 On the Hermes (and no doubt all the other ships of the task force), accommodation below the water line was out of bounds in case of torpedo attack. This meant that we on 5 deck had to sleep and wash wherever we found a warm spot (difficult due to geographical location and time of year). One day however after deciding to venture down to the mess and showers, we were caught out with the 'action stations' alarm stating a submarine attack was imminant... all hell broke loose, as about 10 naked matlots tried to fight their way up a ladder and out through the tiny kidney hatch. In the event it was only a whale the sonar had detected!!One air attack took place during a meal without the time to call 'action stations', instead an 'immediate brace' was called requiring everyone to hit the deck. Baring in mind hunger was a constant preoccupation due to food rationings; even when under attack, i had to eat something and peaked over my table to find my plate, only to see arms throughout the dining hall reaching up to do exactly the same as myself. Hilarious.(you had to be there!) Watching the Atlantic Conveyor burn at night just after an attack. What seemed weird was was the sudden realisation that the helo's were flying with spot lights on looking for survivors. (up until then they had flown in darkness)
We had a feeling of total dejectedness, hopelessness. Survivors of HMS Sheffield were taken aboard Hermes and the walking wounded placed in the dining hall. During a routine patrol, myself and 'Taff' Thorne came across one of the survivors (with his head in bandages) wondering away from his temporary billet. When challenged, he told me 'I need to get back to my ship'...poor sod, he had no idea how bad it was. Passed Sam Salt (skipper of Sheffield)in the passageway after the rescue. Not recognising him at the time, i wondered why (foolishly) we had 2 skippers aboard! The return home. One of the most fantastic events I have ever experienced. The welcoming fleet of small boats and tenders was immense along with the crowds from Southsea right down to the jetty where we berthed. | 
