By Robert Doherty
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

“We’ve made so many good friends. We are very fortunate in that regard,” says Bill Spearin, who moved to Brooksby with his wife Lois almost a year and a half ago. “There are three or four couples that we like to get together with in various ways. The social aspect of Brooksby is tremendous.”

Those who know Bill wouldn’t be surprised that he’s made a lot of new friends at Brooksby—after all, he did seek out and befriend his WWII enemy.

North Atlantic battle
Bill Spearin was a Petty Officer 1st Class aboard the USS Keith DE-241. His anti-submarine task group, which included six destroyer escort (DE) ships and a small aircraft carrier, were headed to the North Atlantic to seek out German U-Boats. These U-Boats were headed for the east coast shipping lanes where supplies and troops were being transported.

The German U-Boats, which were intent on disrupting American supply lines, were powered by diesel engines and could only stay submerged for about 24 hours. On April 24, 1945, a battle ensued. U-Boat 546 fired a torpedo that struck and sank the US F.C. Davis DE-136, which lost over 100 men.

After dropping a series of depth charges for 12 hours the U-Boat 546 suddenly came to the surface. Although the order had not been given, the crew of the USS Keith immediately began to fire on the submarine. They soon realized the submarine was badly damaged as Germans began climbing out. Only 34 of the 58 men were able to get out before it sank. Four of these Germans were taken aboard the USS Keith, the ship Bill was on.

Unique friendship
Many years later, Bill was planning a trip to Europe. “I contacted the Boston Consulate which referred me to the veteran’s office in Berlin. They said they would send out inquiries to try to find these men,” says Bill.