I published a book about my father's wartime destroyer HMS VENOMOUS which I am updating on my web site here: http://www.holywellhousepublishing.co.uk/A_Hard_Fought_Ship.html
HMS VENOMOUS was based at Londonderry while serving as an Atlantic escort during the Battle of the Atlantic and some of its crew were from Ulster or married Ulster girls and in this anniversary year I would like to tell their stories on my site.
See: http://www.holywellhousepublishing.co.uk/Pilgrimage.html
I am in contact with 90 year old Jack Bolton who came from Strabane and met his wife in Derry but would like to contact the family of:
William J. ("Dolly") Gray was described by shipmate Harry Haddon as a "likable Irishman with strong political opinions". He came from Belfast and was killed when HMS Albatross was torpedoed on 11 August 1944. He is seen here with Cyril Hely who is playing a ukulele.
Are you able to put me in touch with his family?
Or suggest how I might trace them?
Do you know of any other Ulster men who served on HMS VENOMOUS?
My author, Capt John Rodgaard USN (Ret) will be attending the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic at Londonderry in May.
Bill Forster, Holywell House publishing
email: [email protected]
http://www.holywellhousepublishing.co.uk/index.html
