Derek Law Bibliography

Full entry text:

DOE, Mervyn Spencer. A Rough Passage. viii, 199p. Durham, Pentland, 1999. ISBN: 1858217288.

Memoir of man who started life in an orphanage aged 4. He joined the RN and was recruited as a cook, serving in RNB Chatham before being drafted to HMS Cumberland, in which he served in the South Atlantic during the early part of the war. She was involved in the Graf Spee operation) and the abortive Dakar operation when Cumberland was hit (12 killed). He transferred to the FAA as an Engine Mechanic.  He was drafted to 776 Squadron, HMS Blackcap at Speke Airport, Liverpool and later to the staff of Max Horton ( C-in-C Western Approaches) to maintain personal aircraft..  Later 776 Squadron moved to HMS Ringtail Woodvale where he was advanced to Leading Air Mechanic.  After VE Day he was drafted to HMS Waxwing Dunfermline for HMS Colossus which was fitting out at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead for service in the British Pacific Fleet.  After the atom bombs were dropped his draft to Colossus was cancelled and he was sent to HMS Merlin, Donibristle i/c the maintenance of Fireflies and Corsairs.  He was demobbed in 1946.