Assault ship HMS Bulwark hosted the Battle of the Atlantic reception in Liverpool at the start of the commemorative long weekend.
In attendance at the event were many survivors from the battle. The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir George Zambellas was present along with Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Philip Jones, and many other senior officers. Speeches were made by Captain Burns, the commanding officer of HMS Bulwark and the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir George Zambellas. The reception gave current and former sailors the chance to swap stories and reflect on the past.
Members of HMS Bulwark’s ship’s company and the Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral David Steel CBE, spoke to veteran Rex Ayers during the Battle of the Atlantic (BOA) Reception. Rex Ayers found himself on the deck of HMS Lossie where he was a Lieutenant (signals officer). In this role he regularly found himself at the helm of the frigate as it rolled across the Atlantic on convoy escort missions.
Now 97, he lives in Woolton Park, Liverpool, but recalls one particular encounter:
“We were designated to pick up the survivors of a German U-boat that had sunk. The captain of the submarine was a most delightful man and I was assigned to look after him until Liverpool.”
[mappress] Press Release, May 28, 2013; Image: Royal Navy