Post by Administrator on Dec 18, 2013 0:58:52 GMT
Christmas message to 'SS Comedian', Harrison Line
"To "British & allied Merchant Ships", All areas.
The following is a gracious message from HM the King addressed to the British Merchant Navy & Fishing Fleets - Buckingham Palace -
Today is Christmas Day, the festival of peace & home, but most of you to whom I send this message, the officers and men of the Merchant Navy & Fishing Fleets, are spending it far from your own folk. It is to them that your thoughts are turning as you stand your watch on the bridge, or at gunstation, in the engineroom, or stokehold, and they too, you may be sure, are thinking of you with gratitude & pride. In that, the whole nation joins them, for there is scarcely one of us on shore who does not know the extent to which the safety of our common heritage of hearth & home depends on you. At this festival of peace, in the midst of a world at war, I send you greetings & pray in the old familiar words that you & the ships in which you serve may return in safety to enjoy the blessing of the land & the fruits of your labours.
George RI"
Christmas at sea
Online exhibition
Now that December has arrived and our thoughts turn to Christmas, we take a look at those who have spent their Christmas at sea. Seafarers, by the very nature of their work, often found it impossible to be home for Christmas.
This online exhibition of items from the Maritime Archives and Library considers the merchant seafarers and passengers who spent their Christmas at sea and looks at how they brought some traditional festive cheer to the day. Select each thumbnail to see the full image.
LINK
"To "British & allied Merchant Ships", All areas.
The following is a gracious message from HM the King addressed to the British Merchant Navy & Fishing Fleets - Buckingham Palace -
Today is Christmas Day, the festival of peace & home, but most of you to whom I send this message, the officers and men of the Merchant Navy & Fishing Fleets, are spending it far from your own folk. It is to them that your thoughts are turning as you stand your watch on the bridge, or at gunstation, in the engineroom, or stokehold, and they too, you may be sure, are thinking of you with gratitude & pride. In that, the whole nation joins them, for there is scarcely one of us on shore who does not know the extent to which the safety of our common heritage of hearth & home depends on you. At this festival of peace, in the midst of a world at war, I send you greetings & pray in the old familiar words that you & the ships in which you serve may return in safety to enjoy the blessing of the land & the fruits of your labours.
George RI"
Christmas at sea
Online exhibition
Now that December has arrived and our thoughts turn to Christmas, we take a look at those who have spent their Christmas at sea. Seafarers, by the very nature of their work, often found it impossible to be home for Christmas.
This online exhibition of items from the Maritime Archives and Library considers the merchant seafarers and passengers who spent their Christmas at sea and looks at how they brought some traditional festive cheer to the day. Select each thumbnail to see the full image.
LINK