Hickox (DD 673) - Naval Cruise Book

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CHATHAM, ENGLAND Another day — another country, Chatham, England, called Hell ' s Corner during World War II . . . Silent testimony — the rows of stilted fortresses guarding the harbor. Only thirty miles from London, we found we could commute from the ship to that metropolis and renew our experiences. Norman Wisdom, the British comedian, was at the Palladium and Can-Can was in town. We were in Chatham for Guy Faulk ' s Day and saw the traditional burning at the stake of this gentleman who is supposed to have tried at one time to blow up the House of Parliament. As far as the eye could see there were fire works displays, also in keeping with this holiday. We found out that the name Wren did not necessarily refer to a bird but also meant a female member of the British Navy. So, being partial to that species, we invited a group of them aboard and showed them around the ship. Those of us who were guides enjoyed the work but felt we should have gotten some ice cream, too. Probably what we ' ll remember the most about Chatham is the visit the Mayor of Rochester paid us. Like a page from history he came aboard in full regalia symbolic of his title. Preceded by his mace bearer, in three cor- nered hat and leggings, and followed by his secretary in powdered wig and cloak, he transported us for a moment to the England of another century. It was very impressive. There wasn ' t a camera aboard that did not take this picture. We wanted to remember it for a long time. WL. 1 39 i BC» i ; - ' 5l mfk ' Warn

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Towering, majestic fortresses. The kilt still lives — pocketboolc, spats, and bony knees. Sir Walter Scott Memorial towers over the city and seems to follow you everywhere. Moored port side to Edinburgh Quay using six destroyer mooring lines doubled up fore and aft . . .

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BORDEAUX, FRANCE 1 A 1 tin ' ' ' ' | ' l ' ' l l B j j Advertising a dance — a la francais. St. Emilion. Where a miracle restored the sight of a little girl — a refuge for persecuted Catholics of another age. What the Hot Dog stand is to Americans. Dear Mom, France was great. Visited the art museum, saw a ballet, and spent most of my time sight seeing . . .