John
Distin talking to Joyce Borthwick of Dartmouth History Research Group 2006.
Born in Undercliffe in 1926
Track 1 Family came to Dartmouth
in 1924 from Salcombe, Father was working in the wreck of the Broadmayne as
part of a syndicate which included a builder
named Partridge. Later he worked as a fisherman & river pilot, taught
himself to Dive for salvage, found a cargo of marble & salvaged
a yacht belonging to actor Seymour Hicks. Became diver engineer for Harbour
Authority
Went
to school in Dartmouth,
left at the age of 14. Started Crab fishing wit a man named Cramp during the
early years of WWII. Joined Sea Cadets,
volunteered for duty on a ship at 2s . 6d a day. Joined water boat on the river
supplying navy ships, river water de-stalemated.
Boat
sent to Antwerp
via, caught in bad weather in Portland Race, became Skipper when Bosun jumped
ship. Alan Percy from Dartmouth
became
Mate. Stayed with boat until end of war.
Returned
to Dartmouth
& fishing until called up for Army Service with Royal Engineers. Took part
in the evacuation of Palestine.
On de-mob returned
to Crab fishing with Jack Bell, hit by a plague of Octopus.
Started
contracting work on the river – checking moorings, passenger trips, 1st
Tall Ships race, ferry to Noss ship yard. Port always busy with lots to do. Bought
redundant navy craft and burnt them to salvage copper rivets & fittings
etc.
Became
deputy pilot to Dave Griffiths and later qualified as a pilot for Navel boats.
Oil Tankers for Navel
College, Timber Ships to
Totnes Russian
Fish Transfer boats.
Served
as Skipper on a dredger called Penurgic for Philip & Son for 5 Years
dredging area for yacht marina