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Post by INFO AT TREGENNNA on Sept 4, 2007 21:59:12 GMT
Why 3rd September?
This was the outbreak of war, and it was on this date 1939, the first loss to our Merchant Fleet was incurred, when the Liner the S. S. Athenia of the (Anchor Donaldson Line ) was attacked by U.30. 200 Miles off the Hebrides, with the loss of 93 passengers and 19crew.
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Post by Keith at Tregenna on Dec 17, 2007 12:05:45 GMT
They Bore the Brunt
By Joe Earl
They sailed the seas to bear the brunt,
They steamed the courses laid,
Ten thousand miles their battle front,
Unbacked and undismayed.
Fine seamen these of our great race,
From your seaport or town,
They risked their lives with danger faced
Until their ship went down.
Remember them - they held the line,
Won freedom on the way,
Remember them - their life was thine -
On merchant navy day.
J.Earl
The above article has been posted here in tribute with the kind permission of the author. Captain Earl has granted us permission to use his work in our tribute, we endeavour to display only relevant material and not take advantage in any way. We ask all others to enjoy the material but kindly ask permission from the author if copying is required for any reason. We again thank Joe for his support. Keith.
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Post by Administrator on Dec 17, 2007 19:01:34 GMT
A generally reported belief was that it is lucky to touch a sailor, or at least a sailor's collar. In most cases it appears to be females, or children, who were actually willing to carry out the action, which may say more about the gender-based societal norms of interpersonal contact than about who holds the belief itself. The earliest known references, however, date only to 1916. I will personaly shake hands with all of these worthy gentlemen, not for any kind of good luck - but as a thankyou and a tribute- and in memory of all those "STILL NOT HOME FROM THE SEA" We should always remember, our debt to them and for those lost - HOW DEEP THEIR GRAVES. Lest we forget.
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Post by Administrator on Dec 17, 2007 19:13:12 GMT
The British have always had a reputation as a seafaring nation, being reliant on this form of transport for trade and for communication with their far-flung empire. Mainland Britain has almost 2500 miles of coastline, and it is impossible to be more than 60 to 70 miles from sea. Such a distance would be considered by any of our ancestors to be no more than a couple of days walking. Against this backdrop, it would therefore be somewhat surprising if a British family did not, at some time, have a connection with the sea or one of its allied trades.
The song or prayer "For those in peril on the sea" refers to the daily battle seafarers’ encounter from the oceans and elements regularly faced. Ships formed into war-time Convoy's for purported greater safety, too often presented a skittle-alley to submarine torpedoes, a fairground shooting-range to armed raiders or battleships, and even crawling prey to the falcons flying above.
Please remember 3rd September.
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