2013: The year of the Convoy.

[Administrator]

MNA (Wales) Barry Branch:

The Merchant Navy Association (Wales) Barry Branch are both discussing and planning much involvement and tribute for 2013: The year of the convoy.

K.

[KG]

Barry at War Heritage Group:

Following the successful partnership between the Barry Tourist Railway and the Barry at War Heritage Group, a small area has been set aside at Barry Island Railway Station to be used as a mini-museum.

The museum will aim to highlight how the town of Barry on the surrounding area has been affected by conflicts.

We’re aiming to open during the spring of 2013, and seek to hold fund raising events to raise the funds needed to establish the museum at the Barry Island Station during the winter.

The timing of the opening is significant, as 2013 is the ‘Year of the Convoy’, which is especially poignant given Barry`s strong links to the Merchant Navy.

LINK: barryatwar.info/barry-at-war-museum/

K.

[kg]

The Battle of the Atlantic was the dominating factor all through the war. Never for one moment could we forget that everything happening elsewhere, on land, at sea or in the air depended ultimately on its outcome

TELL THE CHILDREN:

A Special breed of men my friend - a special breed of men.,
I'm talking of the convoys and remember once again,
Seventy years have passed proving what we owe,
Our debt is all the greater from all those years ago.

Our Mariners endured, intrepid and low paid,
With stubborn sense of purpose carried on their trade,
Still they served our country sailing there and back,
Hauling vital cargoes in times that looked so black.

These doughty Merchant Seamen knew their cruel fate,
If struck by cunning sea-wolves lurking there in wait,
If they lived to tell their story and strived to stay afloat,
They struggled on with hardships aboard an open boat.

Life goes on of course, we age and youngsters grow,
Ask them about the convoys find out what they know,
Show them our Red Duster, explain our island race,
Shed light upon the Nelson touch and put the seaman’s case.

Spell out the wartime rations and shortage of supplies,
Clarify the fight they had risking of their lives,
Tell them of the oceans and lifelines to supply,
Our Children have their freedom and should know the reason why.

Worst journey': Between 1941 and 1945, the Arctic convoys transported more than 4 million tonnes of supplies to the Soviet Union. More than 100 ships were lost with 3,000 sailors losing their lives. Winston Churchill said the arctic convoy mission was "the most dangerous journey in the world"

Capt. J.Earl M.N.M. Bristol M.N.Ass.. Nov. 2012

[KG]

There was an old sailor from Weston
Who sailed round the coast with his vest on,
He ventured too far
And crossed over the bar,
His funeral’s on Monday in Preston.

Joe Earl on line:

LINK: joesverse.simplesite.com/160596387

K.