
Also flag signals would be hoisted before dusk to inform ships that a change
of course would be made at a certain time during the dark hours.
This was another tense time for Masters as the only light on the ship you were
behind in the column was a dull blue stern light -or none at all if there was moonlight.
Stan
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