Navy veterans reunited 61 years after war ends
Published: September 27, 2006
TWO ex-navy veterans were reunited in Heage on Wednesday having not seen each other since serving in the Second World War 61 years ago.
Roy West, 83, from Heage, received a
Christmas card last year from Roy Barber, 84, who had found him though the HMS Imdomitable Association.
The pair served for years on the ship
together but lost contact after the war.
Mr Barber travelled down from Flixborough, near Scunthorpe, for the visit on Wednesday.
Doris, Roy West’s wife, said: “They had a wonderful day together. They were talking non-stop about the war. Funny things that happened and serious things that happened.”
The pair even recalled the time their ship was attacked by Japanese kamikazes.
Mrs West said: “We have been married for 60 years but some of these things I have never heard.”
The men spent time out in the Pacific during the war with the American Task Force.
For three and a half years their families and loved ones back home had no idea where they were due to security being so tight.
Mr Barber took three trains to get down the country and was greeted by Mr West at Belper train station.
Mrs West, said: “They recognised each other straight away – you couldn’t miss Mr Barber he’s about six foot two.
“They fell out of contact when they were young men they only wanted to go away and forget things. It’s brought back a lot of memories. It was a very moving day.”
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