Eric Webb was born in August 1920 at Nottingham, he was the only son of Henry and Violet Webb and had an older sister, my father's mother. When Eric left school he joined his father in his small painting and decorating business. Eric had a passion for drawing and his role was to extend the business to include sign writing.

In July 1941 Eric was called up for service in the Royal Navy and spent his 21st birthday at HMS Ganges, the Royal Navy training base for ratings. Eric came home on leave in September and became engaged to his girlfriend Dot, before leaving to join his barracks at Chatham (HMS Pembroke).

He left the UK in October 1941 aboard an unknown ship. Eric wrote to his parents in April 1942 from Egypt, firstly from HMS Saunders (a shore base) then from HMS Conopus (another shore base).

In June 1942 he joined the crew of HMS Arethusa in time for Operation Vigorous. In August 1942 he would have witnessed the bombardment of Rhodes in support of Operation Pedestal.