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Post by KG on Nov 4, 2009 23:00:37 GMT
GB stamps – the “Forgotten Service”
Dear sir,
I write with regard to your recent third and final issue of the Military Uniforms series and enquire as to the possibility that you may remember the British Merchant Navy at some stage. Although we support and respect our Senior Service; it appears that our Merchant Service has been overlooked.
I understand that the series commemorates the Senior Service and Military Uniforms but wonder If an MN stamp or series could appear in the future, an Merchant Navy issue would be well received by MN Associations, and Mercantile marine personnel and relatives of those lost, along with an interested public and keen philatelists’. Unfortunately, few in the Forgotten Service, could afford a uniform, but wore a Silver MN badge with pride, never did a ship not sail through the lack of a full crew.
As I am certain you may be aware our Merchant Seamen, continue to aid and assist in conflict situations to date and are only of late receiving some of the recognition they deserve. It is up to the public to remember and ourselves to ensure all others at least know, We need all National organisations and Institutions to help in this.
Memorial event for merchant seamen: Tower Hill 2009
Hundreds of people have attended a memorial service in honour of members of the Merchant Navy who lost their lives at sea.The Queen and the Prime Minister both sent tributes to the service which was held at the Tower Hill Memorial in Trinity Gardens, London.
In his message, Gordon Brown praised the "the distinguished service by merchant seafarers over the years in support of military operations" and said attending veterans should be proud of their contribution. Lord West, a former First Sea Lord and current Under-Secretary for Security and Counter-terrorism, was guest of honour at the event.
He said: "The public today does not comprehend the debt it owes to those of the Merchant Marine.
"In the Second World War some 30,000 merchant seamen were lost with 5,140 ships.
"Today some 34,000 UK seafarers continue to ensure our wealth and survival transporting over 95% of our trade.
"As with their forefathers, they come from a proud tradition as can be seen by the names on the roll of honour at the memorial at Tower Hill."
MERCHANT NAVY DAY – now occurs every year on September 3rd this would be a good date for an Merchant Navy stamp and an MN First Day Cover . In 1999, for the first time, members of the Merchant Navy were 'allowed' to take part in the national Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph. They were not officially invited previously because they had not been, what is termed as, 'under command'. However, in that very significant year members of the MNA marched at the event and were proudly led by the MNA's National Chairman at that time. Perhaps it should be noted that had the armed services waited, as long for the Merchant Navy has done, for a signal to join them in their military gatherings in the North Atlantic, Western Approaches, Korea and the Falklands, there may very well have been no national service of remembrance to attend.
The Tower Hill memorial for World War 1 was unveiled in 1928 to mark the service and sacrifice of the merchant Marine in WW1. In 1928 King George V created the title 'Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets' and appointed the then Prince of Wales to that office..This is how the title 'Merchant Navy' came into being. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II holds the title of "Master of the Merchant Navy & Fishing Fleet", which was passed down by King George VI.
Please consider this request a reply would be welcomed.
Regards,
Keith at Tregenna
philatelic.enquiries@royalmail.com
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Post by Administrator on Nov 8, 2009 21:59:14 GMT
MERCHANT NAVY STAMP
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,
With 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
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Post by KG on Nov 11, 2009 18:13:46 GMT
Recieved today 11/11 Armistice 2009:
GB stamps – the “Forgotten Service”
Thank you for your e-mail dated 9th November 2009 in which you request Royal Mail give consideration to issuing a set of Special Stamps to celebrate the Merchant Navy.
Your suggestion is certainly an interesting one and I have included it on our list of potential subjects for 2013. I should mention however, that we can receive up to 2000 suggestions for the programme each year, and as the number of subjects we can include is limited to 10 or 11, you will appreciate that the final choice is a difficult one.
The subjects for the 2013 Special Stamp programme will be finalised early in 2012 and Royal Mail will contact you again at that time to let you know of our decision.
Thank you for your suggestion, and for the interest that you have shown in the Special Stamp programme.
regards
Stamps Product Manager
Stamps & Philatelic
Royal Mail Centre
Watch this space:
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Post by KG on Nov 18, 2009 20:17:41 GMT
'The Forgotten Service' From Hugh Jefferies
Dear sir,
Many thanks for your recent email regarding ‘the Forgotten Service’.
I agree that your cause is a just one – but only wish that we had the sort of influence over Royal Mail which people believe we have, and could therefore do something about it.
However, if you would like to rework your email to Royal Mail into a short article or ‘Letter to the editor’, I would be more than happy to publish it on Gibbons Stamp Monthly.
Hopefully this would be seen and taken note of by the powers that be at Royal Mail – and I’m sure our readers would be most interested in your comments.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Editor Gibbons Stamp Monthly
Watch this space.
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Post by KG on Nov 23, 2009 22:27:31 GMT
Stamp of approval for the British Merchant Navy.
The Tower Hill memorial for World War 1 was unveiled in 1928 to mark the service and sacrifice of the merchant Marine in WW1. In 1928 King George V created the title 'Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets' and appointed the then Prince of Wales to that office..This is how the title 'Merchant Navy' came into being. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II holds the title of "Master of the Merchant Navy & Fishing Fleet", which was passed down by King George VI.
MERCHANT NAVY DAY – now occurs every year on September 3rd this would be a good date for a Merchant Navy set of stamps and an MN First Day Cover to be issued . In 1999, for the first time, members of the Merchant Navy were 'allowed' to take part in the national Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph. They were not officially invited previously because they had not been, what is termed as, 'under command'. However, in that very significant year members of the MNA marched at the event and were proudly led by the MNA's National Chairman at that time. Perhaps it should be noted that had the armed services waited, as long for the Merchant Navy has done, for a signal to join them in their military gatherings in the North Atlantic, Western Approaches, Korea and the Falklands, there may very well have been no national service of remembrance to attend.
As I am certain you may be aware our Merchant Seamen, continue to aid and assist in conflict situations to date and are only of late receiving some of the recognition they deserve. It is up to the public to remember and ourselves to ensure all others at least know, We need all National organisations and Institutions to help in this.
September 6th 2009, Hundreds of people attended a memorial service in honour of members of the Merchant Navy who lost their lives at sea. The Queen and the Prime Minister both sent tributes to the service which was held at the Tower Hill Memorial in Trinity Gardens, London.
In his message, Gordon Brown praised the "the distinguished service by merchant seafarers over the years in support of military operations" and said attending veterans should be proud of their contribution.
Lord West, a former First Sea Lord and current Under-Secretary for Security and Counter-terrorism, was guest of honour at the event. He said: "The public today does not comprehend the debt it owes to those of the Merchant Marine.
"In the Second World War some 30,000 merchant seamen were lost with 5,140 ships", Today some 34,000 UK seafarers continue to ensure our wealth and survival transporting over 95% of our trade. "As with their forefathers, they come from a proud tradition as can be seen by the names on the roll of honour at the memorial at Tower Hill."
'But for the Merchant Navy who bring us the food and munitions of war, Britain would be in a perilous state and indeed, without them, the Army, Navy and Air Force could not operate'. Winston Churchill.
Let those who come after see to it that his name be not forgotten". How much better can a nation remember, than with a commemorative postage stamp, dedicated by her Majesties Royal Mail. “Lest we Forget”
A Stamp of approval for the British Merchant Navy, please - I ask for them “Lest We Forget”
Keith
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Post by KG on Dec 17, 2009 18:48:21 GMT
Many thanks for your last email. The piece you sent is fine and I will endeavour to include it in a forthcoming issue of GSM. ( Gibbons Stamp Monthly )
I post some of a recent reply / response, obviously the person concerned may not wish his details to be plastered over the net and I include enough for an update, yet reserve some.
You may be interested to know that I discussed with some senior Royal Mail staff recently, including those responsible for drawing up the special stamp issues. They thought that it would have been difficult to include the Merchant Navy in the same series as the 'Uniforms' set, but did agree that it was a subject that was overdue for inclusion in a special stamp series and one which would be popular and would sell well (an important factor, these days!). They are currently considering the programme for 2012, but I know they like to 'hang' special issues on some form of commemoration, so you may need to wait a little longer yet.
I REQUIRE ALL ASSISTANCE:
The ground work has been done, this was by the hero factor of the MN, I have attempted mereley to ensure that another form of remembrance occurs. The idea / concept is achievable, I seek no pressure, but possibly some ideas / info etc. I will involve MN National as the best body to become involved and hopefuly ensure the wished for tribute to our lost and kin is further recorded and remembered through Her Majesties Royal Mail.
Currently wish to reply to the above, recieved today, all suggestions welcomed.
N/B All major anniversaries and notable dates etc for the forthcoming two years are sought and are desperataley needed. Have some myself, but would love some feedback and involvement from all.
We could recieve some form of Stamp of Approval, Please help.
K.
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Post by KG on Jun 27, 2013 16:40:58 GMT
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