I acquired this photograph a few months ago. I normally don't collect them however I couldn't resist this one as it features a great example of a slouch hat, but also because of the amazing story behind it.
It is an official British war photograph and has a large caption on the back. It tells of of an Aussie soldier who escaped from Crete on a rickety boat, being attacked by Germans a few times. His boat fell apart 10 miles from the African coast and his only hope of survival was using the water tin to help him swim to shore. He is pictured showing an Australian officer the tin he used.
Upon conducting further research I found out his name is Signalman Stanley Lawrence Carroll (WX953) and his swim lasted seven hours! Here is a webpage that goes into a lot of detail (scroll down to the second story):
http://www.explorecrete.com/preveli/story.html
The ABC radio program "Verbatim" featured a program on him. I am trying to get a copy from them. The AWM also has in its collection, a drawing of him desperately clinging to a water tin in the treacherous waters:
http://www.awm.gov.au/lookingback/en...um=OL00475.043
- Chris
It is an official British war photograph and has a large caption on the back. It tells of of an Aussie soldier who escaped from Crete on a rickety boat, being attacked by Germans a few times. His boat fell apart 10 miles from the African coast and his only hope of survival was using the water tin to help him swim to shore. He is pictured showing an Australian officer the tin he used.
Upon conducting further research I found out his name is Signalman Stanley Lawrence Carroll (WX953) and his swim lasted seven hours! Here is a webpage that goes into a lot of detail (scroll down to the second story):
http://www.explorecrete.com/preveli/story.html
The ABC radio program "Verbatim" featured a program on him. I am trying to get a copy from them. The AWM also has in its collection, a drawing of him desperately clinging to a water tin in the treacherous waters:
http://www.awm.gov.au/lookingback/en...um=OL00475.043
- Chris
Comment