Derrick Stephenson
02-03-04, 19:55
When I see this photo, I always think of a story that my Dad (Stan who is in the photo) told me about when he was on guard duty on the gangplank during a courtesy visit to, I think, Norway.
The guard contingent were informed that a group of V.I.P's. were coming aboard, and it was very important that no-one was allowed on the ship until after the visitors had left.
Fine, but when it was Stan's turn on guard duty, the Officer forgot to tell him that the visitors had not yet arrived, so in due course my father obeyed his orders to the letter and refused to allow an admiral, 2 vice admirals, the British Consul, and, I think, King Haakon of Norway, to board until the O.O.W. arrived.
My Dad was almost put under arrest, but the King intervened and said it was gratifying to know that his safety was in such good hands, and that my Father was to be congratulated.
However, the moron responsible got his own back soon after, because this was the only fitness report my Dad got that was less than 'Very Good' (the highest) and went to 'Poor', (the lowest). He also lost his Marine 1st. class grade, and his good conduct badges.
Happily, they were all regained by the next fitness report.
I wonder if he held them off at bayonet point?
Derrick.
The guard contingent were informed that a group of V.I.P's. were coming aboard, and it was very important that no-one was allowed on the ship until after the visitors had left.
Fine, but when it was Stan's turn on guard duty, the Officer forgot to tell him that the visitors had not yet arrived, so in due course my father obeyed his orders to the letter and refused to allow an admiral, 2 vice admirals, the British Consul, and, I think, King Haakon of Norway, to board until the O.O.W. arrived.
My Dad was almost put under arrest, but the King intervened and said it was gratifying to know that his safety was in such good hands, and that my Father was to be congratulated.
However, the moron responsible got his own back soon after, because this was the only fitness report my Dad got that was less than 'Very Good' (the highest) and went to 'Poor', (the lowest). He also lost his Marine 1st. class grade, and his good conduct badges.
Happily, they were all regained by the next fitness report.
I wonder if he held them off at bayonet point?
Derrick.