In December we were discussing his father roll in the Merchant Navy, we had his Discharge Book but didn't know how to go about finding further information.
I asked Adrian (apowell) if he could guide me in the right direction.
In that short space of time, we are amazed at what we now know. I have just added him to the Roll of Honour for our Members Ancestors
Able Seaman: LAURENCE JOSEPH MALLON
Air raid on Bari
The air raid on Bari was an air attack by German bombers on Allied forces and shipping in Bari, Italy, on 2 December 1943 during World War II. In the attack, 105 German Junkers Ju 88 bombers of Luftflotte 2, achieving complete surprise, bombed shipping and personnel operating in support of the Allied Italian campaign, sinking 27 cargo and transport ships and a schooner in Bari harbor.
The attack, which lasted a little more than one hour, put the port out of action until February 1944 and was called the "Little Pearl Harbor". The release of mustard gas from one of the wrecked cargo ships added to the loss of life. The British and American governments covered up the presence of mustard gas and its effects on victims of the raid.
Twenty-eight merchant ships laden with more than 34,000 short tons (31,000 t) of cargo were sunk or destroyed; three ships carrying a further 7,500 short tons (6,800 t) were later salvaged. Twelve more ships were damaged. The port was closed for three weeks and was only restored to full operation in February 1944.All Bari-based submarines were undamaged, their tough exteriors able to withstand the German attack
One of the ships damaged in the raid was Laurence's 'Brittany Coast' Cargo ship 1,389 GRT
(Six years later In 1949 after being taken ill onboard ship, he died the next day at home in Dublin age 51 )
Our next move was to see if he was entitled to any medals (none were ever mentioned in the family) so we contacted the Registry of Shipping and Seamen in Cardiff.
Yesterday we received this reply..
The copy of his discharge book was of great assistance and I can therefore inform you that he would be entitled to the following awards as a result of his WW 11 service, these are as follows:
1939/45 Star, Atlantic Star, Italy Star and War Medal 1939/44
The application form is now completed and ready to go in the post! You can imagine how delighted my husband is
Thanks a Million Adrian
