A large audience gathered for tonight’s (27th February 2012) talk on “Costal Convoys” given by author Nick Hewitt. He noted that the convoys were all about coal and that at the time, between 1939 and 1945, shipping was still a major transportation method as the road infrastructure was not really developed.
It was believed that we would be fighting alongside France and hence protection of the English Chanel was not worried about too much. Other parts around the UK were laid with some 35,000 mines. There were also “Churchill’s Pirates” or to be given their official name the Royal Naval Patrol Service.
Nick described some of the weapons used, including many hand made by the crews. Other defences were put in place such as the Thames Estuary Forts to catch e-boats. What was highlighted was how dangerous a job this was, not only protecting the convoy, but being in any part of the convoy. A vote of thanks was given by committee member Ray Hopgood.