My grandfather was born in 1885 joined the Merchant Navy after leaving school and served throughout the first world war and was involved in the Spanish Civil War and retired as First mate in the 1930’s.
He re-enlisted in 1940/1941 in his 50’s as he was totally bored in his small village in West Wales and was given command of the SS Corheath. I believe his first mission was 23rd January 1941 from Portsmouth to Blyth? and the ship was hit by a “friendly” mine whilst anchored up off the Thames estuary which killed my grandfather and two others.
I have the letter written to my grandmother by my grandfather on the 22nd January 1941 before he sailed from Portsmouth on the fateful day and have the Admiralty investigative report by the First Officer 31st Jan 1941 The letter is quite amusing in parts and also he may have had a bad premonition about the journey.
