A STAMP OF APPROVAL:

[Administrator]

[Administrator]

I was paid an unexpected £50 pound for the Stamp of Approval article in Stanley Gibbons Magazine, vowed then to put it towards an MN good cause and it served to kick start the Foster / Trevessa grave refurbishment and more.

www.hallsmemorials.co.uk/

[Administrator]

Captain Joe Earl joined in with the campaign early on: Thanks Joe

The Year of the Convoy (2013)

A MERCHANT NAVY STAMP of approval:

Defeat was mighty close in the second greatest war,
Five thousand ships with cargos sent to the ocean floor,
Merchant men were slaughtered sustaining our lifeline,
The Country issued ration books so desperate was the time.

A crisis at the home front, foodstuff very short,
Rations and provisions scarcely making port,
Convoys steaming steadfast under Red Ensigns,
Faced demise from U-boats, the bombers and the mines.

There were many heroes on land and sea and air,
And thirty thousand Seamen gave their lives out there,
Transporting reinforcements, resources and supplies,
And fuel to fly the spitfires fighting in the skies.

Perhaps we should commend them by illustrating stamps,
The freighters and the liners, the tankers and the tramps,
It would be a special tribute, rather overdue,
To mariners who manned them and a way to say thank you.

J.S.Earl Nov. 2009


LINK

[Administrator]

19 Sep 2013

The official launch of our Merchant Navy Stamps and paying tribute to those giving service. The launch was held on the Cutty Sark.



Both Joe Earl and I were invited to the Royal Mail: Celebrate the work of the Merchant Navy event held on Wednesday October 9, on board the HQS Wellington.

It was a fine tribute to the MN and an enjoyable evening in Joe's company.

So much has been achieved for them during this Year of the Convoy and further awareness for the MN.