| I was an Armed Guard Signalman on the Xap Perida. After
coliding with an uncharted rock on 12 May 1943 the
Hydrographer and the Ute probably saved us from sinking. We were not hit
by the enemy but spent several days with the Perida's bow buried in the
sand while repairs were made and undamaged cargo was dischared.
A P-38 was shot down in Massacre
Bay. The pilot was picked up just a
short distance from our ship. Fifty six years later I salute him and the
other five P-38 pilots. It is very likely that they saved our lives. |