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 discharged. 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.

The Xap Perida by Curtis Clarkson 12 May 1943