Post by Administrator on Sept 28, 2013 19:33:32 GMT
Part of my motivation:
Continuing in my time to raise MN Awareness, it is still a struggle, but much has been achieved, for them during the Year of the Convoy (2013) In wartime, Britain depended on civilian cargo ships to import food and raw materials, as well as transport soldiers overseas, and keep them supplied. The title 'Merchant Navy' was granted by King George V after the First World War to recognise the contribution made by merchant sailors.
Yet even in my home town: At the end of the Second World War a "Victory Parade" for servicemen was organised by the council and sponsored by the Mayor. Objections were received from a number of councillors because Merchant Seamen were going to be included in the Parade. These councillors stated that the Merchant Navy were not entitled to march, as the parade was for personnel from the three services, Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force only. A greater insult to the people of Barry could not have been made, most families having lost a member, a relation, or a near neighbour at sea during the war. These men, some as young as 15, and others as old as 68, were unsung heroes, and only through their efforts and sacrifice was Britain fed and armed, to enable it to keep fighting. Most Barry servicemen had relatives or friends who had served in the Merchant Navy, and refused to march unless the Merchant Navy were included. It was a situation reminiscent of the Luton Riots*, and if the parade went ahead without these men the same action might take place. The council backed down and quickly took another vote and included the Merchant Navy in the parade.
Partly why I do what I do, but cannot right all that was wrong then, alone now, but try.
This year of the Convoy (2013) has raised much MN awareness:
"LET THOSETHAT COME AFTER THEM, REMEMBER THEM"
LINK
Continuing in my time to raise MN Awareness, it is still a struggle, but much has been achieved, for them during the Year of the Convoy (2013) In wartime, Britain depended on civilian cargo ships to import food and raw materials, as well as transport soldiers overseas, and keep them supplied. The title 'Merchant Navy' was granted by King George V after the First World War to recognise the contribution made by merchant sailors.
Yet even in my home town: At the end of the Second World War a "Victory Parade" for servicemen was organised by the council and sponsored by the Mayor. Objections were received from a number of councillors because Merchant Seamen were going to be included in the Parade. These councillors stated that the Merchant Navy were not entitled to march, as the parade was for personnel from the three services, Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force only. A greater insult to the people of Barry could not have been made, most families having lost a member, a relation, or a near neighbour at sea during the war. These men, some as young as 15, and others as old as 68, were unsung heroes, and only through their efforts and sacrifice was Britain fed and armed, to enable it to keep fighting. Most Barry servicemen had relatives or friends who had served in the Merchant Navy, and refused to march unless the Merchant Navy were included. It was a situation reminiscent of the Luton Riots*, and if the parade went ahead without these men the same action might take place. The council backed down and quickly took another vote and included the Merchant Navy in the parade.
Partly why I do what I do, but cannot right all that was wrong then, alone now, but try.
This year of the Convoy (2013) has raised much MN awareness:
"LET THOSETHAT COME AFTER THEM, REMEMBER THEM"
LINK