Haapalah / Aliyah Bet

G.L. Morter served as Chief Petty Officer aboard HMS Chevron.

 

On December 8, 1946, 22:40PM, HMS Providence received a signal from the Commander-in- Chief Mediterranean, ordering her to raise steam and proceed, without further orders and at best speed, to Syrna Σύρνα Island at 36°20'N 26°40'E.
At 23:30PM, she cleared Haifa.

G.L. Morter served as Chief Petty Officer aboard HMS Chevron.

 

On December 10, 1946, 08:00AM, HMS Providence passed through the Scarpanto Strait.
At 12:10PM, HMS Providence arrived off Σύρνα Syrna Island.

On December 9-10, 1946, the British minesweeper HMS Providence, working with HMS Chevron, HHMS Themistocles A/T Θεμιστοκλῆς (Ex HMS Branham) and HHMS Aegean Αιγαίο (Ex HMS Lauderdale) rescued the survivors of Rafiah רפיח MV Αθηνά.
HMS Chevron transported the passengers to Crete Κρήτη.
At dawn, December 11,1946, HMS Providence arrived at Souda Σούδα, and transferred 256 survivor, to a LST (Tank Landing Ship).
Edmund Rosianu cites British soldiers escorted the survivors aboard the British ship, HMS Independence.
The survivors were then transhipped to the detention camps on Cyprus Κύπρος, and finally released in 1948.
Dimitris Galon cites: The crew of the vessel, consisting of Greek sailors, were taken aboard the destroyer, HHMS Themistocles A/T Θεμιστοκλῆς.
Able Seaman Alan Green cites: "On 14 December Providence was involved in rendering assistance to Jewish immigrants after their ship had been wrecked on the Greek island of Syrna."
Able Seaman Alan Green cites: "for eight hours through 1000 miles of electrical storms, wind and rain, three Halifax bombers today dropped five tons of food, clothes and medical supplies to 800 Jewish illegal immigrants stranded on the Greek island of Syrina since their 'hell ship' went down amid rocks and boiling surf on Sunday.
As the tired crews landed their planes here (Aqir, Palestine) after their hazardous mercy flight, a fourth Halifax climbed away over the sea with more relief supplies, and the destroyer Chevron and the minesweeper Providence set out from Haifa to make a 'combined operation' rescue attempt."
Ninian Stewart cites "With Providence pitching and rolling heavily, each survivor had to be secured by a line and hauled onboard, and the women, clinging to their bundles, showed considerable pluck and fortitude.However, when her whaler first brought survivors alongside they panicked, became out of control, rushed to get aboard the 'sweeper' and capsized the boat, leaving two crew, sixmen and seven women in the water."

On December 11, 1946, 03:50AM, HMS Providence proceeded alone to Souda Bay Σούδας, at 11.5 knots, carrying 256 Maapilim.
Seventeen of the Maapilim, suffering from extreme exhaustion, were bedded down in the wardroom, sick bay and Commander Messinger's cabin.

First Lieutenant A.F. Wilcocks RN, from HMS Providence, served as Officer in Charge of Landing Party, on Syrna Σύρνα Island.
Ninian Stewart cites First Lieutenant A.F. Wilcocks "found the survivors' morale good during his period ashore and heardconstant expressions of appreciation and not one word of complaint."
Able Seaman J.J. Jordan served as Whaler's crew and was awarded commendation for supporting survivors in the water when the boat capsized.
Able Seaman S. Ellett served as Whaler's crew and was awarded commendation for supporting survivors in the water when the boat capsized.
Stoker R. Mills was awarded commendation for assisting in recovery of survivors inboard.
Able Seaman C.J. Yearley was awarded commendation for assisting in recovery of survivors inboard.
Able Seaman R. Webster was awarded commendation for plunging into the sea to support a woman.
Able Seaman T. Bennett was awarded commendation for outstanding service ashore.
Signalman K.C. Brown was awarded commendation for outstanding service ashore.
Able Seaman J. McCutcheon was awarded commendation for outstanding service ashore.
Temporary Sub Lieutenant G. Culshaw RNVR was awarded commendation for outstanding service in charge of Motor Boat.