May 23, 2007

A WORLD War II veteran set sail for a new adventure — 61 years after he left the navy.

Tom Neill received one of the Royal Navy’s highest honours for saving his ship and its entire crew during the fierce battle for Europe’s freedom.

But after three decades ashore, the Renton man returned to a life on the ocean wave for one very special day out.

The 86-year-old spent the day onboard patrol craft the HMS Smiter after his pals appealed to navy chiefs for a way to commemorate his years of service.

The Vale man has never forgotten his time at sea, and his friends set up the unique sail down memory lane.

Tom joined the crew of the HMS Smiter on the Gareloch to learn about life on the modern vessel, which is a training ship for university students.

Tom said the experience had been “very special”. He said: “Although things today are very different, there is no greater feeling than being at the helm of your own ship.”