Trafford

Killed during the bombing raid on Bari Harbour, Italy.

Ernest George Wishart was serving on ML238 of 25th ML Flotilla, Royal Navy
and gave the following report - "On 2.12.1943 we were based in a small
fishing village just next to Bari when Bari harbour was bombed. The ships
and boats in the harbour were all sunk - including one, which had mustard
gas bombs in its hold. Our crew and boat were sent in to pull out the men's
bodies after the bombing stopped. [DAUGHTER’S NOTE - Dad would not talk
much about this incident other than saying it was the most awful scene he
had ever witnessed. The smell of mustard gas and other chemicals was
overpowering and there was still dense smoke all around the harbour making
it difficult to see far. Bodies and parts of bodies were lying all over the
place, in the water and on parts of what remained of the boats. He and the
rest of the crew had to grab hold of them whatever way they could and take
them on board and to the shore. He also rescued some who were still alive
but had been in the water for some time. This went on for hours".

His brother Patrick was killed in Germany.