The D.E.M.S. Gunners

[Administrator]

DEFENSIVELY EQUIPPED MERCHANT SHIPS

D.E.M.S. The Arming of Merchant Ships in WWII

The D.E.M.S. Gunners

They sailed aboard our merchant ships and manned outdated guns,
To defend against our enemies, Italians and the Huns,
They were gunners from the army or navy volunteers,
The rattle of the ack-ack was music to their ears.

Sea Ports kept artillery from the war before,
Handy now to give each ship to guard a little more,
Usually a Lewis gun they went and cheerfully manned,
But always took a hammer as it often stuck or jammed.

During those hostilities while trying not to drown,
Using Oerlikons or Bofors, to shoot the shells around,
They angled high for bombers that gave `em such concern,
Most likely from a four inch gun perched there at the stern.

Twelve pounders were the norm, set upon the bow,
That would be a three inch shell describing it just now,
They were standing by to shoot every minute of the hour,
In case a deadly U-boat showed its conning tower.

Mounted on the bridge wing, the fo'c'sle or the poop,
Ready for the action when bombers came to swoop,
They fired away at anything threatening with a will,
Showing loads of courage and not a lack of skill.

The two-man crews were legendary in annals of the sea,
Included in with seamen when naming pedigree,
They couldn’t stop torpedoes submarines would send,
But mostly those brave gunners stayed there `till the end.

Dedicated to Ted Thomas. D.E.M.s Gunner

Bristol M.N.A.

Joe Earl Dec. 09

We are both lucky and pleased to have a friend in Captain Joe Earl, we appreciate his work and the fact that he not only shares this with us, but allows us to post here for the benefit of all.

We only ask if you wish to copy or use any of his work in tribute and for no financial gain etc, please simply ask us at Tregenna and we will contact Joe on your behalf.

[e-mail]