Rescue of crew from the Awatea, 1942
Surrounded by some of his crew, Captain G.B. Morgan (centre left) of the Awatea offers thanks to the master of the Dutch vessel that evacuated them from the Mediterranean after the New Zealand liner was sunk during Operation Torch in November 1942. The following June, Morgan took command of the Monowai, another famous Tasman liner operating as a wartime troop transport.
Credit
Museum of Wellington City and Sea
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TwitterMy Grandfather was one of the Captains on the Awatea and is in the photo on the far left with his hands crossed in front
My father in-law Ian Thomas Wilson was also in the engine room of the AWATEA. He was born in Ranfurly near Dunedin. We also have an in port photograph of this beautiful ship.
My grandfather, John W. Griffin, was one of the seamen on the Awatea. He was one of six awarded medals for gallantry. He was only 17 years, 10 months old when she was sunk.
My dad was on her I believe three before he told me he got onto the Qeen Mary. I believe he was in the engne room and shoveled coal and he did morse code. I have a photo of the Awatea in Sydney harbour and also him on the deack of the Queen Mary. Do you want a copy?
thanks bill
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