Royal Navy
increase font size
AS THESE three friends chatted over a drink in the pub, it seemed as if they had been close all their lives.
But the trio had only just met up - more than 50 years after they last saw each other.
Terry Donnelly had no idea it would lead to being reunited with his
old Royal Navy shipmates when he sent a letter to the Evening Gazette
in June.
By chance, old friend Frank Robson saw the letter and, recognising the name, showed it to buddy John Kennedy at a meeting of the HMS Ganges Association, of which John is a representative.
The pair contacted the Gazette and were finally reunited with their friend.
All three joined the Navy at the tender age of 15, although at different times.
Terry, 71, who grew up in Middlesbrough, met John when he joined fleet aircraft carrier HMS Albion and a friendship was formed.
And when Frank later joined as a junior seaman, he was taken under their wing.
The trio remained close over the next couple of years until each went their separate ways.
Frank, now 68, who lives in Easington, East Cleveland with wife Maureen, 67, said the three were last together in 1958.
|