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Post by Keith Greenway on Mar 15, 2008 13:49:34 GMT
In Memory of
(Boy) BERTIE AITKEN
M.V. Vibran (Norway), Merchant Navy
who died age 17
on 24 September 1942
Awarded King's Commendation for Brave Conduct. Son of Olive M. Aitken, of Cardiff.
Remembered with honour
TOWER HILL MEMORIAL
Commemorated in perpetuity by
the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
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Post by Keith Greenway on Mar 16, 2008 2:04:24 GMT
"That Old Crucifix"
HALIFAX.
"We met in the Allied Seamen's Club and I think the local paper wrote a article about two brother's from Britain being united the other side of the Atlantic. Bertie was homesick; I think and wanted to go home on the next ship. He gave me a crucifix which I have to this very day. It's only a cheap aluminum thing but it is a momento of him.
Later we heard that his ship has been seen passing Barry and had never been seen again. I think she must have been carrying ammunition and hit a mine and gone down without trace"
Even now after all these years, I think of Bertie and the thousands who never came back. All I have to do is look at that old crucifix and the memories of those days come flooding back". Jack Aitken.
Received from anonymous, I am led to believe that the article would have appeared in the South Wales / Newport Argus. This being the case I can guess the report in full was by Mike Buckingham. I would guess that this would have been a fraction of Mike's tribute and will when next in contact with Newport Branch MNA, enquire further. Meanwhile, I hope to be allowed to use this information in tribute. If by chance we need to do so, any offending material can be removed.
Anyone with further information regarding this hero are asked to contact Keith at: hernamewas.ss@tiscali.co.uk We would be pleased to receive any information regarding Bertie, who died aged 17, on 24th September 1942 and at such a tender age: Awarded king's Commendation For Brave Conduct.
I WILL TRY TO FIND OUT MORE OF HIS CITATION. KG.
Remembered with Honour Tower Hill Memorial.
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