Humphrey Spender A Day on a Minesweeper Picture Post 22nd March 1940

Humphrey Spender documented life on board HMT Dalmatia, a converted trawler which now operated as a minesweeper as part of the Royal Naval Patrol Service. The ship was based at North Shields Fish Quay and was involved in clearing mines in the North Sea. On board Spender took portraits of the crew including the youngest crew member Harold Gregson. He later achieved fame as John Gregson, British film actor of the late 1940's and 50's. (Whiskey Galore, Battle of the River Plate, The Longest Day)