Not one to take threats to his family, country or way of life, lying down, William Morris enlisted in the Royal Navy Submarine Service in 1941. He served aboard HMS Saracen, initially as Engine Room Artificer, working his way up to Chief Petty Officer.

 

 

Saracen patrolled the Mediterrean Sea and during her distinguished career, was responsible for sinking thousands of tons of Axis shipping. In February 1943, Saracen landed secret agents on the island of Corsica where her crucial part in the liberation of the island is commemorated by a plaque on the beach at Cupabia. In August 1943, Saracen was spotted by two Italian corvettes who laid down a pattern of depth charges. She was forced to surface and was scuttled by her crew. Four men were lost, the others taken prisoners and transported to Italian POW camps.

The Red Cross provided prisoners of war with log books to help them fill their hours in captivity. William’s log book contains sketches, notes and anecdotes of his time at sea and in camp, authored by himself and his fellow prisoners. These pages offer a revealing insight into the thoughts of the prisoners, confirming that the true treasures of life are family, friends and freedom.

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