You do not need me to remind you that the first torpedo struck HMS HECLA at 11 pm on the 11 November 1942.

But if you have not looked at my web site about HMS HECLA recently you will notice quite a few changes and additions.

All the pages can be accessed by clicking on the links from this page: [www.holywellhousepublishing.co.uk]

More than 500 lives were saved by HMS MARNE and HMS VENOMOUS when HECLA sank. Most of the survivors went on to raise families and live fulfilling and active lives. And some are still with us today.

Norman Johns is in good health though no longer running his chandlery and yacht rigging business and I spoke to Jim Clouton in Lancashire this afternoon but his good friend Ron Harris died three years ago. John Rodgaard who took over as lead author of A HARD FOUGHT SHIP when Bob Moore died, visited Les Proctor in Ottowa earlier this year. Fred Lemberg in New Zealand e-mailed me this week and although I have not heard from them for some time I believe Fred Woods and Les Mortimer are still with us in Australia.

Sadly, George Male, a Sick Berth Attendant on HECLA and one of the organisers of the reunions of the HECLA, MARNE AND VENOMOUS ASSOCIATION held between 1992 - 2003, died last month but Maurice Hudson who joined the Sick Bay Team on the Clyde in April 1941 has been in touch quite recently. Stan Juson was just month short of his 90 birthday when he died in January this year.

There was no reunion of veterans and their families but the children and grandchildren of the survivors have a lot to celebrate.

And I hope the book I published and the web site will keep memories of what happened on that long night alive for future generations.

If you have stories to tell about the HECLA or photographs do please get in touch.

Bill Forster
Holywell House Publishing
[www.holywellhousepublishing.co.uk]