Interview with Don Lawson

Don Lawson was born in Rochdale, England, in 1927. Outlines brothers' careers in the Royal Navy and father's occupation in submarine detection. Remembers the outbreak of World War II and describes Winston Churchill's radio broadcast in 1939. Outlines education at Manchester Radio School and basic training in Morse Code and marine radio. Recalls joining the Merchant Navy. Talks about his first ship, the Norfiord, sailing in 1944 to Casablanca and Lisbon. Details the process of shipbuilding witnessed at Bethlehem Steel Corporation boat yard and provides insight into several ship designs including the Park, the Empire, the Ocean and the Fort that were active during the war.

Explains radio silence, sending and receiving coded messages and listening to Guy Lombardo on Top of the Pops and BBC broadcasts while on board. Talks about participation in a large convoy to Russia at Loch Ewe and Murmansk and the Allied landings at Marseilles. Describes VE Day celebrations in Times Square and Broadway. Outines radio work after the war for Marconi Company and later freelancing. Explains Flags of Convenience and differences between Greek and German ships. Describes delays onboard the Durham caused by the 1951 waterfront strike.

Discusses marriage and settlement in New Zealand working for Dunedin radio station 4ZB. Lists later occupations. Outlines changes in travel and the decline of radio officers as a profession.

Other ships discussed include the Delilian, the Port Boise, the Maria, the Marabank, the Alca and the Algol.

Interviewer(s) - Stan Kirkpatrick

Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1.20 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4454.

Search dates: 1994