Survival story of 'lucky' Hull Merchant Navy man torpedoed three times

RADIO OFFICER JACK STRINGER HAD JUST TURNED 19 WHEN WAR WAS DECLARED IN 1939

- By DEBORAH HALL

A MAN who set out to discover his late father's wartime experiences out of personal interest is now sharing what he found with the world.

Melvin Stringer had heard “bits and pieces” from his dad, Jack Stringer, about his service in the Merchant Navy.

After Jack, originally from Westcott Street, east Hull, passed away aged 83, his son's mission began. Melvin, who lives in London but still has family connections in Hull, said: “Over the years when he was alive, my dad told me bits and pieces, just the odd things here and there.

“I just thought it would be nice to try to find out where he went to, and have spent several years doing that, off and on.”

With the material he collated, and unique photos he unearthed in the process, Melvin decided to publish a book.