Letter to the Editor

[Ivan Cloherty]

British MN in excess of 32,000. Keep writing, never give up, I managed to get letters in National newspapers twice in three years (and don't forget these newspapers also appear on foreign news stands, had phone calls from Spain to my letters), just keep pestering, they get fed up in the end, or you get lucky and the relief editor's father was in the MN. Over the last eight years have had a letter published in the local Press every year, sometimes two or more a year, also got the Red Ensign flown from the town hall. Don't get down hearted if at first there is no response. Also scour the 'letters to the editor' page, sometimes you'll find a letter about the armed forces which you can respond to mentioning the MN's role, this could start the ball rolling, or in one instance in my case a letter about ships anchored in the bay spoiling the view, that got a letter and history lesson off real smart and was published in full. Keep at it, you will succeed but it does take time. Another way just write a letter to the editor asking if anyone has stories about loved ones that were aboard Canadian merchant ships that were lost in WWII, as you are trying to compile a record for posterity. When you have a few details that may not have been published before, send it to your local university and ask them to include it in their archives. I did that with Hull University with a book I'd written and they were very appreciative as it featured Hull trawlers and a lad from Hull. There are all kinds of avenues open to bring the MN to the fore, as witness our efforts with Trinity House a couple of years ago were-in I and others involved the Royal family, (well at least their Aides). Hope the above helps, it is frustrating at times, but perseverance wins, took me 14 years lobbying to get a pavement in the dangerous road I lived in, but they got fed up in the end with my letters to the local Press, saw it installed and then moved a few weeks later, but at least it benefits others. Good luck in your endeavours.

[Dennis McGuckin]

Thought she was just taking a photo of my cap.A friend sent me this.
Apparently it was on Face Book.
At least a bit of recognition.
Off to get my letter into both of our news papers.
Have decided to delete the word Veteran, after my name.
Although everyone and their cat use it if they have served.
Even though most of them have never left Canada.

[eric fisher]

Dennis, Can you tell us was it to a local, city or national newspaper and will it be published.

Also, can I have permission to send it to my local or the Toronto Star papers with your copyright consent. From my experience I agree with you that we have little or no recognition by the media of any stripe, nor the RCL.

Good Luck, Cheers, Eric

[John Albert Evans]

Dennis,

Thank you for a very good letter succinct and to the point.

Might I suggest that you consider the same letter as an Email to The editor as sometimes the written letter can somehow go astray. And maybe CC it to Your Permiere of Canada Stephen Harper, Premiere of British Columbia, Christy Clarke and the President of the Royal Canadian Legion, Gordon Moore.

You may also consider as a postscript to please invite their comments.

John Albert Evans.

[Dennis McGuckin]

British MN in excess of 32,000. .-----. Good luck in your endeavours.

Thanks Ivan.
Great advice.
Den.

[Dennis McGuckin]

Dennis, Can you tell us was it to a local, city or national newspaper and will it be published.

Also, can I have permission to send it to my local or the Toronto Star papers with your copyright consent. From my experience I agree with you that we have little or no recognition by the media of any stripe, nor the RCL.

Good Luck, Cheers, Eric

Hi Eric. I am on my way right now to our local papers.
Hope they will have it published for the week end. Yes you may certainly do whatever you please with the letter.
Although I am sure you could do a better job on your own.
Regards.
Den.

[Dennis McGuckin]

This letter got posted ahead of mine.
Good that others have noticed.
Lest we forget the merchant marines in future

• 
  

• posted Nov 19, 2014 at 11:00 AM

Dear editor,
It was good to see a large turnout for the Remembrance Day ceremony in Comox, to honour those that fought and died for our country.
One group that is rarely recognized is the merchant marine. These brave men ferried the cargo to keep Britain and the troops going.
In a convoy, the freighters and tankers, not the naval escorts, were the prime targets.
In World War II, over 30,000 allied merchantmen perished.
Despite this, for many years after the war the survivors were largely forgotten and denied any benefits.
So let us remember them for their service and sacrifice along with the members of our armed forces.
Ralph Watts

[Dennis McGuckin]

Just had a nice phone conversation with Ralph Watts.He has no connection with the MN.
However, he was well informed of their sacrifice during the war.
I hope between his letter and mine, the Merchant Navy will at least get a mention on the next Remembrance Day.

[Ivan Cloherty]

Good luck Dennis, inbetween times keep your eye on those 'letters to the editor' in your local Press, you never know when an opportunity will arise to inject the MN in a response, believe me it will happen

[Dennis McGuckin]

Good advice Ivan.I just hope that the editor will still publish my letter in the Tuesday edition.
The more press, the merrier.
I also named the local Legions in my article.
Will be interesting to know how they will respond.