We took a little jaunt to Weymouth this afternoon to complete a Quest at Webb Memorial State Park. If you haven’t visited this lovely spot, I highly recommend the trip. When my family lived just over the Fore River, I would take my young daughter here often – a sweet little jewel with extraordinary views.
The park is home to memorials both grand and small. Every one of them is heartfelt – and what a wonderful way to be remembered.
A son of Weymouth, Commander Donald F. Haviland’s memorial is grand and stands ramrod straight in the warm summer winds coming off the bay.
In February 1945, SS HENRY BACON, an American Liberty Ship in which Chief Engineer Haviland was serving, departed from Murmansk, North Russia carrying Norwegian war refugees. A few days later during a heavy gale, the vessel was forced to drop out of convoy RA 64 to effect repairs to her steering gear. The ship was then attacked by twenty-three German planes. The HENRY BACON shot down several planes and damaged others, but received one hit which caused her to founder.
The lifeboats were filled with all of the Norwegians and some crew members, but could not accommodate all remaining personnel. When this situation became known to Chief Engineer Haviland, he inisited on climbing back on board ship giving his place in the lifeboat to a younger man. Shortly thereafter he went down with the ship.
All of the Norwegian refugees were saved.
Still working on a new layout… hope all are staying cool and enjoying this summer!
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