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Post by ADMIN K on Nov 13, 2015 15:14:37 GMT
THE WAR AT SEA
Today, on Armistice Day, please remember the sacrifice of our Merchant Navy in both World Wars.
The losses during both wars are truly staggering; 17,000 seamen died during the First World War and 3,305 merchant vessels were sunk.
In the Second World War 185,000 men and women served at sea; 32,248 lost their lives, a death rate proportionately higher than any of the armed forces.
Without their sacrifice the food, fuel and raw materials needed to survive and wage war against Germany would never have reached Britain.
We Remember them.
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Post by Administrator on Nov 13, 2015 15:20:44 GMT
This propaganda postcard, featuring an illustration by Leonard Raven Hill, was published in 1917 and summed up the resolute attitude of the merchant seaman towards the U-Boats.  |
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Post by Administrator on Nov 13, 2015 15:22:44 GMT
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
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