Raymond Victor Steed/Empire Morn

[Billy McGee]

Looking for any relatives of the young lad below.

STEED, Galley Boy, RAYMOND VICTOR, S.S. "Empire Morn" (Barrow-in-Furness). Merchant Navy. 26th April 1943. Age 14. Son of Wilfed & Olive Steed (nee Bright) of 20 Christchurch Road, Newport, Monmouthshire. Raymond V. Steed is the youngest known Second World War service death. Buried Ben M'Sik Cemetery. Plot 59A. Row 1. Grave 1.

I have been researching the short sea life of Raymond and have copies of his sea service and copies of the official Log Book report into his death along with 20 other crewmembers of the Empire Morn. I believe Raymond may of had 5 brothers and 3 sister's, one of the sisters who may have been named after him "Raye V. Steed" born 1943 shortly after his death. I have a photo of Raymond taken from his Seaman's ID, which is of poor quality and I am looking for a decent photograph. I also have a photo of his war grave in Morocco.

Rgds Billy McGee

[All at Tregenna]

On the 3rd of September 2008 Merchant Navy Day, we remembered Raymond Victor Steed of the Empire Morn, we shall pay our respects at Tower Hill - 7th September and ensure he is remembered for ever more.

We shall also remember all of the youth that perished during two World wars and in all conflicts before and since, We remember and tribute all loss of life and those with no known grave but the sea.

Although many have perished and we name a few, individuals remembering individuals build the larger picture and may Young Raymond represent those that have no grave above the waves or are are at rest in both un-kept or commemorated plots,

We do our best to remember all and encourage others: LEST WE FORGET. Let those who come after see to it that his name be not forgotten". And so we shall.

Thanks to people like Billy McGee that remember well and highlight to all, We shall remember. Respect those that died to save us all, but remember today as their tommorow's have gone.
WITHOUT THESE BRAVE MEN AND ACTS OF SUCH BRAVERY, THIS ISLAND RACE WOULD HAVE BOTH STARVED AND BEEN LOST. KG.