“One of the saddest things was losing fellow seamen and seeing a ship going down. The hope there was no one still trapped alive and being helpless must have made these men sick to the stomach, even if it were the enemy. Some who were unlucky were caked in oil surrounded by fire.

“My father [Ernest Mobbs] had always said number thirteen was lucky for him. Through both wars without injury [lucky] thirteen did not last forever – he died, at home, on a Friday 13th, which was then Easter Friday. Each time at Easter it also reminds me, that it was for me, my family, and all the others in Great Britain he served.” – Evelyn Muir (née Mobbs)

Photograph from collection of Ernest Mobbs who served in both World Wars.

Donor number: 0127-032