Seafaring career papers of John [Joannes] Stevens, Belgian merchant navy.

John (Joannes) Stevens [c1913 - 1982], a Belgian national, was serving on the Belgian merchant vessel Princes Maria Pia operating between London and Antwerp when war with Germany was declared. The crew were given the choice of returning to Belgium or joining the Allies, where they became part of the exiled Belgian merchant navy. The home base for the Belgian navy became Liverpool, its headquarters being in Water Street. Stevens was trained as a gunner, sailed on convoy escort duties and took part in the D-Day landings. After the war he settled in Liverpool with his wife Gladys and worked for Grayson Rollo Engineers and Alexandra Towing. The collection mainly relates to his war time service. For further details see the attached catalogue or contact The Archives Centre for a copy of the catalogue.