Alfred Derrick, RMS Lancastria - 17th June 1940
Jun 9, 2016 1:36:44 GMT
Post by cderrick on Jun 9, 2016 1:36:44 GMT
Hi, I was conducting research on my Grandfather and came across the news report on him, and I recognized his photo.
My Grandmother was six months pregnant with my father at the time and I guess because the tragedy was "hushed up" she never really wanted to know what happened when the sinking of the Lancastria came to light. My father never got to meet his 'father' or that side of the 'family' as they never approved of my Grandmother because, apparently, she was from 'the wrong side of Manchester'....whatever that means. I do remember a long drive to St. Nazaire so my Grandmother could finally see Alfred's resting place, but as we got closer she didn't want to and asked my Father to turn the car around and drive back to UK. After my wonderful Grandmother passed away, we returned to St. Nazaire to pay our respects, and it was my father's first time too to see his 'fathers' resting place.
I was so disappointed to learn that I have missed the chance to get a commemorative medal......and I will keep writing to the Scots in charge until they re-open the offer. (I work in Singapore so they may take that into account and i also hope they allow others who missed the deadline to apply.)
Anyway, I really respect the time, effort and dedication the admin has in keeping this 'Salford War Memorials' up to date as it is important we never forget the sacrifices made by a very brave generation and this site is a fitting tribute to the fallen heroes. So thank you very much, I for one am extremely grateful and appreciate the sedulity and commitment.
Christina
P.S. I grew up in Kent (so my half-cousins in Astley/Tyldesley/Leigh call me a Southern Shandy Drinking Pouf) but I always loved coming back to Eccles to stay with my Grandmother and eat Eccles cakes and Uncle Joe's. I think that is why the majority of my boyfriends have been Mancs.
My Grandmother was six months pregnant with my father at the time and I guess because the tragedy was "hushed up" she never really wanted to know what happened when the sinking of the Lancastria came to light. My father never got to meet his 'father' or that side of the 'family' as they never approved of my Grandmother because, apparently, she was from 'the wrong side of Manchester'....whatever that means. I do remember a long drive to St. Nazaire so my Grandmother could finally see Alfred's resting place, but as we got closer she didn't want to and asked my Father to turn the car around and drive back to UK. After my wonderful Grandmother passed away, we returned to St. Nazaire to pay our respects, and it was my father's first time too to see his 'fathers' resting place.
I was so disappointed to learn that I have missed the chance to get a commemorative medal......and I will keep writing to the Scots in charge until they re-open the offer. (I work in Singapore so they may take that into account and i also hope they allow others who missed the deadline to apply.)
Anyway, I really respect the time, effort and dedication the admin has in keeping this 'Salford War Memorials' up to date as it is important we never forget the sacrifices made by a very brave generation and this site is a fitting tribute to the fallen heroes. So thank you very much, I for one am extremely grateful and appreciate the sedulity and commitment.
Christina
P.S. I grew up in Kent (so my half-cousins in Astley/Tyldesley/Leigh call me a Southern Shandy Drinking Pouf) but I always loved coming back to Eccles to stay with my Grandmother and eat Eccles cakes and Uncle Joe's. I think that is why the majority of my boyfriends have been Mancs.
