The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-07-17

Long afterwards, the officers aboard Troopship TT g. traced the atmosphere of impending trag- edy to the evening of sailing as mantle of misty gray blanketed the Nova Scotian coastline and Canada had been pushed back over the horizon, leaving only bleak ocean stretches visible in Che fading light. The lonely set- ting contrastcd urhappily With the ray departure scenes and, too, the convoy was running into e stead- Ny increasing swell.
 At the time, a number or the younger officers mentioned that She voyage didn't carry the "feel' of 6 great adventure. It came in fhe nature of q drab let-down that was relieved by lifeboat drill and some sharp instructions by the adjutant over the ships broad casting system.
 Iifebelts were to be worn at nll times during the crossing ana lifeboat drills would cover all possible situations including one wherein the men would be eating in the various messes and have the regular passageways blocked, lforcing them to get to their sta tions via kitchen and furnace room exits.
 At nieht strictest enforcement would be given blackout regula- ltions and no rubbish of any de- lscription was to be thrown over- board at any time except lO lo'clock nightly That was to pre- lvent any possibility of the enemy |tracing the convoy by floating lcardboard, empty cans and other debris.
 Finally, the listeners were warned that they should leave lwarm clothing and equipment at hand each night before retiring - lthat, if the ship should be tor Ipedoed and list to port or star board. the men must not run up lthe sloping deck but go with the Hist to where the lifeboats hung ISreely.
 several casualties" were miss hng from the evening table. Greg IRollins had felt little squeamish, but a brandy, dry ginger ale and lemon juice had brought an amaz- ling recovery.
 Lieutenant Harry Miley held out Eup to the turkey when, with napkin to mouth, he rushed rom the mess while his taolemates GRoared with laughter.
 Bad business a hangover m m rolling sea-" remarked Captain trees to Rollins, "and especially when you're slated for orderly officer duty" Rollins felt he should also vol ks,nteer, but he had other plans in lmind -- that bridge tournament, lfor instance. Thirty two nurses had signed the entry sheet and hhe same number Of officers had promptly volunteered. Greg was one of them-and he had taken the pains to find out a certain girls name.
 She was Nursing Sister Joan IDavaar, with residence listed as Ottawa. He felt deep down in his heart that he was allowing his lamagination to run riot over a couple of minor incidents, and the bridge tournament would provide an ideal excuse for chat.
 He was among the first officers to 20 up to "A" lounge that evening where the bridge was be- ang played. One quick glance found her seated on a divan in the corner, reading. Rollins clicked his heels and bowed to the matron before stepping smartly across to the girl. She looked up unsmil- ingiy.
 sGood evening, Sister" he greeted cheerily, My name IS Gregory Rollins of the Royal Westmoint Regiment and l am most anxious to be your partner dn this tournament. am here he patted his hips-"totally un- armed tonight!"
 It was quite impossible to re-
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