Seeing the World Thro' a Porthole

About the Book

After finishing Sea School training at Gravesend in Kent; England, in 1938 John Townsend joins his first ship as a “Bellboy”. Describing the grandeur found on a liner to the “Crossing of the Equator” ceremonies, humorous incidents and various promotions he came upon during his time at sea. John goes on to describe how the outbreak of World War 2 affected the various ships he served on, telling where applicable the tragic stories of ships being sunk and many lives being lost. He tells of a Captain who was mugged with tragic consequences and describes all his voyages through “The Battle of The Atlantic” to being on “The Russian Convoys” A wrong diagnosis in a hospital causes John to “Call it a day” and in 1949 he comes ashore to seek his fortune. Feeling very fortunate to survive the six long years of war he recalls the various people he met along the way and some of the wonderful “Shipmates” that were not so fortunate as himself.

About the Author

Gilbert John Townsend was born in 1919 in London, England. After a secondary school education he attended the Gravesend Sea School in Kent, England in the latter part of 1937. Joining his first ship in 1938; John as he prefers to be called served right through the war years losing many of the friends and colleagues he had served with along the way. John finally gave up the Merchant Navy for a life ashore in 1949. After which he followed several other forms of employment. John retired in 1979 and now resides in the quiet town of Walton-On-Naze in Essex, England with his wife Freda.