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Aboard my first desrstroyer, HMS Albrighton, in 1941 we sailed two Atlantic convoys then transferred with the rest of 1st Destroyer Flotilla into the English Channel as extra escorts for convoy duties. During this time in the Channel we were in 20 actions, comprising both air and surface attacks, losing only 2 merchant ships.

In 1942 we were ordered to Dover, arriving on August 18th, where we found 3 other destroyers already tied up alongside the main jetty. Once we were tied up we immediately started taking on Royal marine and French commandos. at dusk we slipped our moorings and left Dover with the other destroyers, one of which was the French 'La Combatante'. Once at sea we joined up with the main force coming out of portmouth and Newhaven. We learned that our destination was Dieppe and the main troops aboard the ships was a large force of Canadians. This was to be an ill-fated raid which would end with more than 2,000 men killed or captured. our job was to capture the port area, which the commandos did after 3 broadsides from us and 'La Combatante' silenced the blockhouses on the piers. We also brought down the Dieppe West lighthouse complete with gun emplacements. After the action we took aboard wounded and other troops, taking them back to Portsmouth before returning into the Channel to assist in helping damaged ships home.

Following the Dieppe raid, and with no damage or casualties, we resumed normal sea duties with Atlantic, North Sea and Channel convoy protection, as well as the worst convoys of all - 3 days to Russia and back in heavy seas with cold, snow and ice which could freeze your sea boots to the deck if you stood still too long.

We were also sent to escort oil tankers in the western approaches down to the depot at Milford Haven in South Wales. These tankers were prime targets for the U-boats, and our escort group in one 10-day period sank 4 of these, including U527 which was caught on the surface coming out of a port in southern Ireland, where she had been hiding.

Later we were sent with many other ships to escort a convoy to Malta. We took a lot of punishment on this run, with the German and Italian air forces throwing everything they had at us in their attempts to stop us getting through to the island garrison which was holding out so bravely. From dawn to dusk the sky was black with planes. Many of our ships did not make it, others were forced to limp back to Gibraltar badly damaged. Two of our destroyers had to be lashed to the American oil tanker 'Ohio' whose steering was jammed in one of the attacks. Luckily all three made it into Malta, bringing precious fuel for the fighters based there. We also made it in, with minor damage, but then we faced the return trip fighting all the way, and we were only able to relax back when we got back through the Pillars of Hercules into the Atlantic after 11 days and nights of pure hell. Back at our home base of Portsmouth 5 days of shore leave for each watch was a welcome break.

As related to Steve Lamb - Gateshead Council @ Blaydon

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