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Location
Hull - UK
Age
17 Years

21st July 1940

Well, we did not sail at 6 o’clock this morning! First, because three firemen were missing and secondly, because a feed-pipe burst in the engine room! Everybody seemed very fed up – especially the skipper. The firemen, being niggers, didn’t care two hoots whether we sailed or didn’t. They are liable to a fine, and imprisonment. We eventually got them on board by 5pm, and so at 6.30pm, we left Alexandra docks, went into the lock, banged against the side of it, and eventually got out into the Humber. It was a gorgeous evening – the best we have had so far. I am glad, because it made me realise how much I really wanted to get to sea again. We passed the D.G test  after the 3rd attempt, and had our compasses adjusted. Once more we reached “Spurn Head” and anchored till further orders.

An air raid took place on shore, but no warning was sent to the ships. The sirens could be clearly heard from the shore.