John William Pooley was the hero in Iceland trawler rescue

The search for a painting presented to the captain of a warship, in honour of a sea rescue in Iceland during the Second World War, has promoted much interest.
Sigurd SimonsenSigurd Simonsen
Sigurd Simonsen

So much so that the name of the captain, who was a Fleetwood fisherman before serving in the Royal Navy Reserves, has been traced. He was called John William Pooley.

Last week we reported in Memory Lane how Captain Pooley rescued the crew of the Faroe Island trawler Von stranded on rocks off Iceland in 1944 – and the painting which was later commissioned as a thank you gift for Captain Pooley for saving their lives. The story was picked up by an Icelandic newspaper and after some research a cutting was found naming Captain Pooley.

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Heri Simonsen, grandson of Sigurd Simonsen, skipper of Von, said: “We are yearning to know if this painting still exists in a home in Fleetwood.”

The Faroe Island trawler VonThe Faroe Island trawler Von
The Faroe Island trawler Von

The painting illustrates the two vessels at port in Reykjavik and the family would like a copy of it for their local musuem.

Captain Pooley was on board the anti-submarine trawler His Majesty's Trawler Southern Shore with the Royal Navy Reserve when he rescued the crew and their trawler Von. In 1943, whislt serving on HMT Northern Gem, he was awarded a Mention in Despatches (MID) possibly for his involvement in the sinking of a German U-Boat off the Faroes. There are also suggestions that he might have later emigrated to New Zealand. If anyone has information, Fleetwood Museum are helping to trace the painting - 01253 876621 or email [email protected]. Last week's story here: https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/retro/island-familys-quest-track-down-fleetwood-hero-painting-2853344

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