(D.Malpass)
I was a Leading Supply Assistant on HMS Delphinium serving in the Eastern Med. out of Alexandria.
It was necessary to re-stock provisions etc. So along with Tanky and three other ratings we went to the Supply
Depot in the dockyard. As the various items were being loaded a water polo ball was somehow knocked off the counter
into our bags.
The following day we sailed to Tobruk and guess what, it was a nice day so a few of the ships company decided to
have a game of water polo with some of the Desert Rats.
However on returning to Alex there was a signal to the Captain asking about the ball and I was duly hauled in front
of him and tongue in cheek, convinced him that it was an accident. The ball had to be returned and my record was
unblemished as on my History Sheet he wrote...A very efficient and most reliable rating that had complete charge
of all victualling stores.
My time on Delphimium came to an end in June 1942 when we returned from a convoy to Malta. it was a happy ship
and I enjoyed my time on board. Those eighteen months were to be the longest time I spent on any Naval ship in
6 years.
D.Malpass