Youngest & Oldest Merchant Seamen Killed

[Administrator]

www.gordonmumford.com/Memorial-4.htm

[INFO AT TREGENNA]

The Tregenna team were deeply involved with the intention of remembrance of Master Raymond Victor Steed. We were involved since commencement,from the original request and superb work of Mr. Billy McGee whom highighted the need to remember Raymond. We have been a little quiet of late, this to some extent re: bad health etc, but also some major research projects that we are involved with have taken up much time.

We have waited patiently, for news as to a memorial and were led to believe that although at the time, Newport resembled a building site, that something temporary would occur. EG: a simple tablet / plate and that we would be advised of further plans etc. Recently, after hearing nothing new via press / officials / or eminent bodies etc. We made some enquiries and asked for an update. As a matter of importance, we asked for a simple statement from a patron of the main body concerned, as nothing else seemed to have been released. We are not the only interested party and although local and National media coverage was well received last year, many seek a response and an update, for fear that Newport will simply forget.

A reply from Paul Flynn MP: A committee is established and fundraising has started. A request has been made to the Council for discussion on the site of what is hoped will be a bronze statue. The person who has produced similar sculptures in the city has been contacted and provided a rough estimate of costs.

We are hoping for a prime site can be found in the new developments that are taking place. The committee are very optimistic that further progress for this ambitious proposal can be announced soon.

I assure you that the proposal is progressing very well. There are good reasons why we have avoided publicity until we have a site that is assured. My intention is to launch the campaign with an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons.
PF.

We although in the background are an interested and concerned body and wish Newport well in its intentions

We shall convey the message to all interested parties and offer our continued support. We have no doubt that nationally, the interest in Master Steed, will highlight the plight of the many youngsters, if not all of the "Forgotten Service" and within the term "LEST WE FORGET" we mean all. In memory of the combined services of our "Island Nation"

Although we attempt to and continue to seek a remembrance for Master Steed, in his home town / City and have been involved with the same, there are others that have been deeply involved and I have taken the liberty of posting Billy McGee’s original message here:

Looking for any relatives of the young lad below.

STEED, Galley Boy, RAYMOND VICTOR, S.S. "Empire Morn" (Barrow-in-Furness). Merchant Navy. 26th April 1943. Age 14. Son of Wilfed & Olive Steed (nee Bright) of 20 Christchurch Road, Newport, Monmouthshire. Buried Ben M'Sik Cemetery. Plot 59A. Row 1. Grave 1.

Raymond V. Steed is the youngest known Second World War service death, killed on his second trip to sea.

I have been researching the short sea life of Raymond and have copies of his sea service and copies of the official Log Book report into his death along with 20 other crewmembers of the Empire Morn.

I believe Raymond may of had 5 brothers and 3 sister's, one of the sisters who may have been named after him "Raye V. Steed" born 1943 shortly after his death. I have a photo of Raymond taken from his Seaman's ID, which is of poor quality and I am looking for a decent photograph. I also have a photo of his war grave in Morocco (see Brian's historical picture page).

This is in the very early stages, but I am hoping to have a memorial erected in memory of Raymond, if I can raise sufficient interest and funding. The idea is again to raise awareness of our Merchant Navy war dead as well as highlighting just how young some of these boys were.

Billy McGee

We at The Her Name Was SS. Tregenna Web Site, are involved wholeheartedly with tribute to those that have no known grave but the sea etc, The ships the crews, the families, the loved ones and those that died to help save us all. We only ask that if we are not required to be involved that we may be updated and kept informed .

Mr. Billy McGee, well respected in both Maritime, Merchant Navy and Internet circles etc was in the early stages regarding a memorial. He discussed all with the Chairman of the Merchant Navy Association Newport Branch. I am not aware of and do not know of the internal politics but it seems that Newport is now overseeing all.

In memory of this young lad and the many others, We hope to report and update ASAP, AS SOON AS WE KNOW MORE, we will furnish all information. Our best wishes are sent and meant to Mr Billy McGee for his tremendous works in the entire MN field and his passion in this case for remembering Master Steed. We await further news from Newport as I am sure does Billy.

[RVS]

RAYMOND VICTOR STEED

By Joe Earl.

A Galley Boy named Raymond Steed joined the `Empire Morn`,
At the docks in Newport, close where he was born,
In The Merchant Navy now - but only just fourteen,
He'd gone to sail in convoys - fighting fit and keen.

Nineteen forty three it was, aggression in full flow,
Unmindful of the danger, he couldn't wait to go,
Ray carried out his duties, earning meagre pay,
Until alas in April, his world was blown away.

Not far off Casablanca, the `Empire` struck a mine,
Laid there by a U-Boat with purpose and design,
The consequent explosion, set cargo blasting then,
Killing brave young Raymond and twenty other men.

His body’s in Morocco, near the road to Marrakesh,
In a nurtured cemetery surroundings trim and fresh,
He was the youngest Seaman, to go and lose his life,
While standing firm in jeopardy mid the wartime strife.

Greater than five hundred boys, were sent to Neptune’s floor,
Sixteenth birthdays never met, lost for evermore,
They helped sustain our lifelines in a hostile time at sea,
Those young and unsung heroes that sailed for you and me.
Capt. Earl.

Mr Billy McGee originator of a planned memorial, contacted Capt. Joe Earl, a retired Master and poet (The Men Who Missed the Tide / I Am A Western Ocean Mariner) and asked if he would write a poem about Raymond

A Galley boy Named Raymond Steed

The CWGC registers the names of 513 Merchant Seamen aged 14 to 16 who died between 1939-1945.

The youngest known recorded Second World War service death being that of:

STEED, Galley Boy, RAYMOND VICTOR, S.S. "Empire Morn" (Barrow-in-Furness). Merchant Navy. killed 26th April 1943. After his ship hit a mine. Age 14. Son of Wilfed & Olive Steed (nee Bright) of 20 Christchurch Road, Newport, Monmouthshire. Buried Ben M'Sik Cemetery. Plot 59A. Row 1. Grave 1.

[KEITH AT TREGENNA]

Honour bid for youngest war hero

The bravery of a 14-year-old boy, the youngest from Britain to die serving in World War II, should be remembered say campaigners.

Raymond Steed was a galley boy on a Merchant Navy ship when it was blown up after hitting a German mine off the African coast in 1943.

The teenager from Newport was just 14 years and 207 days old when he died, five months after joining up. Merchant Navy Association officials now want a statue erected in his honour.

Raymond and 20 crew mates died in April 1943 after his ship, the Empire Morn, exploded after hitting a U-Boat mine near its destination of Casablanca, Morocco. His body was recovered and buried in the Ben M'Sik military cemetery near the city, alongside him lays British Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck – just as the Field Marshal requested.

He has been officially recognised by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission as the youngest recorded fatality of the British service war dead.

Joining in December 1942, he served on the hospital ship Atlantis where he was awarded the Africa Star with clasp during Operation Torch when Allied troops landed on the beaches of North Africa. Then he transferred to the freighter Empire Morn as it set off in convoy from Milford Haven for Gibraltar and Casablanca where it was hit.

Merchant Navy Association officials are now fundraising for the money needed for a statue in honour of Raymond in Newport. Vice-president of the association Bertram Bale, 75, said:

"A memorial to Raymond would honour not only him but all the seamen who were killed in the war.”

"It would also be a fitting tribute to the sacrifices made by those unsung heroes who died on all convoys in all wars."

MORE TO COME ASAP.................

[KG]

Fledgling Jason Steed

Is anyone aware of or indeed have read the book ? Would love to read comments. Cannot comment myself until I have both found and read a copy. K.

From THE AUTHOR:

In my Novel Fledgling Jason Steed. Jason's father is called Raymond Steed, he is a fictional naval officer and decorated hero. On the memorial / Veterans Day I would like to pay tribute the very real life hero:

Raymond Victor Steed, Youngest recorded service death of WWII
Raymond Victor Steed, Son of Mr. Wilfred & Mrs. Olive Steed (Nee Bright) of 20 Christchurch Road, Newport, Monmouthshire was born Monday 1st October 1928 at 2 Rimberley Terrace, St. Mellons, and is the youngest recorded service death of WWII who died Monday 26th April 1943. Age 14 years & 207 days.
Raymond's official service record (CRS10) shows he joined the Merchant Navy Reserve Pool (MNRP) 29th December 1942, just two months after his 14th birthday, joining his first ship as a Stewards Boy, at Newport the same day. The ship being the former Royal Mail Line 15,620grt SS Atlantis, which had been converted into a Hospital Ship in 1939. He left this ship 13th March 1943.

After taking his leave Raymond joined the 1941 built Catapult Aircraft Merchant Ship Empire Morn, 7,092grt, (MOWT, Headlam & Son-Whitby) at Newport on 4th April 1943. The ship loaded with a cargo of naval, military and RAF equipment for Casablanca & Gibraltar left Milford Haven sailing to the Barry Roads anchorage while waiting to join up with the combined 69 ship Convoy OS-46/KMS-13, which sailed from Liverpool on 15th April 1943. On 24th April the convoy split into two and continued to their individual ports of call.

On the evening of Monday 26th April at 9.45pm an explosion rocks the ship followed by a secondary explosion in the ships magazine seriously damaging the stern of the ship and blowing out a greater portion of the crew accommodation. At 10.05pm the Captain decides to temporarily abandon his ship until daybreak to assess the situation further. A thorough search and head count reveals 21 men are missing before the ships lifeboats are finally launched. The following morning at 5.30am the ship's Captain, all his Officers and three crewmen re-board the ship and assisted in working the vessel into Casablanca with the assistance of the salvage tug USN Cherokee.

On 28th April at 2.30pm during a further search through the wreckage of the crew accommodation the remains of two crewmembers were found and extricated and immediately recognized as that of Raymond Steed and John W. Gardener, an 18-year-old Ordinary Seaman. Identity papers found on both the bodies confirmed without doubt whom they were and it was stated that both had been killed instantly in the explosions. The remains of the other 19 men killed were never found, either being blown overboard or incinerated. On 29th April 1943 at 2.00pm the bodies of Raymond & John were laid to rest at the Ben M'Sik Cemetery about 6 kilometers from Casablanca town centre, which lies between the main road to Marrakech and the road known as Oulad Zianc. Present at the service was the Captain, all Officers and surviving crew who could be spared from duty.

German records show that the Empire Morn had detonated a mine laid earlier on 10th April 1943 off Casablanca by U-117. Raymond V. Steed was awarded the 1939 War Medal, Africa Star (with clasp). Atlantic Star & 1939-1945 Star.

Fictionreviewer.com

A coming of age heart wrenching story packed with laughs and fast paced action. Most readers who love action and spy fiction will devour this dynamic book in a single sitting or two, otherwise they’ll be in extreme agony waiting to see what happens next.

Preview the Book

Raymond V Steed is the real life hero and galley boy on a Merchant Navy ship when it was blown up and sunk after hitting a German mine off the African coast in 1943. The teenager from Newport was just 14 years and 207 days old when he died, five months after joining up. Raymond and 20 crew mates died in April 1943 after his ship, the Empire Morn, exploded after hitting a U-Boat mine near its destination of Casablanca, Morocco. He has been officially recognised by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission as the youngest recorded fatality of the British service war dead. Fictional character Jason Steed's father, Royal Navy Officer Raymond Steed and is remembered as a great British war hero.

Fledgling Jason Steed.

Fledgling Jason Steed Mark a Cooper Book Trailer - Video

www.metacafe.com/watch/1845837/fledgling_jason_steed_mark_a_cooper_book_trailer/

Not certain if released in UK as yet:

[KG]

Although, I agree that Master Raymond should be remembered and has played an important part in both highlighting and remembering. There have been updates to this. Tregenna will always remember both Raymond and all youth lost.

"Let those who come after see to it that his name be not forgotten".

WE WILL REMEMBER RAYMOND VICTOR STEED and all others.

Links:

news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8498113.stm

www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010...cond-world-war

www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...cle6652994.ece

Many more reports found in a google search of today.

Well done Deepsea and all that help.

K.

Remembering raymond amongst the many:

LINK:

Raymond

www.myspace.com/video/vid/63062928

A few words from TJ....... This song came about after reading a newspaper article, this article shook me to the core. It was about a young boy named Raymond Steed, at first the name meant nothing, until I read on. Raymond was 14 year and 207 days old when he died making him the youngest ever serviceman to die in world war II. He enrolled in the merchant navy when he was just 14, what courage he must of had for his tender age. This really moved me and I had to write about it. For me songs are alive when there played, peoples stories, our own stories, Raymond's story and I wanted people to know it. Raymond Steed sailed out a boy and died a man. Thomas Joseph.

There has been much updated: would imagine the recording was made prior to the newer, news.

Although we attempt to remember all, will not forget Raymond.

K.