Rank, and some had their nervous wives and fractious children with them.2 It was not a restful place.
Suddenly the Tannoy announced that we were being called forward to board the ship. I caught a glimpse of the name 'Empire Parkeston' just visible on its grey bow. I also noticed that it had two dissimilar funnels and looked old and battered.
Struggling with our luggage we were directed down alleys and companionways to our bunks in a large area filled with berths, three high and with little space for kit, undressing, or much else. Not only were there Junior Officers in there but what appeared to be some other ranks as well. The shipboard Tannoy kept blurting out instructions of one sort or another just to add a certain piquancy to the already existing hubbub. Emergency actions were relayed to us but I don't think much notice was taken of them.
Having organised myself and my belongings, and taking a careful note of where I had to find my way back to, I decided to explore my surroundings, find the latrines and, if possible, get myself a warm drink. I seemed to be greeted with , "No Sir, you can't go that way" more often than not. In the latrines were rows of washbasins, urinal bowls and cubicles with half doors on them. I was going to have to be hyper-organised in the morning so as to get washed and shaved, etc. I found a small NAAFI canteen and bought a drink and a sandwich. After the struggle with my baggage I was ready for a snack even though I had eaten earlier before arriving at Liverpool Street station.



From a contemporary post card.
The ship's engines started at about the same time that personnel in my 'cabin' were readying themselves for bed. The Tannoy told us what time Reveille would be and then remained silent for the night. But there was no silence: just about everything that could rattle rattled in synchrony with the throb of the engines, doors, pieces of kit, bunk frames, the lot. It was not a peaceful night, made worse by the odd character who made a dash to the latrines to be seasick. I slept with my uniform and underclothes spread across my blanket. It was the best place for them and I was warmer that way because there was a punkah-louvre blowing cold air in my direction. I also sorted out the minimum of 'small kit' in readiness for the inevitable scrimmage in the morning.
My father had given me a wrist watch for my 18th birthday. It had a luminous dial. I seldom took it off except to wash or bathe and that night it proved invaluable. On checking it I was able to rise and perform my ablutions before Reveille was
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2 Field Rank: RAF Squadron Leader or Army Major and above. 54