Local author and former Radio Officer Larry Bennett has published a new book featuring the written memories of former Highbridge Radio Station Radio Officer Peter Hawkins.
Peter worked at the station between 1946 and 1980, after serving for six years with Marconi Marine and travelling the world on various ships during the Second World War.
In 1985 he wrote his memories of his time at sea. They had lain unseen for many years before Larry was passed a copy by a visitor to the recent Heritage Exhibition at Burnham Community Centre.
Larry recalls: “I was asked if I was interested in seeing some written memories of a Radio Officer who was at sea during World War Two. I instantly agreed, and noticed that the author was Peter Hawkins, who was at the radio station when I joined in 1980. I thought these memories were far too interesting to keep to myself, so, with the assistance and permission of his nephew, I decided to make them available to a wider audience.”
The manuscript describes Peter’s voyages around the coast of the UK, as well as to the USA, India and Australia, among other places.
He writes of being involved in many of the famous Atlantic convoys, and of being in the areas at the time of the invasion of Sicily and the liberation of Rotterdam. Many other stories are recounted, with adventures recalled in depth.
Photographs of each of the ships on which he served have been added, along with views of many of the ports he visited.
Family photographs have also been included, together with memories from some of his former colleagues at the radio station. He was regarded as an excellent Radio Officer, efficient and professional.
Peter lived with his wife Rosemary in Pople’s Bow, Highbridge, for many years. He died in 1994. Many local residents who remember Peter and Rosemary are likely to find the book of interest.
Running to 130 pages, it is available via Amazon worldwide at £8.99, with a Kindle edition also available at £4.99.
A limited number of author copies will be on sale at the Burnham Book Festival on Saturday 17th October.
Copies can also be ordered from Larry’s author website, www.larrybennett.co.uk, along with his other radio history and Bristol local history publications.
