Nov 1

Saturday morning at about 8AM we came into the Firth of Clyde and through gates, just like the ones at Sydney and Halifax, then up the Clyde River to Greenock. We dropped anchor about 11AM and Liberty boat was piped for 100PM. I wasn't anxious to go ashore so Mike went along with about two thirds of the rest of the crew. From the boat we could see the industrial smoky town of Greenock strung out along the river waterfront. It seemed that hundreds of ships of all sizes were anchored or docked all round us.

The Royal Sovereign lay off to the opposite side of the river in a floating drydock and several cruisers, one aircraft carrier (Argus) and loads of destroyers all lay at anchor in the stream as if waiting for trouble. On shore we could see big silver barrage balloons lying like eggs among the buildings, over which they are sent aloft to protect during air raids. Quite a few balloons were already high in the sky but apparently some are kept up there all the time.

High hills rise from the water's edge all round but these hills are rolling and more gradually sloping rather than jagged and sheer as are those round Tobermory.

Supplies were brought out to us within a couple hrs of our arrival here and not before needed. We were informed that these key supplies were automatically delivered to each ship without any order being given.

Nov 2

As another day came round, Sunday, our boys came back aboard after their night ashore. The town of Greenock seems to have made quite a hit and all had a food time especially where girls were concerned.

After dinner Gorskine, Cotterill and I went ashore & headed for Glasgow to see Scottie, but we had bus trouble and arrived a bit late for a hospital visit. However we pleasantly passed the evening by picking up a couple of girls, one for Gorse & one for Cotterill & going to a show. We had supper at the Theatre restaurant before seeing the movie. The picture was Tales of Vienna Woods and was made in Austria completely in the Austrian language.

After the show we wandered round in the blackout, had some lunch, then took the girls home. While on our way to turn in we bumped into three more girls and took them for a short walk, a Scotch hamburg and then home. Before turning in for the night at the Sally Anne we couldn't help but discuss the ease with which girls are picked up & their friendliness. During the day we met loads of Canadian soldiers & even some from Toronto & one from Oshawa.

One thing that we learned to-day, that Greenock was the birthplace of James Watt.

Nov 3

Monday morning began early for us as we had to be up at 5AM & catch the train for home or at least our ship in Greenock. The whole day has been a tiresome one and as soon as my work was completed I climbed into my nick to get loads of sleep.

Nov 4

Tuesday afternoon I went ashore with Gorsekine and did a bit of shopping round with him in Greenock. At about 5PM we separated and I went to Glasgow. At Glasgow I went to the "Locarms" a really smart dance hall and met a bunch of our crew. Danced with dozens of girls and took one home. She's a cute little blondie named Rena Murray, 9 Wood St., Glasgow, E1. I kind of liked her & said I'd write.

Nov 5

Wednesday I stayed aboard all day, just to get rested for to-morrow.

Nov 6

Thursday I went ashore to buy some souvenirs then went to Glasgow but as I couldn't get a room returned early & went to bed.

Nov 7

Saturday morning we cut loose & set sail for Londonderry, Ireland. The Chicoutimi was with us and we were to meet a convoy there and take the south route via the Azores to Halifax & St Johns. However along about noon something went haywire with our compass off Ailsa Craig and we turned back for repairs.

After docking there was much suspense in awaiting announcement of Liberty boat and a mad rush when it was finally piped from 1900 to 0800. I took quite a time to decide but finally headed for Glasgow to call on Rena Murray, the little blonde I had taken home from the Locarms on Tuesday night.

On calling at her home her parents informed me that she was at a party in Motherwell but asked me to come in and wait till her return. They were entertaining company so we all sat before the fire and talked. The people were all very nice and a cute little girl of 3 yrs helped to entertain us.

I waited till 1030 then left to catch the 1100 train. Rena had not returned and her parents wanted me to stay for the night but I thought it unwise. However when I alighted from the street car at the station Rena was there to meet me. She had suddenly returned and beat me down by bus. The train was late in leaving so we had 1/2 an hour together at the station. I don't know what to think or do about her. She wants me to write and she wants to be serious but right now that would never do. I love Ruthie too much to have interest for anyone else. Maybe time will solve any problem which may exist.

I returned aboard ship about midnight & ate some plum pudding which Mrs Murray had given me. It was just like the ones Grandma used to make. Sort of made me homesick.

Nov 8 Sunday

Train schedule was different today so a bunch of the fellows were a bit late. Stroud went ashore re kidney trouble and is being kept in Greenock hospital for a while. We'll all miss him as he was a swell chap to get along with and had a way of handling the Communications fellows. He just got married before this trip. Today we took on water & oil then went out and anchored in the stream till 1AM or 0100 at which time we set out for who knows where. Two small beam trawlers accompanied us and we were to meet a convoy somewhere outside. When we reached Ailsa Craig we steamed round in circles awaiting orders. We finally were given up and we sailed into the night. The sky at sunset was beautiful for our farewell to Scotland as the sun went down behind long dark streaky clouds and set them out against a background of brilliant orange.

Nov 9/10 Monday

The air is clear and fresh and the sea smooth. We now have a small convoy and a few more escort vessels but still don't know where we'll be going. Most of the fellows think we're heading for Iceland but no orders have yet been received. By turning back from Londonderry we missed a nice fast trip over the southern route. By mid-afternoon one of the beam trawlers came alongside and fired a line to us. Sealed orders were passed over and we set a course which appears to lead towards Newfoundland.

I've been tired & sluggish all day so am taking some aspirins & a laxative and turning in.

Nov 11 Tuesday

Tuesday morning I awakened at 0800 feeling much better and finding the sea still smooth and the weather good. Rumors are still flying about as to our destination but nothing is yet definite. Our WT equipment has gone out of order as is our R.D.F., but Asdic is still OK and that at present is most important as we're all sure of action this trip.

I've been feeling swell all day and even worked quite late at night to prepare something different for breakfast. The night air is mild and refreshing and several of the fellows are going to sleep out on deck to-night. We observed 2 min silence for Armistice.

Nov 12 Wednesday

The sea is still smooth and we are getting an odd sprinkle of rain here & there. The galley was terrifically hot this morning with no ventilation and we notice the days growing short very quickly as the darken ship period comes early at night and lasts longer in mornings. Orders came through to-day for St Johns as our destination and we are to get a new paint job there. Rumors say we'll make one more Iceland escort trip then return to Halifax. Golly I hope it's true as I’ve been away from that certain little gal at 2 Edinburgh St. much too long already. I felt kind of punk for a while so slept most of the afternoon. Just before sunset a rainbow appeared in the sky. Most of the boys expect a few days good weather after that sign. Here's hoping.

Nov 13

Thursday and still no action. We started the day with good weather and smooth sailing. Reports say that one of our other escorts rammed something during the night & had to send out an S O S and return to the Isles. The whole day has been uneventful but the convoy Commodore signalled that we're being shadowed and so we're expecting action real soon.

The night is black as pitch and maybe ideal for our enemies. The sea is becoming more rough and our ship is now rolling.

Newfy remarked during a conversation "Lord Jayzus he don't make no angel cake but he's a bugger on dis Tunder & Lightnin’ cake".

Nov 14

Friday has been just an average day and nothing special to talk about.

Nov 15

Saturday morning the sky was a dull gray and the sea choppy as we spotted four sleek narrow destroyers speeding towards us. They were Yankees and had come from Iceland. As they arrived, they signalled for our ships to leave the convoy, go to Iceland to take another convoy back to England. Also that they were taking over command from here on.

Nov 18-19-20

Have been rough and we've been pounding through high gales and heavy seas. Water is leaking in some of the messes and the whole ship is quite wet. One porthole in the Seamen's heads was stove in and the deadlight smashed. On the first day of the storm we left the convoy and headed for Newfy John.

Now we are making about 10 knots for that port and should reach it by Sunday. At times waves seem to engulf the whole ship.

We now definitely know that we are going to St Johns Nfld and there we will get a new paint job. (Camouflaged blue & white) From there we don't know just what will happen but we expect another convoy trip before calling at Halifax.

Nov 22 Saturday

The storm which has been beating us for the past few days has finally died down but we are now heading into the sea at full speed which causes the ship to pound and pitch terribly. Just after noon land came into view and the boys went a bit haywire. At about 3 o'clock we came into St Johns harbour and dropped anchor in the stream. Signal was rec'd that mail was here for us & later 10 bags were brought aboard. I rec'd 8 letters from Ruth, 4 others and 2 parcels but all our mail was postmarked after Oct 20th. Everyone rec'd mail & for a few hrs everything else was forgotten while we held a Xmaslike celebration. We're now next to the jetty and lots of the gang have gone ashore. Gee we don't have to hide our lights and there are millions of others around us. It's wonderful & golly I''m happy to be so near to home & in a land of food aplenty and freedom. Fresh fruit, eggs & other food came aboard so to-morrow will be our Thanksgiving day - Nov 23

THE DIARY NOW SKIPS AHEAD TO JANUARY 1942