Fighting his own corner

Droitwich Spa Pensioner William Sparkes doesn't need reminding of the physical and emotional exertion soldiers face in conflict.

His own endurances were rewarded with medals and the honour of becoming a White Beret wearer - a prestigious and rare symbol of patriotic duty. Sadly this gift has never been awarded.

Now aged 83, William hopes the Droitwich Spa Advertiser can help him achieve the commendation he deserves.

Memories of 12 years' service in the Royal Marines adorn the walls of William's Chawson bungalow, where he lives alone following the death of his wife Elsie.

Life in the Marines took him across the globe and his memories of life on HMS Liverpool, which became a second home, are vivid.

Aged 17, Droitwich born William met a pal on home leave who made life in the forces sound like a grand adventure.

"Becoming a marine was very appealing to me," he told Advertiser reporter Sarah Chambers. "It was an elite core trained to be both soldiers and sailors."

He realised his ambition in 1937 and after intense training, the recruit was heading for China. Within six months William was experiencing life in Shanghai and earning 21 shillings a week.

The 'showing the flag' tour continued into the waters of Hong Kong, Singapore and onto India. "Those were good times. We took defence positions on the X touret, but our main duties were civic."

However life changed in 1939 when war between Germany and Britain was declared. HMS Liverpool was sent to protect Crete from German invasion.

Marines were expected to spend four hours on guard and fours hours sleeping and this torturous pattern was upheld for months at a time.

In 1940, a German U-boat launched a daylight attack on the ship. Mr Sparkes is still haunted by the faces of those who perished when the torpedo struck: "I was not injured but 64 of the ship's company were slaughtered in the engine room."

HMS Liverpool was badly damaged and slowly sailed stern first to Alexandra in Egypt.The authorities were wary of the Marines and the weary warriors were thrown into a Prisoner of War (PoW) camp until British officials ordered their release.

Americans, who were not yet involved in the war, offered to mend the battered city class cruiser and its crew enjoyed nearly five months in the States, partying, eating well and sleeping peacefully without fear of attack. They then returned to England, after four years away, and William spent 42 days with his family and friends.

Relaxation was short lived and he eventually had to re-join his company in Glasgow. Its next duty would be escorting convoys to allies in Russia - which meant taking on the treacherous Arctic Circle.

The British fleet assembled in Iceland and headed for Murmask in Russia, where supplies for its beleaguered army were needed. "I dreaded the passage to Russia," says William. "The weather was deadly and the waters were heaving with German U-boats." Men piled on clothes but suffered severe frostbite and faced instant death if they went overboard. Just touching outdoor steel work could peel the skin from the body.

After six weeks, they arrived in the USSR where life was bleak. William said: "It wasn't the place where you would stop and enjoy time ashore."We would dock and march too a large warehouse. "Here we were offered one beer and local food then it was straight back.

"The food was awful, the Russian beer was ropey and the women looked like men."

Convoy duty also took him to warmer climes. In 1942, HMS Liverpool travelled to the Mediterranean and undertook an expedition to Malta. Then disaster struck. The boat was torpedoed and men were hurled into the water. Around 100, including William, clung onto a float. "Seven hours we spent in the sea," he recalls. "Injured friends lost their strength and just slipped to their deaths. "This time I really thought my time was up."

Resilient William survived and after a period recuperating in England he was back onboard. Morale on his ship was mostly good. Men were kept in good spirits with films and bingo. Special events were marked and crossing the equator or 'King Neptune's Kingdom' was cause for celebration.

Sea life took its toll on many men serving for long periods but William preferred it to life in British barracks. "We had to live by our wits and that can burn you out. Some men were religious but my motto was - whatever will be, will be."

He was eventually promoted to sergeant and after the war, taught jungle warfare and commando techniques to young Marines in Devon. He considered it the 'easy life' but when the threat of conflict in Korea was rumoured, he decided it was time to march home to his wife and three children. He became a driver and later chauffeur for a millionaire.

Now widowed, William has plenty of time to reflect and his thoughts increasingly return to the White Beret, he clearly deserves. He contacted Marine HQ around eight years ago but was told to buy his own beret because they were no longer issued. "It's the principle, he told me. "You don't buy your own medals and I don't see why I should have to buy my own beret. I risked my life for Britain and I just want the commendation I deserve."

I contacted the Royal Marine headquarters and they promised to investigate. As for Mr Sparkes, he's keeping his frail fingers crossed in the hope that one day his bravery and perseverance is recognised.