HMS Spurwing based at Hastings, near Freetown, Sierra Leone. This is a photograph of the playing fields at H.M.S. Spurwing situated at the village of Hastings, near Freetown, Sierra Leone. In his diary, in 1943, my dad wrote: "The first object that catches the eye is the range of mountains from which Sierra Leone takes its name ( Lion Mountain ). The reference to Lion is obscure as there is no visible resemblance, but a possible explanation is that the thunder in the rainy season is like a lion’s roar." Charlie Perry and Dick Treadway, Norman Buckle Norman Buckle is the tall chap on the right; the other two are Charlie Perry and Dick Treadway but it isn't clear from his diary which is which. They are standing outside their accommodation at H.M.S. Spurwing "Mess No. 4". Mess No. 4 This blurry photo is of the interior of "Mess No 4" which was where they were accommodated. Note the mosquito nets. Bathing facilities