We have a cherished and most treasured letter, dated June 30, 1945, from a sailor by the name of R. Jones, who says he was in charge of the Starboard Bofors Gun on the Empire Broadsword, addressed to a Mr. Bourne,

Mr.Jones survived the sinking of the Empire Broadsword, and was picked from the water by an American Coast Guard Cutter and deposited on a destroyer, also American. He references Sgt. Cox and P/O Hughes indicating that they did very good work, up to their waists in water, rescuing injured men. P/O Hughes is the father of my closest and dearest friend here in America, Victor Hughes, formerly of Southend on Sea, England,

Mr. Jones goes on to report that after making about 9 trips across to Omaha and Utah Beaches, at approximately 6pm, there were 3 very loud explosions and the ship began to list to the starboard. He added that he had never heard such explosions, having been through a hit once before.

I have a picture of Cox and Hughes and we are lucky to have P/O Hughes' service award medals

The 1939-45 Star, the Atlantic Star, the Africa Star and the Pacific Star.
They are displayed proudly in our home besiide my nephews medals and letters from his previous service with the United States Army in Iraq and now in Germany.
My sister is in possession of mt dad's US Navy Medals from his service during the Korean Conflict.