In Nov 44, ordered aboard the SS North King with a draft of about 10 US Sailors as cargo support for export to Reykjavik. Lt Hammeman and USNR Lt J.G. Brostram in charge of the draft. Coming out of NY, we met another convoy heading for European destination. Passing Gibraltar, met another convoy coming out of the Mediterranean. Then went north along the French Coast of the Bay of Biscay. From there, went to Scotland and then continued toward Reykjavik Iceland.
It was then that Dan Gallory, the base commander in charge, heard there was German sub in the vicinity and ordered all ships to be on the look out for it. We were immediately assigned watch duties outside in the wintry, North Sea conditions. This was a non-US military ship that was quickly put into service with minimal refurbishments and provisions therefore, the ship nor assigned personnel had the required “Foul Weather Gear” in case outside work (watch duty) was required. I recall that I had to stand watch for 4 hours outside. Everything was covered with ice including my now wet feet. Eventually, I could not feel my feet. They were numb and frost bitten. They felt like wood. I suspected that I had nerve damage. Because there were no medical personnel on board, I went to the pharmacist who told me to “get back on watch and keep walking”.
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