a ship sunk 58 years ago by a German U-boat.

Evelyn Parker, who first came to the Island in 1942 to work at the new US Navy base, was one of 381 passengers aboard the SS City of Birmingham , that was struck by torpedoes on the way from America.

She was among survivors picked up by a US destroyer escorting the vessel. Mrs.

Parker, now 88, recently met fellow survivor Eleanor Hanes after discovering they lived in the same Florida neighbourhood.

Mrs. Hanes tracked down Evelyn after reading a news account of her World War II experiences, and the two talked about their experiences.

Their reconnection to the past has spurred them into researching the event on their home computers. They hope their efforts will help them find other surviving crew members. "I want to thank them for saving my life,'' Mrs.

Hanes.

WAR VETERAN VET