Wednesday 18 May 2016


The Start Of A Big Adventure


The above image is the cover of Albert's note book with the date June 7th 1943. It is clear that the year was added later, and I believe that this year is incorrect. As I have been typing these notes and doing my own research it would appear that the campaigns Albert is referring to in these pages were in 1941 Operation Substance* (see below)
Ty. Leading Stoker Albert Richard Pettman RN was mentioned in despatches on 1st January 1943 in The London Gazette. Here is a scan of his certicate from the King, signed by the First Lord of The Admiralty; Albert Victor Alexander 
Alberts Despatches Certificate

Medal: The Italian Star, with Laurel Leaf for being Mentioned in Despatches
Above Albert's Italy Star Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf. The Emblem, a single oak leaf was used in WW2 for all arms including the Merchant Navy, for a Mention in Despatches, a King's Commendation for brave conduct, or a King's Commendation for service in the air. The WW2 single oak leaf Emblem is worn on the War Medal 1939-1945 ribbon. The medal was service in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, and operations around Greece, Yugoslavia, Dodecanese, Corsica and Sardinia.
If you happen upon these pages and know anything about any of the people, ships or events that Albert Pettman writes about please, leave a comment.
I will do my best to transcribe his writing as he wrote it, so here goes the first page…
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