Granddad and his two brothers-in-law were all of that short blessed generation born in the early 1900's that were just too young for the first war and just too old for the second.
No strangers to Portman Road from the 20's to the 60's. They would be absolutely amazed to see it now.
They always stood just north of the halfway line on the Portman terrace, so that if any other family members were at the match they would meet them. Later Dad and I had season tickets there. It is not too far from our own seats in the Cobbold even now. Third and forth generation. Family links see.
They were all boatmen working a semi aquatic, semi landbased life in and around Felixstowe docks.
In 1939 their boat was impounded and they were issued with an old Navy whaler. They were required to tow the anti-submarine boom netting across from Felixstowe to Harwich every dusk and bring it back again at daybreak. 3 Highly experienced boatmen under the tender care of a 16 year old Midshipman. (Only in the Navy!)
One of the brothers, Fred, kept a diary. Now don't run away with the thoughts that this was in any way like Samuel Pepys. This was a working man's record. Simple and straightforward, "This is what happened" type.
It detailed the trials and tribulations those three had over the next 6 years.
Up well before dawn, back well after dusk, everyday. In all weathers and using and maintaining an old, open vessel with zero replacement parts.
I won't bore you with all of the problems they had but as an example one Friday night the prop shaft came loose and was bent. When they got back it took them 3 hours to get it out. They attempted to hammer it into shape and then spent another 3 hours putting it back in before the next trip. This was repeated every day until they were finally satisfied with it on the Wednesday night.
They did not fight anybody, but they also served.
As the 80th anniversary of VE Day is approaching I will just quote exactly from Fred's diary of the events of their day.
"Finished early, went to the pub, back late."
Ha, ha. Good for them. And don't we all wish we had been with them. |  |
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