tales-of-Fogo-Island

Stories of World War TwoMr. Gregory Cole of Fogo signed up for the military in December 1939, at theage of nineteen. In January 1940, he left Bay Bulls on a ship called TheDuchess of Richmond. Mr. Cole traveled to Northern Scotland where heserved in the Newfoundland Forestry Unit for six years.Mr. Cole worked as a mill scaler at a saw mill. He recorded the wood thatcame through the mill every day. The mill supplied wood for bridges, shipsand wharves. It also produced 'pit props' for use in the mines. Some large logsthat arrived at the mill were sent to bays and coves. There, they were stuck ontheir end in the harbour. This helped keep enemy gliders from landing at lowtides. It also worked to keep German submarines out of the harbour.Mr. Brendon McKenna of Island Harbour also went overseas on the Duchessof Richmond in January 1940. He was also nineteen years of age. Mr.McKenna first signed up for the Forestry Unit, but later took a position with theRoyal Air Force. He was a Gunner Motor Transport Driver and worked ondifferent air bases in England. Mr. McKenna was overseas for six years, andwas about to go on assignment in the Far East when he was granted leave.While home, the war ended and he was released from the military with goodstanding.Mr. George Decker of Joe Batt's Arm also served in World War II. He signedup for the navy in August of 1940. Mr. Decker was stationed on severaldifferent ships including HMS Amber, HMS Osaka, MMS 1062, and ASL15.Some of the crew on the MMS 1062.Person at far right is Mr. George Decker.