The Jacob van Heemskerk 1939- 1970

Photo from my Dad's albums  Jacob v. Heemskerk

The Jacob van Heemskerk was launched in 1939 and sold for scrap in 1970.  "During the war the crew felt that she was blessed and gave her the nickname Oude Jacob (Old Jacob).  She received the reputation that not a single convoy would be lost when she was on duty".  See Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HNLMS_Jacob_van_Heemskerk

According to the service record my father Nick was most likely stationed on the ship while it was in use as a barracks for those training in the North Sea.  Dad often spoke of the notorious rough waters of the North Sea.  His adventures included taking the wheel in the roughest seas and docking the ship at port.  He was a highly skilled seaman.  I remember how is face would light up when he described driving the ship rising over the swells which he emphasized from under his mustache with a woompf as he slapped his hand out in front of him.  You could see the cold wind blasting the sea water over the bow of the ship as he spoke.  He would often wear a toque that rested atop his head just over his ears and his eyes would flutter beneath his extra folds of skin.  His tattoos faded and blue flashed on his arms from under his white muscle shirt.  Sometimes his enthusiasm made you crave the mist and wonder what was out beyond what you could see.

I think there was something in the character of this ship that could be found in the character of my father.  He had a strong propensity for protection.  He shared its name as his first name was Jacobus.  I would also say that no matter what happened not a single one us would be lost in his company should anything dangerous happen.  He had great force of strength, a cunning wit, and piercing intellect that could disarm anyone. Yet he never raised his hand in violence.  The Jacob v. Heemskerk accompanied the ships in transit across the Atlantic yet never sank anyone either, but those who were lucky enough to have her around felt safe and protected.