HMS Beaumaris Castle (FY 992): Telegraphist George Smith Recounts the ‘St Kilda’ Incident (1944?)

When I was young (probably during the 1970s) my grandfather would tell me exactly the same stories! He also said that one-day he fired a rifle at a nearby Nazi German sea-mine that exploded with such force that the HMS Beaumaris Castle lifted-up into the air before falling (with a ‘thud’) back into the sea! As I have no way of knowing for sure – and given that the log-book of the HMS Beaumaris is ‘missing’ – George Smith could well be right in his recollections. This is despite the MOD ‘hinting’ that an important incident took-place on November 26th, 1942 – just seventeen-days after Arthur Gibson came aboard – and around a year prior to George Smith came aboard! When human-beings age a funny thing can happen to their memories. Details can be clearly remembered whilst all-round contexts are either completely forgotten or equally mistaken for other interpretations of reality, etc. Whatever the case, I thank you, Mr George Smith, for trusting me – and trusting in me – because you knew and respected by grandfather – Arthur Gibson! I will never forget your trust!

USSR: The 1944 Football Victory – When the Soviet Red Army Beat Arsenal! (8.7.2018)

This was the 131st Motorized Rifle Regiment, composed of elite (Soviet) NKVD troops. This regiment required very fit young men to guard the communications channels through which Lend-Lease cargo was delivered to the Soviet Union, and to support public order in the capital of Iran; eventually participating in ensuring the security of the meeting between Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin in Tehran. Among the soldiers and officers of this regiment, there were many athletes from different sports – including football, volleyball, wrestling, track events and weightlifting. Sports continued in Iran, in particular, the football team of the 131st Regiment held regular matches with Iranian teams. In total, in 1944-1945 there were 34 such meetings, of which our players won 30, drew two, and lost two.

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