Auntie May

[Hobilar]

Mrs D. C. Hanrahan, a wealthy American Lady, was determined that she alone was not going to be a neutral during those dark days of 1940 when Britain stood alone against the full might of Nazi Germany. This wonderful Lady, whose own husband had been a Destroyer Captain in the United States Navy during the Great War, decided that she would unofficially `Adopt' the crew of the British Tribal Class Destroyer HMS Somali as her `Godsons`. Soon the crew of the Somali began, at regular intervals, receiving crate-loads of 'comforts'-Thick winter clothing, chocolate, sweets, cigarettes and other personal gifts packed by the good Lady.

When Mrs Hanrahan heard that HMS Somali had become the Flotilla Leader of the 6th Destroyer Flotilla she extended her gifts to the rest of the Flotilla, and later, when she learnt that there were other Tribal Class Destroyers in Service, she 'adopted' them also. Additionally, Food parcels were sent to the relatives of the crews. Her homes in London and New York were always 'Open-house' to her 'Godsons'. Many ever only knew her as 'Auntie May'.

After the War, this generous lady was formally piped aboard HMS Tartar at Devonport (The Somali having been sunk by U-70 whilst escorting the Arctic convoy PQ18 in September 1942). Here she was met by her surviving Godsons' and their wives. They presented her with a silver model of a Tribal Class Destroyer, a recognition for all of her efforts on their behalf during the War years.

Auntie May died in 1953. Her generosity would never to be forgotten.

[Jim O]

That's a great story.