Off watch! An uplifting conversation with Albert Dawber
Aboard HMS Sunflower With Leading Hand Albert Dawber
By mid August 1940 Britain was fighting a two-front war. Fighter command was engaged in a desperate struggle to fend off the mass raids of the Luftwaffe. Protecting airfields, shooting down bombers and protecting the shipping lanes were beginning to take their toll on the Spitfire and Hurricane pilots.
At sea, the Royal Navy fought a fast-paced dimensional war. As the deadly U-Boats lurked beneath the waves, German bombers swarmed above. Indeed, the German Navy reveled in their triumphs over their adversaries. The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Dudley Pound was determined to maintain Britain’s naval capacity, but like the RAF, the Navy had suffered heavy losses.
Two months earlier, in the afternoon of June 8th, 1940, the Royal Navy suffered a most devastating defeats, when the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau sunk HMS Glorious, one of Britain's largest and fastest aircraft carriers. Glorious wasn’t the only Navy casualty that day. The Kriegsmarine also sank her escorting destroyers HMS Ardent and HMS Acasta. The three British warships were taking part in Operation Alphabet, the evacuation of Allied forces from Norway.
Having triumphed over the British forces in Norway and Dunkirk, and with the RAF appearing weakened, Hitler and his esteemed generals were feeling rather smug with their accomplishments.
Aboard HMS Sunflower, of the south coast of England, young Albert Dawber was in the mess deck making a cup of tea. He had just completed his watch, earning a brief respite before attending to his regular tasks.
As Albert sat down to take a well earned rest, Chief Petty Officer Warton entered the mess, accompanied by Navy veteran Lieutenant Commander Arnold Smith, the ship’s second-in-command. Smith didn’t know much about Albert, so he sat down, lit a cigarette and struck up a conversation.
‘Dawber, you grew up in Yorkshire, didn’t you? What was life like there?
‘Aye, sir, that’s right. I’m from Elsecar, a pit village. Life was simple but good. Me and me brother, we’d spend hours out in the fields, stalking rabbits. We’d sneak around, trying to outsmart ’em, y’know? It was like a game of patience. We often bagged a haul.’
‘Sounds like you kept yourselves busy?’
‘Oh, definitely, sir. When we weren’t chasing rabbits, we’d be playing sports. Cricket was our favourite in the summer, and football was our favourite in the winter. We’d bat and bowl, or kick a ball around until the sun went down. Those were good days, simple but full. I’ve got five brothers, all serving. The two eldest are twins. Bill is an NCO in the infantry. Jack is a tank instructor. Then there’s Alan, who is a Petty Officer, at HMS Collingwood. Percy is my older twin brother. He’s a rigger with 54 Squadron, at Hornchurch. Before the war we were always together, it was great. I do miss them. I hear the RAF are taking a bit of bloody nose, but I think our lads will hold off Gerry.’
‘Interesting. Your mum and dad must be very proud. They must also be very worried. It’s nice to finally meet you. The Chief sings your praises. You’ve earned yourself as a reliable sailor, and we’re lucky to have you on Sunflower. Enjoy your tea.’
‘Aye, sir.’
As the stale cigarette smoke cleared from the mess, Albert sat in silence, enjoying a brief respite from the relentless sea breeze. Little did he know that his brief conversation with Lieutenant Commander Smith would lead to a new adventure in the Royal Navy, one that would push him to his limits.
Next time on Project World War 2, Jack Dawber gets to grip the thanks of the British Army. What could possibly go wrong?