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For many years I wished that I had asked
my Dad more questions about his war experiences, especially on the Tuscania.
Before the War my Dad, Harry A. Kelley, was a member of the South End Rowing
Club in San Francisco. His leadership ability required of Army Sergeants,
and his maritime background, were now proving essential for the survival of
all those aboard his lifeboat. He was quickly recognized by his companions,
and because of that, he was assigned to be in charge of their lifeboat. He
told me that the surf at the Scottish Coast was fierce and he kept his boat
off shore until he could see that there was a chance of bringing it in
safely. He said that some boats got close to shore only to be tumbled in the
waves. He told me that the memory of the sinking of the ship and the people
he saw drowning would live with him forever, there was nothing he could do
to help them.
I just found his soldier's diary. He had short statements in the little book
about the sinking. He had high praise for the Scottish people that he met on
the Isle of Islay.
Paulette Gooch
7 March 2005
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