.
thousands of merchant seamen who sailed from South Shields lost their lives in World War II. This monument was unveiled by Countess Mountbatten of Burma on 19th September 1990 in their memory.
.
Some boys, too young to join the armed forces, joined the Merchant Navy and many were to perish in the conflict. One of these was William Hills, Deck Boy, Age 14, of the S.S. Rio Azul who died on 29th June 1941. Son of Robert and Charlotte Hills, of South Shields, Co. Durham.
My father was one of only 9 survivors of the S.S. Rio Azul. They were torpedoed on 29th June and were on a raft until 14th July when they were rescued by HMS Esperance.
ReplyDeleteRita Moore
Rita, thank you for sharing that very personal piece of history; kind regards, Charles
ReplyDelete