Postby robmcr » Fri Jan 31, 2014 8:06 pm
Good Evening everyone,
I've been quite unwell over the past year but it has become a blessing in a way as I've been able to concentrate and focus my time on studying my family history. In a few short months I've discovered that I had some very brave relatives who fought in many wars that have enfolded on our small sphere. One of my relatives was, in fact, Able Seaman Croydon, Arthur Edward, D/JX 162128 R.N. H.M. M.T.B. 438, he died on the 14th February 1945, in the Ostend Harbour Disaster, aged only 21 years. He's my Grandad's Brother, my Great Uncle...a brave man indeed! He looks very like my younger brother Anthony and the photo that I discovered on this website is the first time I've seen a photo of him. Arthur appears to have been a fantastic photographer and I've managed to trace family members, I even didn't know I had, who've sent me some go his amazing wartime photos. I'll post them on here, so hopefully an expert eye will be able to identify the boats, etc. I'd be interested to hear if there's currently a memorial for the British dead in the disaster? I know there's a Canadian memorial on the harbour side. My aunt, Arthurs niece, is considering to visit there this Valentines day (2014), on the 69th anniversary, unfortunately, I may not be able to go due to waiting for a hip replacement operation...but I'll go someday, may be towards the end of this year. Also, I was wondering if there are still any survivors of this disaster still living today? Can anyone enlighten me? Any relevant thoughts or stories would be helpful.
Kind regards,
Rob Croydon (35)