Pat followed his brothers George and William into the Royal Navy. Born and
raised in
Gosport, Hampshire.
His naval career was also predetermined by the premature death of his
father.
His mother not able to raise six children by herself, Pat
was sent off to the
Royal Hospital School, Greenwich.
One of the principal aims of the Greenwich Hospital Charter being
"the maintenance and education of children of seamen".
Pat served on the battleship King George V and is a survivor of the Bismarck
conflict. His story is told, in part, by my cousin David on
his web pages.
In
April 2005 I had the great pleasure of visting with Pat at his home in
Middlecroft Lane, Gosport. He was the last surviving sibling of my father
George Ettie, and still very alert and independant despite his considerable
years. He had indicated, at this time, his intent to paticipate in the Fleet
Review to be held on the Solent during the summer. He was evidently excited
about
this event. Once a sailor always a sailor. As it turned out, for me, this was a
very timely visit which was only the
second time that I had met "Uncle Pat". The first being when I was a small
child in Ireland. I am grateful to have had this opportunity. His passing marks
the end of a generation.
|
