Page Thirty-twoCruising the Mediterranean - Day Two
In the early morning's sunshine Valetta, Malta's capital, looked so beautiful and
undamaged, that it was difficult to visualise those hectic times when the George Cross island had been under continuous and heavy bombing attacks, by German and Italian aircraft, for month after month. After a few hours, led by our faithful "shepherd", we were once more underway. The reason for our short stay in the Grand Harbour now became clear - we were to complete the second leg of the voyage as we did the first, under the cover of darkness.
Once clear of the harbour, the destroyer once again took up position, this time on the port side. As our ship ploughed steadily northwards we realised that it would be sailing parallel to the east coast of Sicily, before transiting the Stretto di Messina.. Few, if any, stayed on deck when darkness fell, the lack of sleep the previous night having taken its toll.
Early on Tuesday morning, a call came over the loud-speakers to prepare to disembark. Following a quick breakfast, it was up on deck, to find ourselves sailing across the Bay of Naples. Off to the starboard side the sun could be seen rising above the recently erupting Mount Vesuvius. About a mile or so from the port of Naples we heard a loud "whoop" of farewell from the destroyer, which had safely seen us thus far, as she veered away doubtless to perform further escort duties.
A short while later, the throb of our ship's engines gradually lessened until she came to a final stop. By about 09.00 hours the Squadron and the Bedford 3-tonners were on Italian soil. How many wondered if the old saying "See Naples and then die" would apply to them. Sadly, only too soon were we to find the Grim Reaper still about his deadly work.
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