Decision made, I got organised, but only days before my departure the worst snow storm in 20 years hit Washington, snow 6 feet deep and Dulles International Airport closed! For a few days it was touch and go. However, the Airport re-opened and with landing assured, off I went.

The dramatic story of the SS Henry Bacon is part of my film and naturally enough for this lecture I chose a clip that highlights her story. She was an American Liberty Ship (cargo ship) that was part of the North Atlantic Convoy on the 'suicide run' to Murmansk during World War 11. 58 years ago on 23rd February, 1945 she was the last Liberty ship to be torpedoed by the German Luftwaffe on a storm tossed return journey to Scotland when she was carrying 19 Norwegian refugees on board (they had just been rescued by the British Navy from the Island of Sørøya). All the Norwegians were saved because Captain Carini, ordered them onto the last remaining lifeboat. Many men, including the Captain, went down with the ship and this lecture was held to honour those seamen who perished and those who survived while recognising their courage and self sacrifice.

The day before the lecture our Norwegian hosts had organised a trip to the SS John W Brown in Baltimore, one of only two remaining Liberty Ships in the USA. It was a wet, cold dreich day with snow piled high at the side of the roads and the harbour in Baltimore frozen over with ice creating a surreal picture - in sharp contrast to the warmth of the reunions inside. Sadly I didn't have a camera to capture these moments. I was conscious that this kind of jaunt, however interesting must bring back difficult memories for the survivors. (Cont. on next page)