Post by Lorraine Howard on Sept 19, 2007 0:37:38 GMT
200 wooden crosses
Remembering Jim Luen and all still not home from the sea.
The Merchant Navy Association (Wales), Barry Branch, were delighted to have had the presence of Wings Barry, carrying the Merchant Navy Associations’ National Standard, amongst the Standard Bearers and the Standards presented at this years Annual Seafarers’ Service, which was held at The Barry Memorial Hall on Saturday, 15th September 2006.
Following the service that again saw Revd. Malcom Davies O.st.John officiating as Honorary Chaplain to the Barry Branch, members on behalf of the Branch laid down 200 wooden crosses at the Seafarers’ monument. The Stone memorial incorporates the names of Barry and Vale merchant seamen who have given their lives at sea during the two world wars.
The 200 wooden crosses were scribed with the names of ships that bore losses from the local area, during the war years 1914 – 1918 and 1939 – 1945. These reflecting the very heavy loss of life in relation to the localality. It should be noted that 270 merchant seamen from the Barry area died during the 1914-18 conflict and, in the Second World War, the figure was 637 men and boys, including some on their first voyage.
( Full version will be posted on site soon).
Re: Jim Luen
Many thanks for this very moving and informative piece headed "200 wooden crosses.
My mum's cousin Jennifer Reynolds forwarded it to me and made mention of Jim Luen. He was my grandfather who was drowned when my mum was only 11 years old. We have always thought of him and the dreadful ordeal he, and so many others at sea, had to endure in the 2 World Wars.
My mum gave me a small wooden cross which someone gave her and it stands by my bed every night where I can look or hold it and it makes me feel nearer to her. She lives in South Africa now and I live in Ireland. Now my grandfather will have to be included in that cross. Thank you for that.
Wishing you all the best
Lorraine Howard daughter of Mary Luen who was daughter of Jim Luen who was drowned in 1939.
EXAMINATION ON OATH.
Relating to the death of James Edward Luen on the Haringen
by name and address supplied.
I was on the bridge on the morning of 25th Nov 1939. There was a high sea and an E.N.E. gale. At about 9.35a.m. the vessel shipped a heavy sea, and directly afterwards, I heard the first mate Mr Luen, shouting for help, and could see him in the water about 100 feet to starboard. Four life bouys were thrown to him, and a raft was heaved over the ship's side at once, and I saw him grasp a bouy and get into it. The ship was kept as near to him as possible and on one occassion sighted. It was difficult for the look outs to see him on account of the heavy seas, and I wanted to swim to him with a line attached to a *****which had been thrown to him and which fell short. It was impossible on account of the seas and the distance and I was restrained.
At 11.35 a.m. we came quite close to Mr Luen, and I could see he was unconcious. I volunteered again to go to his assistance and went over to the side to him. The water was extremely cold and owing to the ship rolling and the heavy seas it was difficult to reach him. As he was in a bouy and I was on a swimming bowline he was more bouyant than I was and although I managed to grasp the bouy twice I was unable to hold it. When those at the other end of the line saw that I myself was in distress and that Mr Luen was by this time out of my reach they hauled me aboard
and I was taken to the stewards room for treatment. I saw no more of Mr Luen who was undoubtably lost by now. I am satisfied that every possible effort was made to rescue him
Signed Roy Dudley Creser 29th December 1939
It was hand written and clearly faded so could not read, one word marked with stars.
Jenny
Remembering Jim Luen and all still not home from the sea.
The Merchant Navy Association (Wales), Barry Branch, were delighted to have had the presence of Wings Barry, carrying the Merchant Navy Associations’ National Standard, amongst the Standard Bearers and the Standards presented at this years Annual Seafarers’ Service, which was held at The Barry Memorial Hall on Saturday, 15th September 2006.
Following the service that again saw Revd. Malcom Davies O.st.John officiating as Honorary Chaplain to the Barry Branch, members on behalf of the Branch laid down 200 wooden crosses at the Seafarers’ monument. The Stone memorial incorporates the names of Barry and Vale merchant seamen who have given their lives at sea during the two world wars.
The 200 wooden crosses were scribed with the names of ships that bore losses from the local area, during the war years 1914 – 1918 and 1939 – 1945. These reflecting the very heavy loss of life in relation to the localality. It should be noted that 270 merchant seamen from the Barry area died during the 1914-18 conflict and, in the Second World War, the figure was 637 men and boys, including some on their first voyage.
( Full version will be posted on site soon).
Re: Jim Luen
Many thanks for this very moving and informative piece headed "200 wooden crosses.
My mum's cousin Jennifer Reynolds forwarded it to me and made mention of Jim Luen. He was my grandfather who was drowned when my mum was only 11 years old. We have always thought of him and the dreadful ordeal he, and so many others at sea, had to endure in the 2 World Wars.
My mum gave me a small wooden cross which someone gave her and it stands by my bed every night where I can look or hold it and it makes me feel nearer to her. She lives in South Africa now and I live in Ireland. Now my grandfather will have to be included in that cross. Thank you for that.
Wishing you all the best
Lorraine Howard daughter of Mary Luen who was daughter of Jim Luen who was drowned in 1939.
EXAMINATION ON OATH.
Relating to the death of James Edward Luen on the Haringen
by name and address supplied.
I was on the bridge on the morning of 25th Nov 1939. There was a high sea and an E.N.E. gale. At about 9.35a.m. the vessel shipped a heavy sea, and directly afterwards, I heard the first mate Mr Luen, shouting for help, and could see him in the water about 100 feet to starboard. Four life bouys were thrown to him, and a raft was heaved over the ship's side at once, and I saw him grasp a bouy and get into it. The ship was kept as near to him as possible and on one occassion sighted. It was difficult for the look outs to see him on account of the heavy seas, and I wanted to swim to him with a line attached to a *****which had been thrown to him and which fell short. It was impossible on account of the seas and the distance and I was restrained.
At 11.35 a.m. we came quite close to Mr Luen, and I could see he was unconcious. I volunteered again to go to his assistance and went over to the side to him. The water was extremely cold and owing to the ship rolling and the heavy seas it was difficult to reach him. As he was in a bouy and I was on a swimming bowline he was more bouyant than I was and although I managed to grasp the bouy twice I was unable to hold it. When those at the other end of the line saw that I myself was in distress and that Mr Luen was by this time out of my reach they hauled me aboard
and I was taken to the stewards room for treatment. I saw no more of Mr Luen who was undoubtably lost by now. I am satisfied that every possible effort was made to rescue him
Signed Roy Dudley Creser 29th December 1939
It was hand written and clearly faded so could not read, one word marked with stars.
Jenny