Douglas ‘Doug’
Doug spent the first five years of his life in Shoeburyness, before moving to Stromness Road in Southend-on-Sea in the late 1920s.
Doug remembers his childhood friend and neighbour Dennis Knot, who would become a key figure in Southend’s youth culture during the 1950s and 60s.
Being just 16 years old when he signed up to the Royal Navy, Doug went on to serve aboard HMS Milne on the Arctic Convoys, delivering essential supplies to the Soviet Union during WWII.
It was a treacherous occupation and Doug remembers the trials of sailing through 30-40 foot waves in the North Atlantic and doing their best to avoid the threat of enemy U Boats…
Please note: This interview refers to war-time incidents that some listeners may find upsetting. Significant background noise is present due to having to conduct the interview outside.
Doug served on HMS Milne on the Arctic Convoys, delivering essential supplies to the Soviet Union during WWII. One time while docked in Rekyavik in Iceland, they were attacked by dive bombers and Doug recalls having to give everything they had to survive the attack…
Photograph used under IWM Non Commercial Licence
Always a handsome smile - Doug (Left) served in the Royal Navy during WWII
