By coincidence two HMS Tetcott veterans visited Holsworthy Museum on the same day recently.

South African Don Bransby, visited Holswor­thy Museum during a brief visit to the UK. Don was serving in the South African Navy when he, and three others, were seconded to the Royal Navy and HMS Tetcott.

They joined the ship in Alexandria in August 1943 and served aboard during the Salerno and Anzio landings, and in later operations in the western Mediterra­nean and the Aegean.

In May 1944 Don sustained severe leg injuries from a hit-and-run accident whilst ashore in Alexandria and this ended his time on board.

Barry Johnson from South Wales also visited the museum on the same day. Barry had gone on board HMS Tetcott whilst she was awaiting dismantling at Milford Haven in 1956. He was about to start training as a radio operator and was interested enough to buy the ship's morse key which he very kindly donated to the museum in 2006. This was the first chance he had had to see it on display in the museum.

Holsworthy Museum is run entirely by volunteers and, as part of its fund-raising, will be having a coffee morning on Wednesday, October 22 in Holsworthy's Mem­orial Hall.