At some point in the conversation he mentioned his address and I learned he lives - with his wife - in a house 5 minutes south of the 407. I thought, when I drive to Fenelon Falls to visit my son and family (typically every month or two), I basically drive past his house. I said as much and got a prompt invitation for tea or coffee 'anytime soon.' How's that for hospitality?
I jotted rough notes while we talked. A few significant highlights (in my humble opinion) follow:
Lloyd volunteered for WW2 action in Ottawa about the same time my father did in Hamilton, i.e., summer or fall, 1941. After the war he worked for IBM in Moncton, later in Fredericton. In civilian life he did a lot of travelling and that is not far removed from what he did in the Navy.
When involved with the Allied invasion of North Africa (November, 1942), Lloyd "went in with the Americans," as did my father. I asked if he escorted American Rangers and he said he did. He reported he was only in North Africa for 7 - 10 days and he was classed Able Seaman at the time.
In the spring and summer of 1943 Lloyd travelled for three months by ship around Africa before taking part in the invasion of Sicily (July, 1943). His ship stopped at Freetown and one of the boys bought a monkey. Lloyd recalled that the monkey used to curl up with him at night. "Slept right against my chest," he said. My father told a story about a shipmate's monkey as well, perhaps purchased in the same port. Both stories don't end well. (More details at a later date).
As well as a 'monkey story', Lloyd and my father each had a 'rum story.' No wonder I initially thought they must have crossed paths a few times during the war.
Lloyd was injured during the Allied invasion of Italy (Sept., 1943) and ended up in "a beautiful hospital" in Sicily. From there he was shipped to Malta and then to North Africa in a hospital ship. As he recalled those events he mentioned that during that time his photo was taken with two other sailors (the picture later appeared in an Ottawa newspaper).
["Three (sailors) were reunited recently... in North Africa"]
From North Africa they sailed to Gibraltor and it looked like they were going to have to stay there awhile. Lloyd said he "saw a Canadian ship and went to see the ship's Lieutenant." He expressed concern that he and his buddies couldn't get back to England. They were soon on their way.
All's well that ends well, I say.
I don't think it will be long before my wife and I take Lloyd up on his kind invitation to visit him for tea or coffee. I think Lloyd has a few more stories waiting to be told.
Note to self: Find a dependable tape recorder! And look for some nice shortbread cookies.
Please read WW2: Connecting w a Veteran 4
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