Theresa Linehan was born in Newbridge, St. Mary's Bay. She has been married to Austin for 49 years and has raised seven children. She tells of her brother who lost his life in World War II.

A WORLD WAR II STORY

In the year 1939 war was declared. Many young men joined the Navy, including my brother Michael Critch, then only 19 years old. On January 6, 1940 the Second Contingent left Gough's wharf in St. Joseph's bound for Halifax. From there they were assigned to different ships. Michael was on the H.M.S. Avenger, an aircraft carrier with a crew of 524 men. The ship was torpedoed and blew up in the Atlantic Ocean enroute to England. Only twelve of the crew survived. It was the biggest loss of life on one ship during the war. My brother was lost on November 15, 1942.

Word came to Fr. John Enright, the Parish Priest, and he came up and told my parents about it. Mom was presented with the Silver Cross of Valour by the Canadian Legion about 25 years ago (my father was dead by then). The veterans presented her with the cross at Kirby's Guest Home in Holyrood. I have the silver cross now. There were many of our friends and neighbors who went off so proudly to war, never to return. It was a very sad day when my father and mother got the news that their only son had lost his life while serving King and Country.

The HMS Avenger at sea, pictured here in camouflage.