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National Service
- By Robby G
- Published 09/14/2008
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By Robert Benns
I was one of ship's company for the '49/50 Med. cruise and I have just come across a letter (5 October 1949) that I wrote to my then girl friend (now my wife for 56 years!) which may be of interest:
"Last Sunday - after Divisions - the Captain spoke to us of our coming visit to Villefranche. He gave us the news that the Yanks would be there when we arrived and went on to give a very good, sensible talk on our relationship with American in general and these ships in particular.
He made it quite clear that America was now the greatest power in the world but that owing to her long policy of isolation she did not have the experience or wisdom needed for world politics. This was reflected in the attitude of her men abroad and this we should make allowances for. He asked us to be polite and courteous at all times to them and to try and help them in an argument with
the French providing that it did not lead to fighting. He made it quite clear that we were not to be embroiled in fighting of any sort. I came off the quarter deck with a new respect for our skipper.
The Yanks we have so far met are very friendly. In fact it struck me that they really want to be friendly but that they are a little afraid of us. I must say that their ships do not look nearly as smart as Devonshire and they do not seem to have the same recreational facilities we have (though they do have an aeroplane!) for instance swimming over the side, sailing and pulling.
On the whole our lads seem to be on their best behaviour (which can be very good) and the Yanks do not show up as well by comparison." Now looked at from afar this sounds rather patronising but certainly was never intended to be!
I had a marvellous time aboard the Devonshire and regard it as one of the greatest experiences of my life. A truly Happy Ship.
I was one of ship's company for the '49/50 Med. cruise and I have just come across a letter (5 October 1949) that I wrote to my then girl friend (now my wife for 56 years!) which may be of interest:
"Last Sunday - after Divisions - the Captain spoke to us of our coming visit to Villefranche. He gave us the news that the Yanks would be there when we arrived and went on to give a very good, sensible talk on our relationship with American in general and these ships in particular.
He made it quite clear that America was now the greatest power in the world but that owing to her long policy of isolation she did not have the experience or wisdom needed for world politics. This was reflected in the attitude of her men abroad and this we should make allowances for. He asked us to be polite and courteous at all times to them and to try and help them in an argument with
The Yanks we have so far met are very friendly. In fact it struck me that they really want to be friendly but that they are a little afraid of us. I must say that their ships do not look nearly as smart as Devonshire and they do not seem to have the same recreational facilities we have (though they do have an aeroplane!) for instance swimming over the side, sailing and pulling.
On the whole our lads seem to be on their best behaviour (which can be very good) and the Yanks do not show up as well by comparison." Now looked at from afar this sounds rather patronising but certainly was never intended to be!
I had a marvellous time aboard the Devonshire and regard it as one of the greatest experiences of my life. A truly Happy Ship.