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| Cyril JOHNSON - Royal Corps of Signals |
| Contributed by Michael Edward JOHNSON (son)
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Army number: 2333779
Malta Years: 1940 to 1945
Military Conduct: Exemplary
My father was conscripted and sent to Malta, via the Cape, Red Sea and Alexandria, in late 1940.
He had been married for about one year!
His time on Malta was traumatic and he later suffered increasing deafness from his stay and work, which was based at Gun House and the Lascaris War rooms.
His trade was morse and this was used in Valletta and on mobile units, all over the Island.
He was present at the Ceremony to award Malta, the George Cross, in 1942. He related very many stories, some humorous but he never underestimated the terrible times of 1942. His favourite films included 'The Malta Story' and the Nicholas Monsarrat book, 'The Kappillan of Malta'.
A jovial man, he always told us, dramatically, the stuker exploits, and the horrendous conditions that were suffered by all, during WWII.
The only records, besides the countless photographs, which were sent to our mother, during WWII, is his account of his return to the UK, in April 1945. (I am willing to share many of these photographs, at any meetings.)
Saturday 21st April 1945 - To be at Lascaris Wharf on Monday 23rd at 14.00 - kit bags
Sunday 22nd April 1945 - General waiting (nobody reported sick!)
Monday 23rd April 1945- Cabled Edith - embarked 14.00hrs on the 'Eastern Princess' - cargo boat - converted trooper. We are trying to wangle our lance tapes through.
Tuesday 24th April 1945- Sailed from Grand Harbour at 09.43 (the first time he had left the island since arrival.) As we were taking up boat stations. Gozo on the horizon - very faintly, 13.00 - passed Pantellina, at dusk.
Wednesday 25th April 1945 - 06.30 off N.A coast and Cape Bon (?) - 2 troopers going east - well off coast - occ. visible - many hills - 17 ships going east.
Thursday 26th April; 1945 - Up for a wash at 06.15 - sailing through Algier's Bay - long, sandy, firm waterfront. Many fine looking, quaint buildings. Going backdown - 07.30. Oiling and watering - French Silver Providence.
Friday 27th April 1945 - Pulled into Algier's Bay - 18.00 last night. sailed at midnight - so I am told. Now going through choppy sea on breezy, cloudy day. Believe Gibraltar, tomorrow morning.
Saturday 28th April 1945 - Dawn about 0700. As I went up on deck, I saw the Spanish coast and for'ard on the starboard side, Gibraltar. Anchored about 08.30 in Gibraltar bay. About 10 troopers assembled during the day, plus 15 or so merchantmen sailed straight past, in the afternoon.
Sunday29th April 1945 - Still in Gibraltar. We moved quarters, yesterday and are now for'ard. I bet she'll heave a bit there on The Atlantic. Quarters much fresher and fewer rats. Sailed 18.00hrs.
Monday 30th April 1945 - At sea. 12 troopers, 3 fast merchantmen, 5 frigates, 20 ocean going tugs. We went slightly N of W then W of N. Feeling a bit ill.
Tuesday 1st May. 1945. - Feeling very wobbly - not sick and managed to eat but she's going to role a bit as we get into the Bay of Biscay.
Wednesday May 2nd. 1945. - Feeling better - same course - bit W of N. At sunset changed course. Rumour 600 miles W of Ireland.
What is the little girl going to think of me? What a time!
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| | | | | |  | | Dad, after Malta G.C. and the Germany, at his home in Wickersley |
| | | | | |  | | At home, in Wickersley, was mum. Taken about 1942. |
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