Merchant Ship "British Gratitude"

[deebel]

looking for details of the voyages of the British Gratitude during 1944 and 1945.

Was it involved in the Russian Convoy service?

deebel

[MaxD]

Download the movement card for £3.50 here:

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8649138

(Good enough eyes can use the preview images!)

MaxD

[HMac]

Even the best written up movement cards are a bit of a mess and difficult to read.
I can confirm that BRITISH GRATITUDE did not take part in the Russian convoys she did go to Loch Ewe on convoys but not beyond.

Some details here: http://www.convoyweb.org.uk/index.html
Regards
Hugh

[Treetotal]

I thought this might be useful...From the Liverpool Echo...24th October 1945.

Carol

[deebel]

Thanks all.

I have an elderly relative who was in the merchant navy during WW2. His Cont Cert of Discharge lists the undernoted:

Empire Waterhen  engaged 22/2/44 Glasgow  discharge 24/4/44 Oban
British gratitude           16/5/44 Glasgow  - 11/3/45 Ellesmere Port
SEAPOOL                      9/4/45 Glasgow -   8/8/45 Liverpool
Fort Douglas                 23/8/45 Glasgow - 30/1/46 M'Bro

He has said that he was on Russian Convoy however he was only 16 at the time.

Is the word SEAPOOL of significance. Was there a vessel of that name?


deebel

[HMac]

Hi,
There was a ship called SEAPOOL but it did not go on the Arctic convoys and neither did any of the others mentioned. BRITISH GRATITUDE did go on convoys to Loch Ewe which was the Scottish port that the convoys formed up at for continuation on the road to Russia. 
Regards
Hugh

[deebel]

Thanks Hugh,

Sounds like he didn't actually do the convoys proper although he thought he was involved in the early leg.
 

[barryd]

Quite a nice looking ship. Survived WW2.

http://www.tynebuiltships.co.uk/B-Ships/britishgratitude1942.html

[deebel]

HMac / Hugh

Old thread however of the list of vessels given would any have earned him an Arctic Star?

Understand this was retro awarded

Deebel