Hi Guys, Not normally an area I post in, however I just met a vet who was on 2 merchant ships called 'Acaster' (?) apparently under a Norwegian flag and a Canadian ship called 'Duquane' He was telling me how he refuelled HMS Belfast as on D Day as the guns were blazing on the other side. He was on the Atlantic convoys from 1943 at the age of 16, any info/photo's on these ships would be really appreciated. He told me that the ship was used during WW1 and was called 'War Matron' , I'm not sure which of the 2 he meant! Many thanks in advance Soren
Hello Soren, Tanker ACASTA (note spelling) official number 142430 built as WAR MATRON in 1918 for The Shipping Controller, London. 1921 renamed ACASTA Survived the war and was broken up in Dunston 11.6.1953. Photo of ACASTA ACASTA I suspect another typo with the other ship as I cannot find her but will have another go when I have more time tomorrow. Regards Hugh
That is great stuff Hugh, thank you! I think the other ship is this one: Old Ship Picture Thumbnails F (Fort Duquesne-01) My South London drawl heard a different spelling methinks!
Hello Soren, You are probably correct with that ship FORT DUQUESNE built as QUEENSBOROUGH PARK in 1944 for Govt of Canada, Montreal. 1945 renamed FORT DUQUESNE. Broken up in Antwerp 28.6.1967 As you can see she was named FORT DUQUESNE from 1945 so he must have served aboard her at the end of the war if the correct ship. Regards Hugh