Letter to the Editor

[Dennis McGuckin]

Would just like to run this by some of our more knowledgeable friends.
I hope to put it in the paper tomorrow.
Please give me your opinion additions etc.
Don' want to muck it up.
Letter to the Editor.
Re Lack of recognition for the Merchant Navy.

After the service at the Cenotaph last November 11-2013.
I wrote to both the Courtenay and Comox Legions.

In my letter, I requested that they include the Merchant Navy, in their remembrance.
I also offered any help that I could give.

I quoted that the Canadian Merchant Navy lost over 1,700 seamen. In WW2
The British Merchant navy lost in access of 3,500.

The Merchant Navy has served in all conflict, going far back in time.

In WW2, they saw continues action in the longest battle of the war.
The Battle of the Atlantic.

Without them there would have been no Battle of Britain, or indeed other fronts around the world.

They risked life in tankers filled with high-octane fuel, ammunition, tanks, and troop ships.
Not just for a day, but sometimes for months at sea.
Always aware of the U Boat, Surface Raiders, Mines, and enemy planes.

They also served on what Winston Churchill called ‘the worst highway in the world.’
The run to the Artic and Russia.

In the words of that famous man.

‘If blood be the price paid for winning the war. Then the men and women of the Merchant Navies, have paid in full.’

At one time, we were known as the Fourth Service.
Somewhere along the way.
It has changed to ‘The forgotten Service”
Once again this was proven at today’s Remembrance.

Shame on us all.

Dennis McGuckin.
British Merchant Navy Veteran.

[Doc Vernon]

Just in my opinion Den
I think you have it covered very well indeed and see no reason to add or edit anything at all!
Mind you as said just my humble opinion!
Send it off past haste!
Cheers and thanks !

[Charlie Hannah]

Well put together Dennis!Nice little piece on the news last night Macksville a little place just 40k north of me has unveiled four obelisk in there township commemorating The Four Services,Army navy Air force and merchant Marine.

[Doc Vernon]

Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Laurieton RSL Sub-branch A memorial wall will be erected near the WW1 Cenotaph in memory of those who served in WW2, Korea, Vietnam and Peacekeeping Missions. Bronze plaques of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Women's Services and Merchant Navy will be affixed to the wall..

Is this perhaps the same ones you talk of?
Cheers

[Roger Dyer]

Hi Den,

An excellent piece, mate, for which I thank you. My only criticism would be your reference to the number of British seamen killed during WWII. Rather than the 3,500 you quote, I think the number lost was closer to 30,000, but it may pay you to check those figures. Well done, Den.

..........Roger

[Dennis McGuckin]

Thanks Roger,
That's why I posted it prior to giving it to the Newspaper.
Will change it forth with.
Makes quite the difference.
Regards.
Den.

[Dennis McGuckin]

Don't think that my application to join the Canadian Legion will be looked on favorably.
Don't care as long as the message gets across.

[Dennis McGuckin]

While we were having the two minute silence,A photograph from the news paper was wandering around.
I gave her the nod, and showed her my cap.
Hope it makes it to press time.
Every little helps.

[cappy]

respects to you....the hat is the biz....regards cappy

[happy daze john in oz]

I did manage about 4 years ago to get a similar letter into the state national paper for MN day. I think that if you persevere enough you will get there in the end. Alos managed a couple of local radio broadcasat about the same.